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India’s Budget Tax Reforms and Wealth Planning for Global Indians (NRIs/OCIs)

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Union Budget 2026–27 did not rewrite every tax rule for Indians living abroad. What it did do is remove a few long-standing frictions and open a slightly wider door into Indian assets. For mid-level professionals managing money across two countries, that distinction matters. The useful changes are operational: how much you can own in one listed company, how a buyer pays TDS on your flat, how much cash is blocked when a family remits money abroad, and how small past reporting errors can be cleaned up.

The new Income-tax Act, 2025 took effect on 1 April 2026. For most NRIs, the core position is unchanged. If you are a non-resident, India still taxes Indian-source income — rent, capital gains on Indian assets, interest on NRO balances, salary for work done in India. Foreign salary, foreign rent and foreign investment income generally stay outside the Indian net while you remain non-resident. What changed is the statute’s structure, some compliance processes, and a handful of targeted reliefs.

1. Direct equity: a larger individual stake, not a free pass

Under the Portfolio Investment Scheme, an individual person resident outside India can now hold less than 10% of a listed Indian company’s paid-up equity, up from 5%. All such individual overseas holders together can hold up to 24%, up from 10%. The route, once limited to NRIs and OCIs, has been extended to other individual non-residents as well.

This helps if you want a concentrated position in a mid-cap manufacturer or a listed tech name instead of only mutual funds. It does not turn a personal portfolio into an institutional book. Cross 10% and the holding is treated as foreign direct investment, with a short window to sell down or accept FDI rules. US persons should still treat ordinary Indian mutual funds as PFICs; direct stocks or India ETFs listed in the US remain the cleaner route for them.

2. Selling Indian property: the TAN bottleneck ends on 1 October 2026

Buying from an NRI used to force the resident buyer to obtain a TAN just to deposit Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). From 1 October 2026, a resident individual or HUF can deposit that TDS using a PAN-based challan.

The tax itself has not been dropped. There is still no ₹50 lakh threshold when the seller is a non-resident, and rates remain those applicable to the NRI’s capital gains. The practical gain is speed: fewer buyers walk away because they do not want a one-time TAN. Until 30 September 2026, the old TAN process still applies.

3. The 5-year foreign-income relief is narrow

Budget 2026 created a five-year exemption on foreign-source income for certain non-resident individuals who come to India to render services under a notified government scheme. The person must have been non-resident for the five tax years immediately before that first visit. Indian-source income stays taxable.

This is a talent incentive, not a general “return home and rebuild your balance sheet tax-free” rule. An ordinary professional who comes back to live and work in India still moves through the usual residency path, including Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNRO) status where it applies. Selling a house in New Jersey or a brokerage account in London after you become a full resident is not automatically sheltered by this provision. Check the notified scheme, your day-count, and a cross-border adviser before treating the five-year line as a planning assumption.

4. Remittances: lower TCS only for some uses

From 1 April 2026, TCS on Liberalised Remittance Scheme transfers for education and medical treatment above ₹10 lakh is 2%, down from 5%. Overseas tour packages now attract a flat 2%. Education funded by a specified loan remains nil.

That is cash-flow relief, not a tax cut. TCS is usually adjusted when the resident files a return. For other LRS uses — gifts, overseas investments, many personal transfers — the rate above ₹10 lakh is still 20%. Families funding a child’s degree get a real benefit. People moving surplus to a foreign brokerage do not.

5. FAST-DS 2026: a one-time cleanup, not a standing amnesty

The Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme, 2026, is open until 31 December 2026. It is aimed at students, young professionals and returning Indians with modest overseas reporting gaps, not large undeclared wealth.

Two categories matter:

  • Undisclosed foreign income or assets up to ₹1 crore (valued as on 31 March 2026): pay 30% tax plus an equal additional amount, effectively about 60%, with immunity from prosecution if the scheme conditions are met.
  • Certain foreign assets that were acquired from already-taxed income, or while the person was a non-resident, but later omitted from the foreign-asset schedule, up to ₹5 crore: a flat fee of ₹1 lakh.

Current non-residents can use the scheme if they were resident in India in the year the income arose or the asset was acquired. This is not a rule that “assets below ₹20 lakh are no longer criminal.” Black Money Act exposure still exists outside the scheme. Separately, the deadline to revise a return has been stretched to 31 March of the relevant year, with a fee after 31 December — useful, but it is not a substitute for FAST-DS.

What this means for allocation

How the picture changes by country of residence

The Budget changes sit on top of local tax systems. Those systems still drive most of the outcome.

United States. Citizens and green-card holders are taxed on worldwide income. FATCA reporting and PFIC rules make plain-vanilla Indian mutual funds unattractive. Direct Indian equities within the new 10% cap, or dollar India ETFs listed in the US, are usually cleaner. 401(k) and Roth capacity should stay the core of US compounding.

United Kingdom. The old ‘non-dom’ (non-domiciled) remittance basis ended on 6 April 2025. New arrivals may use a four-year foreign income and gains regime if they qualify; after that, UK residents are taxed on worldwide income and gains. ISAs still allow £20,000 a year in 2026/27. GIFT City or IFSC structures can be useful for Indian-facing investing, but they do not, by themselves, switch off UK tax for a UK resident.

Japan. Combined national and local rates can reach about 55%. NISA remains the main tax-efficient local wrapper. A weak yen reduces what a salary converts into in India, so many households build yen assets first and remit when the rate is less punitive.

Hong Kong. Salaries tax is territorial and capped at 15%, with no capital gains tax on typical portfolio sales. Surplus cash often moves into NRE deposits or Indian commercial property and private investments. The constraint is local living cost, not Indian tax.

UAE. Personal income is generally not taxed, so savings rates are high. That surplus can go into Indian listed equity and property without a local income-tax drag. The five-year Indian exemption still applies only if a later move to India fits the notified-scheme conditions.

A practical way to use the Budget

Treat 2026 as a compliance-and-access year, not a regime change. Raise a listed-stock position only if you can live with FEMA reporting and the 10% line. If you intend to sell Indian property after October 1st, provide the buyer with the PAN route to ensure the deal progresses smoothly. If a resident parent is paying foreign tuition, utilize the 2% TCS band and retain all relevant documentation. Additionally, if an old overseas account was overlooked during your residency, consider using FAST-DS before the 31st of December deadline expires.

Rules still differ by residential status, treaty position and the country that taxes you first. Confirm the notified-scheme list, FEMA circulars and your home-country filing duties with a cross-border adviser before moving money or changing residency.

Changes in PAN Rules Effective from 1 April 2026

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ID Staff Reporter
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From 1 April 2026, the Indian government is implementing major updates to PAN (Permanent Account Number) rules under the new Income-tax Rules, 2026. These changes aim to strengthen identity verification, reduce fraud, and streamline compliance for smaller transactions while tightening monitoring of high-value ones.

Key Changes

  • PAN Application Process: Until 31 March 2026, applicants could obtain a PAN using Aadhaar alone.
  • From 1 April 2026, Aadhaar-only applications will end. Applicants must submit Aadhaar plus additional documents, especially proof of date of birth (birth certificate, Class 10 marksheet, passport, voter ID, or driving licence). The name on the PAN card must match the Aadhaar name exactly.
  • New Application Forms: Old PAN forms will no longer be accepted. New category-specific forms will be introduced.
  • PAN Quoting Thresholds: The limit for mandatory PAN quoting has been raised in several transactions to ease compliance for smaller deals.

Comparison: Before vs After (from 1 April 2026)

Impact on Taxpayers

  • Positive: Smaller transactions (property below ₹20 lakh or vehicles below ₹5 lakh) will no longer require PAN quoting, reducing paperwork for everyday citizens.
  • Challenging: New PAN applicants and those updating details will face stricter documentation and possible delays if Aadhaar details do not match. Spelling mismatches can lead to rejection.
  • Overall: The changes promote better identity verification and reduce fraud while making low-value transactions simpler.

Advice: If you plan to apply for a new PAN or update your existing one, do it before 31 March 2026 to avoid extra documentation. Ensure your Aadhaar details (name and date of birth) are accurate and updated.These reforms are part of the government’s push for a more transparent and efficient tax ecosystem under the new Income-tax framework.

Quinoa Sushi by DeepikaThakkur

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ID Staff Reporter
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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • thinly sliced ¼ cup yellow bell peppers, ¼ cup red bell peppers,

½ cup cucumber, ½ cup mango,

  • ½ cup firm tofu, cut into strips
  • ½ cup carrot, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp chili sauce
  • Minced 2 cloves garlic & ½ tsp ginger
  • 1 tsp oil (e.g., sesame oil)
  • ½ tbsp corn starch
  • ½ tsp sugar and ½ tsp salt

2 ½ cups water

  • ¼ tsp roasted cumin powder
  • 1 nori sheet
  • ½ tsp mayonnaise

To prepare the dish, follow these step.

  • Cook quinoa in 2 cups water with salt and cumin until absorbed. Let cool for 15 mins.
  • Heat oil in a pan and roast tofu for 10 mins.
  • Mix water, corn starch, salt, sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili sauce to create a slurry. Add to the pan with tofu and cook until sticky.
  • Place nori sheet on a surface, spread quinoa and mayonnaise on it.
  • Assemble bell peppers, mango, carrot, cucumber, and tofu at the edge of the nori sheet.
  • Roll tightly and cut into ½ inch slices.
  • Tips:  Customize with veggies like avocado or boiled beetroot.  Add vinegar to quinoa for tanginess.

Registering Death of Foreigner in Hong Kong

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ID Staff Reporter
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A Step-by-step Process

Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining a death certificate in Hong Kong, based on the official processes outlined by the Hong Kong government:

1.Report the Death: he death must be reported to the Births and Deaths General Register Office or a designated police station (if the death occurs outside a hospital or institution) within 24 hours.

Either relatives, friends or hospital staff can report it.

Details Needed to report Death: Official full name, date of death, place of death, identification of death (HKID or passport etc.)

2. Medical Certificate of the Cause of Death: If the death occurs in hospital, it is issued by the attending doctor or the hospital where the death occurred. (Form 18). This document is crucial for the formal registration process.

If death occurs outside hospitals, the body need to be taken to a public mortuary for examination. A coroner may investigate if the cause of death is unnatural, unknown, or suspicious. If so, the process may be delayed until the coroner issues a Certificate of Order of Burial/Cremation.

3. Registration of Death: you need to visit the Births and Deaths General Register Office in Hong Kong to officially register the death. It’s advisable to make an appointment in advance to avoid long waiting times.

Hong Kong Island Death Registry: 18/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai. Kowloon Death Registry: 1/F, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.

4. During the appointment, you’ll need to present following documents:

  • – the Medical Certificate of cause of death (Form 18)
  • – the coroner’s certificate, If applicable (for unnatural deaths).
  • – the deceased’s identity card or passport, and any other relevant documents, such as a marriage certificate if applicable.
  • Fee: NO FEE. Registration is FREE.
  • 5. Death Certificate: Once the death is registered you’ll receive a Death Certificate, which is essential for handling the deceased’s affairs, such as arranging the funeral, closing bank accounts, or settling estates.
  • Remember that if the death occurred under unusual circumstances, it might require a coroner’s investigation, which could delay the registration process.
  • 6. For a certified copy of Death Certificate:
  • Applying for a Certified Copy:
    • You can request a certified copy of the death certificate at the same time or later.
    • Fee: HK$140 per certified copy (as of current pricing).
    1. How to Apply:
      • In person at a Deaths Registry.
      • Online via the GovHK portal (requires registration and payment).
      • By mail (send application form, payment, and supporting documents to the registry).
  • Processing Time:
    • In-person: Immediate or within a few days.
    • Online/Mail: Around 5-7 working days, depending on delivery.
  • (for unnatural deaths).
  • the deceased’s identity card or passport, and
  • any other relevant documents, such as a marriage certificate if applicable.

For additional information, please click here.

Useful Links:

Hong Kong Island Death Registry:

18/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai.

Kowloon Death Registry: 1/F, Cheung Sha Wan

Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon.

  • The Hong Kong Immigration Department (hotline: 2824 6111) or
  • Indian Consulate at (852) 3970 9900

Registration of Birth of Child in Hong Kong: Process and Paperwork Needed

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ID Staff Reporter
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Ensuring your child’s legal registration in Hong Kong involves completing several important steps.

Registering a child’s birth is a legal obligation, and failing to do so intentionally can result in criminal charges. Birth registration is a fundamental right for every child, necessary for medical care, education, and welfare benefits.

Law: According to Section 7 of the Births and Deaths Registration Ordinance, Chapter 174, Laws of Hong Kong, parents must apply for their child’s birth registration at a births registry within 42 days after birth.

Penalty: The maximum penalty for non-compliance is a fine of HK$2,000 or up to six months’ imprisonment.

Registering a child’s birth in Hong Kong is a formal process that requires several steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Online Pre-Registration Process

Please click above link to know the entire process.

International Women’s Day: A Journey of Ms Kiran Sukhani, A Famous Restauranteur in Hong Kong

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On International Women’s Day, we are thrilled to introduce Ms. Kiran Sukhani, the owner of TagLine by Kiran Sukhani, a renowned fine dining establishment in Hong Kong, and CalFit, a Healthy Meal producer.

She is also a former Mrs. India and a top 10 finalist of Mrs. Universe. Furthermore, she served as a fashion consultant for renowned international fashion brands.

Let us explore her remarkable journey as a successful entrepreneur and a multifaceted personality.

Indians can now work remotely from Spain

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After Germany, Spain is another European country that is attracting non-EU citizens to work from their country.

Have you ever dreamed of answering work emails while sipping sangria on a sunny Spanish beach? Well, Spain’s new digital nomad visa makes that dream a reality! This visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live and work remotely from Spain for up to a year, and maybe even longer

But there’s a catch: you’ll need to make sure at least 80% of your income comes from outside Spain.

This visa is part of Spain’s Start-Up Act, a government initiative that aims to attract international talent and remote professionals. Whether you’re a developer, writer, marketer, or freelance consultant, this scheme offers a much cheaper and easier way to enter Europe compared to traditional work permits.

Who can apply?

Applying for Spain’s digital nomad visa is pretty straightforward:

  • – You have to be a non-EU citizen.
  • – You’ll need to work remotely either as an employee for a non-Spanish company or as a self-employed professional with mostly international clients.
  • – At least 80% of your income should come from non-Spanish sources.
  • – You’ll need to show at least three months of professional engagement with your clients or employer.
  • – The employer or freelance business must have been operational for at least a year.

What makes this visa so great?

Spain’s offering is not only affordable but also super flexible. At just €75, it’s one of the most affordable digital nomad visas available in Europe. Approved applicants can stay for up to 12 months, and they can renew their visa if they want. Plus, they can bring close family members, as long as they meet the income threshold to support their dependents.

Applicants can choose from a variety of Spanish cities, from bustling hubs like Barcelona and Madrid to charming coastal towns, each with great internet, food, culture, and weather.

How to apply?

You can apply from your home country or even while in Spain on a tourist visa. The documents you’ll need to bring include:

Hey, have you heard about Spain’s new remote work visa? It’s a game-changer for freelancers and digital nomads looking for a more affordable lifestyle. It’s super easy to get compared to other work visas, and you don’t need a fancy business plan or a million documents. Just show proof that you’ve been running your business for at least a year, have a clean criminal record, and can prove that you’re making at least 80% of your income from outside Spain. Plus, you can live in Spain and explore the rest of the Schengen zone. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a better life, and it’s definitely one of Europe’s most attractive visas in 2025. 

Japan’s New Residency Qualification System for Foreign Talent

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Audio version of this story

Japan’s New Residency Qualification System for Foreign Talent

In response to the growing global competition for skilled talent, the Japanese government plans to implement a comprehensive policy that will introduce a new residency qualification system for foreign workers by April 2027. This initiative is designed to attract and retain foreign expertise within Japan’s workforce.

Key Changes to Current Systems

  • Abolition of the Current Technical Intern Training System: The existing technical intern training system will be phased out in favor of a new approach.
  • Introduction of the Employment for Skill Development System: This new framework will cover the same industry sectors as the specified skills system, which targets highly skilled workers and was launched in 2019.

The primary objective of this reform is to systematically nurture foreign human resources and ensure their long-term integration into Japanese workplaces. The government plans to promote a related ministerial ordinance before the summer concludes, responding to the escalating global talent competition.

Background on the Technical Intern Training Program

Initially launched in 1993, the technical intern training program aimed to aid international development by providing trainees from developing countries with skills and knowledge while they worked in Japan. However, the system has faced criticism for exploitation by companies seeking inexpensive labor, leading to human rights violations such as unpaid wages and excessive hours.

Meanwhile, neighboring economies like South Korea and Taiwan have expanded their acceptance of foreign workers, intensifying the competition for talent. Japan’s allure for foreign nationals has diminished, particularly since its nominal per capita GDP was surpassed by South Korea in 2022. Consequently, Japan urgently needs significant reforms to draw competent foreign human resources.

Features of the New Employment for Skill Development System

  • Training for Unskilled Laborers: Foreign nationals entering as unskilled workers will undergo a three-year training program to qualify for the specified skill Type 1 residency status, allowing them to work in Japan for up to five years.
  • Job Mobility: Foreign workers will have the opportunity to change employers under specific conditions, including job transfers within the same industry, thus fostering a more favorable working environment. In contrast, the previous technical intern training system restricted workplace changes, often leading trainees to leave due to unsatisfactory conditions.

To manage excessive labor competition, the new system will impose industry-specific restrictions on job transfers for one to two years. Trainees must meet certain skill assessments and Japanese language proficiency tests to qualify for job changes. Companies accepting these trainees will be limited to reputable firms that adhere to established standards.

Focus on Rural Labor Shortages

The new system will specifically target acute labor shortages in rural areas. The maximum number of foreign workers allowed for training and employment will depend on a company’s full-time employee count. However, selected companies in rural regions will be permitted to accept up to three times the standard limit for foreign trainees.

Additionally, stricter regulations regarding job transfers to urban areas will be implemented to prevent the over-concentration of talent in cities with higher wages. This initiative aims to minimize workforce migration from rural regions and promote a balanced distribution of talent across various areas.

Limits on Trainee Transfers

At host companies, the proportion of trainees who have switched employers must not exceed one-third of the total foreign trainees. For urban companies, this limit will be even stricter, allowing transferred trainees to constitute no more than one-sixth of the total foreign workforce.

Transitioning from Technical Intern Training to Employment for Skill Development

The existing technical intern training system will gradually be replaced by the “Employment for Skill Development” system. This new framework will standardize training requirements across various industries, aligning them with the highly skilled worker skills system introduced in 2019.

The primary goal of this reform is to systematically nurture foreign human resources and facilitate their long-term integration into Japanese workplaces. The government plans to issue a related ministerial ordinance by the end of summer to support the implementation of these reforms.

Addressing Concerns with the Previous System

Established in 1993, the technical intern training program was initially aimed at fostering international cooperation by accepting trainees from developing nations. However, it has faced backlash for potentially serving as a means to obtain low-cost labor, raising concerns about human rights violations, including unpaid wages and long working hours.

In contrast, neighboring economies like South Korea and Taiwan have significantly increased their acceptance of foreign workers, heightening global competition for skilled talent. Consequently, Japan’s economic attractiveness to foreign nationals has declined, especially as its per capita GDP was overtaken by South Korea in 2022.

Urgent Need for System Reform

Recognizing the pressing nature of these challenges, the Japanese government has acknowledged the need for substantial reforms to position Japan as a more appealing destination for skilled foreign human resources. The forthcoming Employment for Skill Development system will allow foreign nationals entering as unskilled laborers to undergo a three-year training program to elevate their skills to meet Type 1 residency status, permitting them to work in Japan for up to five years.

Enhancing Mobility and Working Conditions

A significant feature of this new system is that it will allow foreign workers to change employers under certain conditions, such as job transfers within the same industry sector, thereby improving their working conditions. Under the previous technical intern training system, trainees were generally not permitted to switch workplaces, which contributed to a decline in their ability to tolerate unsatisfactory working conditions.

To mitigate intense competition for labor among companies, the new system will introduce industry-specific periods of one to two years during which job transfers will be restricted. To qualify for these transfers, trainees must meet specific criteria related to skill assessments and Japanese language proficiency. Participating companies will be limited to reputable firms that adhere to established standards.

Moving Forward with Policy Formulation

Following the establishment of this foundational policy, the government has begun drafting detailed operational guidelines that will define specific regulations for sectors employing foreign trainees. The government anticipates adopting these policies by the end of the year after consultations with an expert panel, thereby finalizing the new Employment for Skill Development system.

Listen to the story at link

Source: NHK website and article on NHK

International Desi #MigratingtoJapan #JapanimmigrationNews #CareerinJapan #ExpatNewsinJapan #indiansinJapan #TokyoDesi #indiainJapan

German freelancers’ visa opens a new door to Indian Talents

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When one door closes, another opens. If your American dream turns sour, don’t lose hope; there are other opportunities on the horizon.

If you’re an Indian citizen or non-EU resident looking for an exciting international career, Germany might be the perfect place for you. They’ve got a special visa called the Freelance Visa that lets you live and work independently like a pro. This self-sponsored visa is designed for Indian professionals earning a minimum of INR 1.3 lakhs per month. It’s a “D Type” visa for long-term stays, valid for three years with multiple entries in Germany.

This visa is open to all sorts of self-employed folks, like artists, writers, engineers, and consultants. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here’s what you need to know:

– Proof of Income: You’ll need to show that you’re making enough money to support yourself. Usually, that means a monthly income of at least €1,280 (which is about ₹1.27 lakh).

– Education and Qualifications: You’ll need a university degree or other relevant qualifications.

– Financial Stability: Make sure you’ve got enough money saved up to cover your expenses.

– Health Insurance: You’ll need to have health insurance coverage.

– Work Plan: You’ll need to have a detailed plan for your work.

– Business Contacts: You’ll need to have contacts in Germany or Europe.

– Passport-Sized Photos: Don’t forget to bring passport-sized photos!

– Age Requirement: If you’re over 45, you’ll need to provide details about your retirement savings or pension.

Now, let’s talk about how to apply for the Freelance Visa:

– Start in Your Home Country: Begin the application process in your home country with a National D Visa.

  • – Cost of Visa: Euro 75

– Fill Out the Form and Gather Documents: Once you’ve filled out the form and gathered all the necessary documents, schedule an appointment with the German embassy or consulate.

– Wait for Approval: If you’re approved, you’ll receive a visa that’s valid for 3 to 6 months.

– Arrive in Germany: Once you’re in Germany, register your address within two weeks and apply for a freelance residence permit at the local immigration office.

The Freelance Visa is usually granted for 1 to 3 years and can be renewed. After five years of continuous residence, meeting the financial requirements, and passing a language test, you might be eligible for permanent residency.

Freelancers in Germany also need to register with the local tax office and get a tax number. This visa is a great opportunity for Indian creatives and professionals to explore life and work in one of Europe’s most vibrant and welcoming countries. So, what are you waiting for? Apply now and start your new adventure!

#germany #Visa #work #India #indiantalent #internationaldesi #globalcareer

Passages and Persistence: The Art of Nikil Inaya

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Stepping into Nikil Inaya’s today | stay: Passages from Hong Kong is to enter a space where time and belonging are suspended—where each canvas is not just a surface, but an intersection of memory, migration, and the tactile residue of lived experience. Out of all the works on display, one has lingered with me the most, Tears Go By, for its audacity and evocative power.

Tears Go By: Meteors, Memory, and Material

At first glance, Tears Go By is a piece restless with meteors, each trailing a streak of rainbow across a blackened cosmos. The texture is profound—oil paint layered and stacked so thickly that the meteors themselves emerge in relief. Photographically, these surfaces are a pleasure and a puzzle: macro shots reveal the almost geological build-up of pigment, where color is not just seen but felt.

In the upper right, Uranus looms, half-brushed in color and half-bleached white, as if caught between presence and absence. The painting features a meteor; although not centered, it displays a classic flame-shaped trail, drawing the eye, a singular event amid a shower of passing lines. The rest are mere marks; however, each line has a brief yet beautiful existence. The painting feels cosmic in size, yet intimate. It suggests that even in a night of hundreds of falling stars, there is always one moment, one memory, that stands apart.

The sense of depth in this piece is what moved me the most, not just in the paint, but in the metaphor. What is shown isn’t simply a spectacle on a celestial scale; it’s a representation of fleetingness and endurance. The rainbow trails against pure black evoke joy and loss, the vibrancy of living against the void. Moving from place to place, never truly setting up a flag at one place, I picked up many things across the places I’ve lived, and the choice of Uranus being titled, distant, and only half-revealed, echoes my own experience of being half-rooted here, half elsewhere.

Nikil Inaya: Roots, Reflections, and the Many Stages

If the paintings are passages, then Nikil himself is the traveler—always in motion, but always carrying home within him. As I entered the exhibition, I was struck by the presence of his parents, especially his mother, a scene that mirrored my own experiences. His father, jokingly self-proclaimed “studio assistant” lightened the mood, while his mother translated titles and meanings for the extended family, shifting seamlessly between languages. I also couldn’t help but smile at the way Nikil would carefully explain the meaning or title of a piece to his mother, only to hear her simplify—or sometimes skip over—those details entirely when sharing with the rest of the family. Nikil’s ability to move between English and his mother tongue was more than just communication; it reminded me of my moments of switching languages—sometimes searching for the right phrase in English when my mother tongue falls short. An example of how our roots adapt and persist, carried and reinterpreted in every new context.

This duality of belonging and becoming is imbued in his work and his presence. The exhibition is dedicated to his late grandmother, and the sense of lineage is palpable, even as the subjects traverse myth, memory, and modernity. There’s a humility in how he shares authorship of the experience. Rather than insisting on his explanations, he welcomed his parents into storytelling, letting them translate, simplify, and even reinterpret his work when talking to his extended family. A reminder that sharing your story means letting others help tell it, too.

Diversity of Sources

What inspires me most about Nikil Inaya is not just his work, but how he refuses to be defined by a single pursuit. His website is a manifesto for creative plurality, encompassing acting, painting, directing, writing, music, dance, and more. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to pick just one path. You can be many things, and those many things can feed each other—an especially powerful reminder for someone like me, standing on the cusp of college and future choices.

As someone who has also wandered between voice acting, directing, writing, martial arts, and more, I’ve often felt pressured to choose a lane, to specialize or narrow my focus. But seeing Nikil’s success and his ability to fill an exhibition hall with the evidence of a life lived in many directions, it permits me to embrace the full spectrum of my interests. To create, to perform, to direct, to imagine: all of it matters, and all of it can coexist.

The Lasting Afterglow

Today | stay is more than an exhibition; it’s a declaration that identity is not fixed, instead it is a constellation. Sometimes scattered, sometimes gathered, always luminous against the dark. Tears Go By captures that perfectly: a sky full of fleeting brightness, anchored by one unforgettable streak. Nikil Inaya’s journey, his roots, and his multiplicity remind me that we are all, in some sense, meteors—passing through, leaving color, carrying our origins with us into every new night.

Written and photographed by Ankul Sidana
Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, July 2025

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