Born in 1980, in Maharashtra, Nilesh Kumavat hails from an artistic family of sculptors, painters and Ganesha murthi makers. Nilesh found early inspiration in his father Pundalik Kumavat who was an art teacher and an outstanding model of artistic expression. Nilesh graduated in 2002 from the K.P.G.C. Shilp Mahavidhyalaya (Khamgaon) and from the M.S. University in 2004 where he secured a Distinction for a PG Diploma course in sculpture. He received the Harmony Award at the 12th Harmony Show, 2007. In 2005 he received the Inlaks Fine Art Award. Having participated in a number of shows in India, most of his works lie in private collections. Nilesh currently lives and works in Baroda.