Where Culture Meets Design

Heena Patel’s (Amaahyaaj) Maximalist Vision of Indian Spirituality

Image courtesy: Amaahyaaj

Heena Patel, the innovative mind behind Amaahyaaj, has carved a niche in the immersive event design world. Her distinct approach, deeply rooted in Indian culture, spirituality, and ceremonial practices, sets her apart. Her recent shift from floral décor is a testament to her unique embrace of sacred and symbolic Indian traditions. Her designs are not just visually appealing, but they also create immersive spaces that transport people to a spiritual realm, engaging them in a cultural and spiritual experience.

One of her recent works, the wedding design for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, has garnered much attention. However, the true essence of her approach deserves a deeper look. Inspired by age-old Indian rituals, Heena fills trees with dry coconuts wrapped in red Bandhini cloths, bordered with shiny fabrics that evoke a sense of festivity and reverence. Another striking feature of her design is lemons and coconuts tied with threads dipped in kumkum and haldi. These symbolic elements, typically seen in religious practices, bring an earthy and spiritual connection to the spaces she creates.

Video Source: JioCinema

Heena’s use of fresh green banana bunches tied with rustic ropes, temple bells hanging from the trees, and handmade lifesize wooden parrots perched around branches are details that elevate the atmosphere beyond mere decoration. She also incorporates colourful glass bangles as symbolic elements in the temple design, adding a layer of ritualistic beauty and cultural depth. It is as if the entire space becomes a sanctum, where every element invokes a deeper sense of peace, reflection, and celebration of life. Organic and traditional materials align with Indian spiritual customs, where nature is revered, and objects like coconuts, lemons, bangles, and bells carry sacred significance.

Video Courtesy: National Geographic India | Video Source: Youtube

On a recent visit to her ongoing project at the Lakshmi Vilas Palace Heritage Garba, we experienced this magic firsthand. Heena had transformed the grounds into a world of celebration, yet the true heart of her work lay in the temple space she had created around the ancient banyan tree. Like every year, the tree’s roots were adorned with dry coconuts wrapped in Bandhini cloth, and lemons tied with kumkum- and haldi-dipped threads. Fresh banana bunches and temple bells dangled from the branches, while the wooden parrots and colourful bangles added a whimsical yet sacred touch. This meticulous design didn’t just decorate the space but invoked a sense of spiritual transcendence, turning the tree into a living temple.

Heena’s work reflects a process-oriented approach to Indian rituals, often witnessed in religious places like temples. The simple act of tying a thread to a tree, repeated over time, becomes a symbol of belief, a practice rooted in faith and devotion. Her maximalist approach to design, where each element contributes to a more significant spiritual narrative, beautifully aligns with the intricacies of Indian culture. By incorporating layers of meaning and ritualistic symbolism, Heena creates spaces that are not only visually captivating but also deeply resonant with cultural heritage. In doing so, she invites people to experience the magic of tradition in a contemporary yet soulful setting, making her work exceptional.

Hanif Khureshi: A Visionary Who Transformed India’s Streets with Art

Image credits: @zhazo.miachieo   |   Image Source: Instagram

The passing of Hanif Khureshi, also known as Daku, co-founder of St+Art India and a pioneer of street art in India at 41, has left a deep void in the country’s creative landscape. As an artist who made it his mission to reclaim public spaces for artistic expression, Hanif was instrumental in transforming how art is perceived and experienced in India. He brought art out of galleries and into the streets, making it accessible to all. His vision was not just to beautify spaces but to democratise art in a way that touched the lives of everyday people.

Hanif’s influence on the Indian design industry is immeasurable. With his inclusive approach, he constantly supported young designers and artists, giving them the platform they needed to experiment and grow. Fresh out of college, many students moved to Delhi to work as interns under him. Through his guidance and mentorship, they honed their skills; many are now well-established professionals in the design industry. Hanif may no longer be with us, but he has left behind a legacy of talent and built a thriving community of artists and designers who are now making their own mark, inspired by his spirit and creativity. In this way, he didn’t just create art; he built a community of like-minded creators.

One of the critical aspects of Hanif’s work was his belief that art should belong to everyone. His art was not restricted to the elite or confined to institutional spaces. Instead, he filled neglected streets and forgotten corners of cities across India with vibrant, thought-provoking pieces. His vision was to make art part of the daily lives of ordinary people, whether through bold murals or intricate street installations. Unlike many art festivals and fairs, which tend to cater to specific locations or audiences, Hanif’s interventions spanned the length and breadth of the country, from the streets of Delhi to the walls of Mumbai, Bengaluru, and beyond. His work reached the masses, creating a ripple effect that continues to shape the Indian art scene.

A striking example of Hanif’s artistic vision was his project in Goa, where he created larger-than-life cut-outs of local Goans. The project’s theme was “Goa and Goans, and how Goa looks at outsiders and how outsiders look at Goa.” While many use public art for publicity, showcasing celebrities or politicians, Hanif chose to celebrate everyday, ordinary people. These figures were not famous, yet they were elevated to a monumental scale, capturing the beauty and significance of ordinary lives. This approach reflected his deep respect for the communities he worked within, highlighting the importance of local identities and stories. He was an artist who cared for people, not just the canvas.

As we reflect, Hanif Khureshi’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity made him truly special. His art was for everyone—regardless of class, background, or education. He brought young designers into the fold, gave them opportunities, and encouraged them to push the boundaries of creativity. His influence has shaped the careers of countless artists, many of whom are now shaping the future of Indian design.

We may have lost Hanif, but his legacy lives on in the people he inspired and the streets he transformed. His vision of art for all continues to thrive, leaving an indelible mark on India’s cultural landscape.

Who Owns “Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga”?

Is it Saint Kabir, the 15th-century mystic poet, who composed Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga? Or does the ownership lie with the legendary Hindustani classical singer Kumar Gandharva, who immortalised Kabir’s dohas through his soulful voice? What about contemporary artists like Athul Deshpande, The Anirudh Varma Collective featuring Astha Mandal, Team Anāhat, Mahesh Kale, or the students of KM Music Conservatory? They have all performed the same bhajan in different styles, to various audiences, and across different times.

The real question, however, is this: do the listeners of all these performances feel that these artists are merely copying the original? Or are they enjoying and appreciating their unique interpretations of Kabir’s work? Art, in all its forms, is timeless and unbound by ownership. It evolves through inspiration as it passes from generation to generation, shaped by each artist’s distinctive touch. This has always been true of music, poetry, painting, and design—where influence and interpretation are part of the creative process.

Inspiration and Influence: Kabir’s Bhajan and Beyond

Saint Kabir’s bhajans and dohas have transcended centuries. The bhajan Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga is not just a piece of music, but a spiritual message that has resonated with audiences for generations. When Kumar Gandharva sang it, his rendition was infused with his unique understanding of Kabir’s words and emotions. In later years, other artists like Mahesh Kale and contemporary collectives such as The Anirudh Varma Collective have continued to reinterpret Kabir’s verses, each bringing their own voice, musical style, and cultural context to the bhajan.

The idea of ownership here is fluid. Kabir’s original words are the foundation, but each artist reinvents the music and presentation. Rather than copying, each artist adds their own expression and understanding. It’s not about replication but about carrying the spirit of the original forward through personal interpretation.

The audiences of these performances aren’t concerned with whether the artists are merely copying. Instead, they are moved by how the artist brings the ancient words to life in a relevant and meaningful way. This is how art continues to inspire: by being flexible, adaptable, and personal, while still paying homage to the source.

The Tradition of Gharanas: Practising and Adapting Art

In Indian classical music, gharanas (musical schools) make their students rehearse the same raagas repeatedly. This repetition isn’t theft—it is the essence of learning. Like languages have grammar and vocabulary, music has scales, notes, and rhythms. The basic structure remains the same, but every artist brings something new to the table. While the sargams (musical scales) may be identical, each musician interprets the raaga in their own way, introducing subtle nuances that reflect their individuality.

More importantly, students acknowledge their teachers (or gurus) and the original composers before performing. This tradition of giving credit is deeply ingrained in Indian classical music. It’s a sign of respect and recognition of the chain of knowledge passed down through the generations. This practice safeguards the integrity of the art form while allowing room for personal creativity and evolution.

Digital Era: Influence, Interpretation, and Ownership

In the digital era, the question of ownership, originality, and inspiration becomes even more complex. With the internet allowing for rapid sharing and remixing of content, distinguishing between what is inspired and what is copied can be challenging. However, the underlying principle remains the same: good art is often inspired by what came before, but it becomes meaningful when adapted and expressed in a new way.

Paul Rand, a design master, once said, “Don’t try to be original; try to be good.” This quote holds deep relevance in today’s world of creative expression. Rand’s point was that originality for the sake of originality doesn’t guarantee quality. Instead, it’s more important to focus on creating something valuable and meaningful, even if it’s built on pre-existing ideas.

Take, for instance, the design of logos or branding. Designers constantly draw inspiration from past works and trends, yet the best designs stand out not because they are entirely new, but because they communicate effectively and resonate with people. Just like the artists who perform Kabir’s bhajans, designers also reinterpret ideas to make them relevant for the current time and audience.

The Balance Between Originality and Inspiration

It’s crucial in the digital age to strike a balance between originality and inspiration. While it’s easy to find countless examples of blatant copying—whether in fashion, art, or content—what truly matters is how the creator builds on the original. Like the musicians interpreting Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga, artists today must focus on bringing their voices to the fore while giving credit to the sources of their inspiration.

By recognising that no art form exists in isolation and that influence is an inherent part of creation, we can foster a culture of respect and appreciation. Just as the gharanas train students to respect tradition while encouraging personal interpretation, modern creatives should strive to acknowledge their influences while crafting something uniquely their own.

Conclusion

Whether it’s Kabir’s bhajan Nirbhay Nirgun Gun Re Gaunga, passed through the voices of many singers over centuries, or a new design that echoes past influences, the process of creating art has always involved inspiration. The digital age, with its boundless access to content, makes this process more visible and complex. However, the core values remain unchanged: credit the sources, respect the tradition, and focus on adding your unique voice to the conversation.

Rather than fearing the loss of originality, we should embrace the idea that art, like language, evolves through practice and reinterpretation. It’s not about stealing—it’s about contributing to a continuous, ever-growing dialogue that honours both the past and the present.

Teja Main Hoon, Mark Idhar Hai:

Designing Credibility in the Digital Age

The famous Bollywood scene from Andaz Apna Apna where Paresh Rawal’s character Teja hilariously tries to convince others that he is the “real” one by pointing to a cross mark on his face resonates well with the modern-day struggles of creators in the digital world. In that scene, Teja’s argument rests on a superficial mark to claim originality. In today’s fast-paced online world, the struggle to distinguish original ideas from imitations often boils down to who shouts the loudest. This brings us to a pertinent issue: how do we design and maintain credibility in an age where content is shared, reshared, and repurposed at breakneck speed?

The Struggle to Identify the True Creator

The internet thrives on sharing, but identifying the original creator often becomes challenging in this ceaseless stream of content. Content creators (whether writers, artists, or designers) frequently find their work copied, shared without credit, or even monetised by others. In a manner similar to Teja’s comical attempt to claim legitimacy through a mere mark, people and brands in the digital space can sometimes ride on someone else’s creative efforts, presenting themselves as the “real” source.

This raises serious questions about authenticity and credibility in digital marketing. While social media has made it easier than ever to distribute content, it has also made it harder for original creators to get the credit they deserve. Loud voices with more significant followings often overshadow quieter, more creative individuals. This leads to situations where popular brands or influencers benefit from work they did not create, thus leaving the original creators unnoticed and unrewarded.

Recent Marketing Examples of Lost Credibility

One striking recent example is the controversy surrounding Shein, the fast-fashion giant. Shein has been repeatedly accused of copying designs from smaller, independent designers. These smaller designers often don’t have the resources to fight legal battles or make their voices heard. While Shein, with its massive reach and marketing budget, profits from selling these designs, the original creators are left to watch their work be exploited. This is a clear case where the louder voice wins, much like Teja’s attempt to assert himself as the original by sheer volume of confidence.

Another example comes from the world of advertising with PepsiCo’s Kendall Jenner protest ad that faced immense backlash. The brand attempted to capitalise on the imagery of social justice movements, but it failed miserably in its execution. The ad was tone-deaf and seen as trivialising critical societal issues. While it wasn’t about copying in a literal sense, Pepsi was trying to piggyback on a movement it didn’t fully understand, and it backfired. The company lost credibility and had to pull the ad due to the negative reception.

In contrast, consider the brand Patagonia, which has gained a solid reputation for its authentic and consistent messaging around environmental activism. Patagonia’s success stems from its credibility—its actions align with its messaging. The company has even sued others for mimicking its designs, but it has retained its strong position because its credibility is rooted in a consistent, genuine commitment to its values.

Branding and Credibility in the Age of Misinformation

The rise of digital marketing has made credibility more critical than ever. The ease with which content can be shared means that brands must work hard to build trust with their audience. When a brand loses credibility, it is challenging to regain it. This is evident in the case of Facebook (now Meta), which has faced numerous scandals surrounding data privacy and misinformation. While the platform remains one of the largest in the world, its credibility has been significantly eroded, and the brand has had to invest heavily in rebuilding trust.

At the same time, competitors like TikTok have surged ahead by focusing on user experience and more transparent policies about how they collect and use data. Though TikTok has had its share of controversies, it hasn’t suffered the same level of brand damage as Facebook, mainly because it’s built its reputation on authenticity and community-driven content.

What Can Be Done to Protect and Restore Credibility?

In an age where anyone can claim originality, how do we ensure that the true creators get the recognition they deserve?

1. Clear Attribution: One of the most straightforward solutions is ensuring proper attribution. Whether it’s a repost on social media or a design being used in a campaign, brands and individuals alike must make an effort to credit original creators. This not only builds goodwill but also enhances trust among audiences.
2. Protective Technology: Blockchain technology is being explored as a potential solution to copyright issues. By creating immutable digital records of ownership, blockchain could ensure that creators maintain control over their work. Though it’s still in its infancy, this technology could revolutionise how we protect and credit creative content in the future.
3. Legal Protections and Education: Creators need to be more aware of their legal rights, and businesses need to be held accountable for intellectual property theft. Stronger copyright laws and easier access to legal resources can help level the playing field.
4. Authenticity Over Volume: Brands must focus on authenticity. Rather than trying to jump on every trend, marketers should ensure that their campaigns are aligned with their brand’s core values. This will not only prevent credibility from being damaged but will also build long-term trust with consumers.

Conclusion

In a world where the line between originality and imitation is often blurred, it’s easy for the loudest voices to drown out the actual creators, much like Teja’s amusing antics in Andaz Apna Apna. However, to thrive in the digital age, credibility is critical. Brands must work to protect the authenticity of their content and ensure that creators are recognised for their efforts. By focusing on clear attribution, leveraging protective technologies, and prioritising authenticity, we can ensure that originality is preserved in the noise of the digital era.

– Studiotiktok