Meet The Guests

Nina Sabnani is a celebrated animator, illustrator, storyteller, and educator whose work seamlessly blends film, illustration, and writing to explore themes of identity, culture, and oral traditions. She graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Vadodara, and pursued Animation Film Design at NID Ahmedabad before earning a master’s degree in film from Syracuse University, NY, as a Fulbright Fellow. Her animated films are rich collaborations with traditional artists and folk storytellers, bringing indigenous narratives to life. Her acclaimed works include Mukand and Riaz, Tanko Bole Chhe, and Hum Chitra Banate Hain, which won the National Award in 2016. She has received several prestigious honors, including the Big Little Book Award (2018) for her contributions to illustration and the Legend of Indian Animation Award (2021) from Toonz Media Group. A dedicated educator, she taught at NID Ahmedabad for 22 years and later at IDC, IIT Bombay, retiring in 2021. Sabnani’s work pushes the boundaries of animation as a medium for social and cultural expression. Her doctoral research on the Kaavad storytelling tradition of Rajasthan is documented in her book Kaavad Tradition of Rajasthan: A Portable Pilgrimage.

An International Emmy-nominated animation filmmaker, Vaibhav Kumaresh has been at the forefront of India’s animation industry for over two decades. In 2003, he founded Vaibhav Studios, a powerhouse of creativity that has shaped some of India’s most beloved animated content across TV commercials, episodic series, and channel promos. Currently, he is directing and producing Return of the Jungle, the studio’s maiden Hindi feature film.
 Vaibhav honed his craft in Animation Film Design at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, where he developed his signature style—infused with warmth, humor, and a deep cultural sensibility. His work has played a pivotal role in defining the visual language of Indian animation, blending traditional storytelling with contemporary techniques. Beyond filmmaking, Vaibhav is an active committee member and Honorary Secretary of The Animation Society of India (TASI), advocating for the growth of animation in the country. A passionate educator, he regularly teaches animation and serves as a visiting faculty at leading design schools across India. In 2006, India Today recognized him as one of the ‘40 Young Achievers of India,’ a testament to his influence and contribution to the creative industry.

An internationally acclaimed costume designer, curator, and textile activist, Sandhya Raman has spent over three decades shaping the landscape of design and textile heritage in India. As the co-founder of DESMANIA DESIGN, one of India’s leading design firms, she has been instrumental in advocating socially responsible design, working towards sustainability and empowerment in the artisan community. Her deep passion for handlooms and textile revival has taken her across the country, engaging with weavers and craftspeople to expand their reach in global markets. Her work goes beyond aesthetics—she actively champions inclusive design, creating opportunities for the visually impaired and differently abled to engage with craft and design. A recipient of the Stree Shakti Puraskar, Sandhya has revolutionized dance costuming, blending technology with intricate craftsmanship. Her designs have graced performances across India, the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe, collaborating with renowned artists and dance companies in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, and ballet. As a curator, she has conceptualized exhibitions like When the Pleats Dance and Enigmatic East, along with designing dioramas for the Nehru Centre, Mumbai. Through projects like Gandhi – Warp and Weft, she continues to bridge tradition and innovation, keeping India’s rich textile legacy alive for future generations.

A seasoned communications trainer, presenter, actor, and anchor, Suresh Venkat brings over 25 years of experience in news, entertainment, and media across television, digital platforms, and radio. A graduate of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, he has honed the art of effective communication, mentoring CXOs, news anchors, radio presenters, and students to become compelling storytellers and speakers. Currently, he hosts www.readytomelt.com and ET Startup School, engaging with thought leaders and industry experts. His dynamic career extends beyond media—he is an actor, actively performing in Twelve Angry Jurors and A Few Good Men, alongside notable appearances in Rocket Boys, Bank Chor, and Dharam Sankat Mein. With a multifaceted presence in media and performance, Suresh continues to shape the landscape of communication, storytelling, and public speaking, blending his expertise across broadcast, business, and theatre.

Poojil is a writer, data journalist, and information designer, who makes charts on climate change for a living. For the past three years, she has led data communications at Council on Energy, Environment and Water, creating charts, interactives, and tactile data-driven projects that translate climate data into visuals that inform what societies can do and what policies can deliver. Her work ranges from interactive explainers on the challenges of scaling renewable energy deployment to hand-embroidered data art. Trained in Bharatanatyam and Odissi, she draws from the Indian classical art forms a strong sense of storytelling, performance, and polished execution. She’s an ardent public transport advocate, with an impressive or weird—depends on the day—knowledge of facts on the Indian railways. Currently, she is reading Calling Bullsh(i)t: The Art of Scepticism in a Data-Driven World by Bergstrom and West.

A force in the world of advertising, Vineet Mahajan is one of India's most celebrated creative professionals, known for his visionary approach to art and storytelling. Recognized among The Economic Times’ ‘Hottest Young Creatives’ and featured on CNBC’s ‘Young Turks’, his work has consistently pushed boundaries, blending artistic intuition with strategic brilliance. Vineet sees the world as a canvas, where every detail is an opportunity for expression. His passion for craft and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned him an enviable collection of accolades—Gold and over 15 metals at Cannes, One Show, Andys, and Spikes, alongside more than three dozen awards in Indian advertising. His campaigns have been featured in Communication Arts, The Work, Archive, Campaign Brief Asia, and The Ogilvy Red Hot Book. With over 16 years in advertising, including stints at Ogilvy and McCann, Vineet has shaped iconic campaigns across diverse categories. His celebrated works include Nescafé’s ‘Know Your Neighbours’ and ‘My First Cup’, Videocon’s brand identity relaunch, and Aircel 3G’s ‘Upload Anything’, among many others. Today, as Head of Art at Contract, he continues to redefine the intersection of design, storytelling, and brand communication.

Faezeh Jalali is an actor, director, playwright and dramatist who garnered appreciation after her role in Slumdog Millionaire. Her plays Shikhandi – The Story of the In-Betweens and 07/07/07 received immense appreciation from critics. Faezeh is the Founder and Artistic Director of the theatre collaborative, FATSThearts, Mumbai. She is an award-winning theatre actor, director, and writer,as well as a teacher, kalaripayattu practitioner, choreographer, aerialist and a runner. Faezeh is the recipient of the prestigious Tanveer Natyadharme Puraskar 2017 (presented by the Dr. Sriram Lagoo’s Roopwedh Pratishthan trust) for her contribution to the field, and the Dubey-Tendulkar Fellowship 2017. She has also been a META awardee ( Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards) for her plays/performances in 2016, 2017 and 2018, Sultan Padamsee Playwriting awardee 2016, and Laadli Media Award for Gender Diversity 2017. Faezeh has 15+ years teaching at schools and colleges, directing professional shows, and she conducts theatre workshops for all ages. She is very cool. Ask anyone.

A documentary filmmaker, writer, and educator based in New Delhi, Samina Mishra has dedicated her work to exploring childhood, identity, and education through the lens of media. Her films offer poignant reflections on the experience of growing up in India, with works like The Teacher and The World (2016), Jagriti Yatra (2013), Two Lives (2007), The House on Gulmohar Avenue (2005), and Stories of Girlhood (2001) shaping conversations around childhood and learning. Beyond filmmaking, Samina’s storytelling extends into literature and visual narratives. She has authored children's books for Scholastic, Tulika, Young Zubaan, The Wisdom Tree, and Penguin, and curated the multi-media exhibition Home and Away (2004), capturing the lives of second and third-generation British Asian children. Her book My Sweet Home: Childhood Stories from a Corner of the City (Mapin, 2017) emerged from a creative writing and art workshop that fostered children's self-expression. Her work in archival research includes Nehru’s Children, a project on the Children’s Film Society of India archives for the India Foundation for the Arts. Passionate about integrating the arts into education, she led programming at the Nehru Learning Centre for Children and Youth, where she focused on art-based engagement with government school children, reinforcing the transformative role of creative expression in learning.

A highly accomplished and creative design leader with over 27 years of experience driving innovation and transformation for leading global brands across diverse industries, including retail, e-commerce, telecom, and BFSI. Proven ability to lead and inspire large design teams (300+), develop and implement design strategies, and deliver exceptional user-centric experiences. Possesses a deep understanding of design thinking, user research, and digital transformation, consistently exceeding client expectations and delivering high-quality results. Passionate about design education, mentoring young designers, and contributing to the growth of the design community. A sought-after speaker and jury member, recognized for expertise and contributions to the field

A key force behind heritage and cultural tourism in Kurukshetra, Upender Singhal has been associated with the Kurukshetra Development Board since 2016. He played a pivotal role in the Krishna Circuit Project under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, preparing development proposals for major heritage sites and being part of the core implementation team. His efforts led to Brahma Sarovar’s inclusion in India’s 30 Swachh Iconic Places, where he represented Haryana at the All India Conference of SIP, GOI. He has also contributed to road safety, Vision 2020, and pollution control initiatives for the district administration. Upender has worked extensively on CSR projects, railway station renovations, and research on the ancient 48 Kos Kurukshetra Tirths and Mahabharata heritage. For the last decade, he has been a core team member of the International Gita Mahotsav, promoting Indian heritage in Mauritius, the UK, Canada, and Sri Lanka.