Shantanu Maheshwari Sparks Creativity at Arena Animation’s Perspectives 2026 in Mumbai
Arena Animation, a leader in animation, gaming, visual effects, and digital media education, recently wrapped up the Mumbai edition of Perspectives 2026. This flagship annual event brought together over 1,000 students, industry professionals, and creative leaders from the Media & Entertainment sector. Celebrating 30 years of excellence, this year’s theme focused on inspiring the next generation of creative professionals by connecting them with real-world industry insights and emerging technologies.
A Platform for Learning and Inspiration
Perspectives 2026 aimed to bridge the gap between education and industry by showcasing the latest trends in the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) sectors. The event featured prominent figures such as Dr. Amit Behl, a well-known actor and television personality, and Shantanu Maheshwari, a versatile actor and dancer. Other notable speakers included Aditya Deshmukh, Vaibhav More, and Vineeth S, who shared their expertise on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in creative workflows.
The day-long event combined keynote sessions, AI demonstrations, and celebrity interactions, providing students with a comprehensive learning experience. Participants gained insights into the evolving creative economy, the impact of AI on content creation, and the skills needed for careers in animation, VFX, gaming, digital design, and filmmaking. The celebrity interactions inspired students with personal stories of perseverance and career evolution.
Collaborations and Student Engagement
The Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) served as the Industry Partner, while Huion was the Technology Partner for Perspectives 2026. These collaborations emphasize Arena Animation’s commitment to strengthening industry-academia linkages and enhancing experiential learning. The event also transformed into a vibrant festival, featuring activities like Arena’s Got Talent, a Cosplay Ramp Walk, and an interactive Khau Gully Food Zone, allowing students to celebrate creativity and self-expression.
Arena Animation’s strategic focus on integrating emerging technologies into learning was evident throughout the event. Initiatives like Arena Animation Originals aim to encourage original intellectual property creation and equip students with future-ready skills. Mr. Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director & Chief Business Officer at Aptech Limited, stated, “As Arena Animation celebrates three decades of shaping creative talent, Perspectives has evolved beyond an industry interaction into a platform where inspiration meets opportunity.”
Insights from Industry Leaders
Industry leaders shared their thoughts on the future of the creative sector. Dr. Amit Behl remarked, “The creative industry today offers immense opportunities for young people willing to learn, adapt and stay passionate about their craft.” He expressed admiration for the enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by Arena Animation students, highlighting their potential to make a global impact.
Shantanu Maheshwari added, “Every creative journey begins with a dream, but it is discipline, continuous learning and resilience that transform dreams into careers.” He found the students’ passion inspiring and encouraged them to embrace every opportunity that comes their way.
As India’s AVGC-XR sector continues to grow, Arena Animation remains dedicated to empowering aspiring artists and innovators with industry-relevant skills and global exposure. The institute’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals is evident as it marks 30 years of excellence in education and training.
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