The fifth edition of the Future of Design Summit and Awards, held on May 16 in Mumbai, brought together design enthusiasts and industry leaders to celebrate innovation and sustainability. Guided by the theme "Reimagining Design," the event highlighted forward-thinking approaches to global challenges.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious design awards, recognising outstanding prototypes and completed designs across various industries. These innovations not only epitomise excellence in design but also contribute to enhancing lives and driving sustainable progress.
Perspectives on Design
In addition to focusing on design, the summit showcased diverse perspectives and visionary ideas, with a special emphasis on mentorship, women empowerment, and the creative impact of Indian cinema. The event also featured The Dharavi Dream Project, highlighting the transformative power of hip-hop culture in underprivileged communities.
Renowned fashion designers Shantanu Mehra, Co-founder and CEO and Nikhil Mehra, Co-founder & Chief Design Officer, Shantanu & Nikhil explained how they have navigated a choppy fashion journey for the last 25 years. For them, the idea was to interpret a different narrative of India, the one that moves away from traditional embroidery and a decadent style to an interplay of silhouettes and minimalism. They wanted to make India look sexier, while keeping the occasion in mind and bringing in their philosophy of luxury.
Ajay Jain, Head of Global Design Strategy at Tata Motors, unveiled the company's visionary approach to redefining mobility in the years leading up to 2030 and beyond at the summit.
Emphasising the multidisciplinary nature of automotive design, Jain stated, “We combine the architecture of vehicles with the art and fashion of projecting what taste people will have in the future and then, within the organisation, act as the brand's custodians.”
Storytelling through Cinema
Storytelling through cinema has always been an integral part of the Future of Design conference. In addition to the fact that it is an industry that generates a large amount of employment, it also has a profound impact on shaping cultural norms, influencing attitudes and behaviours.
In 2023, India's box office collections surged to a record-breaking Rs 12,226 crore, registering a remarkable 15 per cent growth over the previous year and surpassing the 2019 peak of Rs 10,948 crore. This milestone underscores a seismic shift in the cinematic landscape, heralding an era of unprecedented creativity and commercial success.
This year, the conference felicitated actor, filmmaker, playwright and three-time National Award winner Rajat Kapoor, first for his 26-minute non-feature documentary, Tarana, then for his short film, Hypnothesis, and finally for Raghu Romeo in the Best Feature Film in Hindi section. At the conference when asked how theatre and mainstream cinema differed, he said, “Both are completely different.
Theatre and cinema have nothing in common except that they both use actors but in very different ways. In cinema, you create an image through how the camera moves and how the light falls and several other aspects. An actor is only a small part of the larger scheme of things. Theatre is really the medium of actors. Whatever you create on stage is through his body and voice. Without an actor, cinema may be possible, but not theatre.”
Vijay Varma, an alumnus of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, is a household name credited with acclaimed performances in films such as Pink, Gully Boy and Darlings, among others. Additionally, his performance across several OTT series has been applauded by critics. On movies leading conversations on what is happening in society, he said, “It does put a magnifying glass, for sure.
In Pink, for example, the whole idea of consent became a conversation at the dining table. Even with Darlings, the theme was about domestic abuse and women finding the power in themselves to battle it. Recently, Laapata Ladies and Dahaad did the same. The ones watching are receiving what they are supposed to receive. In a climate like that, if films can speak metaphorically and connect, it is good.”
Siddhant Chaturvedi, an actor and a youth icon, has consistently garnered critical acclaim, from his breakout role as MC Sher in Gully Boy to his captivating performance in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.
A powerful performer, Chaturvedi’s unique blend of intensity, charisma, and authenticity has captivated audiences making him an inspiration to aspiring actors and a beloved figure among fans worldwide. His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself.
For Chaturvedi, success is not about fame or awards. It is about having the freedom to choose roles he wants to do. He sees failure and success as two sides of the same coin. True success for him is exploring his full potential as an actor.
