All for the love of art, Nukala Rao lives a vibrant life as a talented sculptor with an eye for charity

Meet Nukala Rao, a 58-year-old sculptor who loves helping people and is also a talented carpenter and an aspiring oil palm planter.

At an age when most people begin to slow down, Nukula, fondly known as Rao, continues to lead an active and positive life and is always ever-ready to give a helping hand to the needy.

Though his grey hair reflects his age, his charisma and vibrant spirit continue to captivate many, especially younger admirers, in his neighbourhood in Taman Sri Muda, Shah Alam.

"I'm always ready to help my friends and neighbours here. I love art and also find peace in giving a helping hand to those in need," said Rao.

And he never expects anything in return, too and said: "It just makes me happy. Helping many gives me peace of mind."

Rao said he also maintains a disciplined daily routine that supports both his physical and mental well-being. He strongly believes that clean eating and consistency are the foundations of good health.

 

Widely admired in his community, his boundless energy and unwavering dedication have quietly inspired many of his friends to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Rao said besides giving a helping hand to his friends and neighbours, he also likes to motivate others in leading a healthy lifestyle, which he believes is the best way to maintain a peaceful and happy life.

“It’s never too late to choose a healthy lifestyle. Every small step you take today in being a better and healthier person shapes a better tomorrow for the individual,” says Rao.

Rao relies on his hands-on experience to manage multiple tasks efficiently. At home, he also continues his multitasking lifestyle by creating drawings for friends through social media, often sharing his work without expecting payment.

 

He measures success not by monetary rewards,

but by growth and stability. A skilled carpenter, Rao repairs tools such as axes and crafts wooden structures for temples. Following in his father’s footsteps, he is also a talented sculptor, creating statues with remarkable detail and creativity.

 

Beyond his craftsmanship, Rao is a passionate bike enthusiast, proudly maintaining a collection of vintage motorcycles. His love for nature is equally strong; he cultivates his own oil palm and personally maintains his land in Teluk Intan. To enjoy moments of peace, he has built a small cabin there, where he relaxes during his visits.

 

"Moments of peace, and when you're at peace with yourself, life is indeed blissful. At this age, I find lots of peace when I help my friends and also family members. And there is much relaxation when I'm at my estate in Ipoh," said Rao.

"My advice to people, especially the youngsters, is to be kind and helpful, and a good life will find its way to you."