Dr. Sandeep Marwah is a visionary entrepreneur and a stalwart in the realm of media and arts education in India. As the Founder-President of AAFT Pvt. Ltd. (Asian Academy of Film & Television), he has pioneered the institution’s journey towards excellence in design and creative arts education over the past three decades. Dr. Marwah’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping AAFT into a globally recognized institute known for its innovative approach to design education.
In this interview with HEP, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Founder-President of AAFT Pvt. Ltd shares his insights on AAFT’s philosophy, achievements, and future initiatives in design education.
1. How would you describe the institute’s overall philosophy and approach to design education?
The essence of AAFT’s design education framework is to enhance individual creativity in students while allowing them to discover themselves. Instead of following traditional approaches to teaching, this institution motivates learners to discover their hidden talents and develop personal artistic visions. The faculties of the institution are Industry experts who possess industry experience. Here, you can also find diversity as the involvement of students from different parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, North and South America creates a lively multicultural setting. Consequently, this broad exposure to diverse viewpoints along with various cultural backgrounds enriches the learning experience leading to global perspectives among students. Overall, the institution’s strategy targets the creation of versatile and imaginative designers, not just skilled craft persons. It also encourages students to analyse and take up with decisions that have an aesthetic appeal.
2. Are there specialised design labs, studios, or workshops available for students?
There are numerous design labs, studios as well as workshops to cater to its students’ varied needs. Here are facilities that have up-to-date technological systems. Hence, students can use excellent tools when doing their work. The institution has multiple labs such as Graphic Design Labs which is equipped with the latest design software like Adobe Creative Suite, allowing students to work on high-resolution graphic design projects and high-performance computers and tablets for digital illustration and design work. For students of fashion designing, there are Fashion Design Studios which are fully equipped with sewing machines, cutting tables, and dress forms including fabric sample libraries and textile laboratories where students can experiment with different materials and techniques. For students of animation, there are Animation and VFX Labs which have high-end computers with powerful graphics cards for rendering complex animations and software such as Autodesk Maya, Blender, and After Effects for creating visual effects and animations.
Additionally, there are multiple workshops conducted regularly for the students by Industry experts. There are fully equipped studios for still photography and cinema students to get all the required practical hands-on experience with professional cameras, lighting equipment, green screen facilities, and editing suites with software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro for post-production work. Additionally, different workshops on direction, filmmaking, AI, and photography bring great insights to the students.
3. What opportunities are available for students to engage in design-related extracurricular activities?
AAFT provides several chances for students to participate in extracurricular activities that are related to creating, making their learning better as well as nurturing universal skills. Different activities and regular meetings and workshops are conducted where students can share their work, receive feedback, and collaborate on projects. Also, guest lectures and presentations from industry professionals and alumni happen regularly. Students of fashion design in the mentorship of their faculties organise fashion shows, styling sessions, and trend analysis workshops. Students also get opportunities to work on real-life projects and internships with fashion brands. To encourage students several design competitions take place at In-house and national levels that challenge students to showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills. Students are given opportunities to participate in international design contests, providing exposure and recognition. Regular exhibitions and showcases are planned where students can display their work to peers, faculty, and industry visitors. Hands-on workshops focusing on specific design skills, such as digital illustration, typography, and user experience design are conducted by industry experts, providing insights into the latest trends and technologies. Sessions on topics like sustainable design, innovation in design, and career development are organised. Students from different schools come forward for collaborative projects within AAFT, such as cinema, journalism, and performing arts.
4. How does the institute support and stay connected with its alumni network?
AAFT maintains a strong and supportive connection with its alumni network through various initiatives aimed at fostering lifelong relationships and mutual benefit. Regular events that bring together alumni from different batches and programs are organised. This brings opportunities for networking, sharing experiences, and reconnecting with peers and faculty. Industry-specific networking events, seminars, and workshops where alumni can interact with current students and professionals. A dedicated portal where alumni can stay connected, share updates, and collaborate on projects are maintained regularly. Alumni newsletters or magazines featuring success stories, updates on institute developments, and alumni achievements are updated every year for all batches. By maintaining a strong network of alumni engagement, AAFT ensures that graduates remain connected to the institute, contribute to its growth, and continue to benefit from its resources throughout their professional journeys.
5. What are the upcoming plans and innovations for the design institute?
AAFT continues to innovate and expand its offerings to remain at the forefront of design education. With over 30 years of excellence in media and arts education, AAFT is committed to enhancing the learning experience through several exciting initiatives and developments.
One of the significant steps forward is the elevation of industry leaders to key academic roles. AAFT is proud to welcome Ms. Rina Dhaka as the Industry Dean for the School of Fashion Design. With her decades of experience and award-winning career, Ms. Dhaka will play a pivotal role in shaping the curriculum, building industry partnerships, and mentoring students. Her expertise in fashion design will help introduce innovative approaches, ensuring students receive a comprehensive and forward-thinking education.
Similarly, AAFT is delighted to onboard Mrs. Sunita Kohli as the Industry Dean for the School of Interior Design. A Padma Shri awardee and renowned figure in interior design and architectural conservation, Mrs. Kohli will bring her vast knowledge and experience to the institute. She will focus on integrating practical insights into the curriculum, fostering industry collaborations, and providing mentorship to students, guiding them towards excellence in the field of interior design.
AAFT’s upcoming plans and innovations aim to create a dynamic and inspiring learning environment that nurtures creativity, fosters industry connections, and equips students with the skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving design landscape. The institute will continue to offer numerous extracurricular activities and industry interactions, providing students with opportunities to participate in design competitions, exhibitions, workshops, and guest lectures. These activities will enrich their educational experience and prepare them for successful careers in the design industry.
