For Shashwat Hegde, the Kannada Aksharmale is not just alphabets which can be strung into words, but can also be turned into art. In his deft fingers, each one turns visual design and takes on a deeper symbolism. And so the ‘Ka’ of Krishnadevaraya is regally turbaned, the ‘Ka’ of ‘lasika’ has a sharp syringe needle, the ‘Aa’ of ‘aashcharya’ (surprise) is truly eye-popping, while the ‘Ra’ of ‘kumbara’ is shaped like a pot… a delight for the word lover.