Abhijit Bansod

I See Desi. I See Design.

[abhijitbansod]

Rituals are an integrated part of our lives, at home, social or religious. As a kid, every morning, I woke up to the soft bell sound, the fragrance of agarbatti and the sounds of chants. My dad read the local newspaper sitting at the same place for years. My Aaji (Grandma) would go to the tulsi plant every morning to offer water and prayers. Every year mom-dad took my brother and me to the Mahalakshmi pooja at our relative's place. At the end of the ceremony, my mom's aunt used to get possessed by the goddess, and she used to do some unrealistic physical manoeuvres in that trance state. My brother and I would hide behind my mother and peep behind to check what was happening. We were awed and sometimes scared. India is a land of rituals; from religion to each region, we have thousands of unique rituals practised by devotees for hundreds of years. They are intrinsic to our daily life. Some ritual pushes the boundaries of physical bodies, and for an outsider, it seems unreal or unattainable. Timithi-Walking on fire, Lath Maar Holi, Gotmar (Stone pelting )Festival and many more. One of the most amazing is Thaipusam, a ritual of self-sacrifice. The trance-like state devotees enter into when their skin is being pierced is intended to defeat inner demons and gain Lord's blessing. The Allvaze, a magical vase made from seasoned Ankudu wood and coloured with natural vegetable dyes, has strong earth magnets at its core that holds its conical shape together. This elemental product is crafted to create the illusion that it plunges right through the surface it is placed on. Allvaze emerges from 'Maya' – the Hindu philosophy that the physical body and the material world are just illusions, mere means to the ultimate end of merging with the universal. Mirroring the Hindu rite of self-piercing as a form of extreme penance or devotion to the supreme while disregarding pain as ephemeral and earthly. Allvaze is a vase that wins joy. It brings positive energy, no matter how far the distances between two points, it motivates you to stay connected, allvaze! It brightens up life through conversations and connections. I See Desi. I See Design. #design #india #rituals #vase #homedecor https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck7kGsbSJGr/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[abhijitbansod]

Saaaaachin..... Sachin........ The entire stadium, homes, and minds would chant when Sachin Tendulkar walked the field. 1989 his debut against Pakistan, seemed so unreal to me that a 16-year-old (about my age) could represent India and face a fierce Pakistani pace attack. It was nothing less than a divine act. This little Master, Master Blaster or God of Cricket ruled our hearts and minds from 1989-2013. There was a time when we would watch only for him, and if he got out, our interest and match would be lost. In mid-Dec 2013, I got a call from Network18 inviting me to design an installation to celebrate his career. It was a huge and exciting opportunity. Just imagine the number of butterflies in my stomach. Network 18 with Bandra West Residence Association had identified a location on the Carter road promenade for the local boy. Sachin's Kashmir willow on a grand scale to capture its true weight, which connected millions of hearts across India with each shot. The core idea was to make the installation timeless and iconic, just like the little master. We decided to sculpt his 'magic wand' and named it Bat of Honour. The bat is set at an angle to provide a fun illusion that the fan is holding Sachin's Bat. We had portrayed the most significant driving force behind Sachin's successful cricket career, India. Hence, a slice through the bat reveals the core in blue, the team he played for 24 years. The top surface held his signature, and the handle, the tricolour. The end of the handle also had Sachin's face engraved, so when one looks into the mirror-finished side, he sees Sachin in himself. The 'Bat of honour' weighed about 2 tons and stood tall, reaching 22 feet, making it the giant bat ever made in stainless steel. Blending with the environment, the setting sun will appear like a ball with this giant bat. The floor beneath the Bat of Honour has the etched pattern of the wagon wheel from his record of 200 runs against South Africa. Honestly, it was not a project; it was a purpose. I See Desi. I See Design. #sachintendulkar #batofhonour #cricketlover #cricket #design #indiandesigner #installation #publicspace #bcci #icc #iseedesi #iseedesign https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckpbv7uSBxZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[abhijitbansod]

"सर, कुछ चाय पानी के लिए?" I heard this term often in my childhood when a water or electricity department technician visited my home to resolve some snag or from a peon in govt office when he moved your file from one table to another. I used to find it funny that the guy was asking for chai and pani. Later, I got to know the real meaning of chai pani. The term can mean many things, from bribery in business or government or paying a little extra to get things done. Unlike bribery (रिश्वत) which requires transaction before action, chai pani is a small tip (बक्शीश) which usually expected post delivery. In India, every household saves dutifully towards food, festivals and films – plus one extra expense – chai pani. On rainy days, along with pakoras, we cook up just a little 'sum'thing, a little snack to fill the big bellies of the neta, the babu, and the police, so we don't get chewed up and spat out. Worse still, swallowed whole! Chai Paani bank helps us digest this ever-hungry three-headed monster of Indian corruption so that we stop passing the buck under the table. The illustrations on the ceramic bank tickle the funny bone and jiggle some of those skeletons in the cabinet. But one day, we'll coin a new habit when we break the bank. And then we'll break some heads, too! Anna Hazare's Lokpal bill movement in 2011 inspired me to create a satirical take on corruption in our life. As a product designer, I often create commercial value for a brand or business or create elegant aspirational experiences with convenience for users. Reflecting on social challenges by creating a product that can provoke and communicate messages with possible social behaviour change was new for me. When we presented Chaipani Bank to Shri Anna Hazare, he loved the product and story. He said," Thank you for bringing a smile to our face in an otherwise very intense phase". I See Desi. I See Design. Do share your Chai Pani moment! #iseedesi #iseedesign #chaipani #indianwayoflife #socialimpact #design #productdesign #india #indiandesigner https://www.instagram.com/p/CkVM2JdS6Vs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[abhijitbansod]

My first ever backpack foreign trip was to the USA in 1999. During my last leg of the trip to New York, I happened to visit my cousin near Philadelphia. Like all tourists, I also saw the Liberty Bell of Independence in Philadelphia. I was super impressed with the immersive patriotic experience for 250 odd years old bell. While returning to India, the same bell rang in my head regarding our possibilities with Indian Heritage and our culture. My backyard in Nagpur, where I had spent my childhood, had beautiful ruins from Raghoji II Bhosala period(1788-1816). Being in the watch industry, I was fascinated by how the Swiss Watch Industry celebrated craftsmanship and Heritage. My inspiration was rooted in ancient tradition yet tempered with modern sophistication. Drawing parallel, I was intrigued by the idea of the Indian perspective on the watch industry. And so my following watch collection, the Heritage Collection, was inspired by timelines of various influences on Indian architecture. I started sketching concepts, and by the end of 2001, I was ready with my designs. Finally, in 2005 team Titan agreed to put the watches into production. Some of the intricate stone carving-styled dials, stone texture on Stambha, and mother-of-pearl dials/ bracelets posed a considerable challenge to the project. While most manufacturers refused to take up unconventional work, team NPD found a very enterprising vendor in China. I literally carried marble and red stone pieces to show the rough texture I wanted. In 2007, we were ready to launch. The marketing team planned the launch and merchandise meticulously. I can not thank Titan enough for their showered opportunity and support to a young designer. Titan Heritage was one the most successful Desi in the Design of personal narrative. The collection was loved by people, and I still receive kind messages and watch images of proud owners. I See Desi. I See Design. #design #desi #iseedesi #iseedesign #heritage #watches #jantarmantar #konarka #tajmehal #monuments #architecture #mandala #titan https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjj-Gk3I7o2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[abhijitbansod]

Tubelight has been part of our lives since 1940 and not only ruled our homes before the 90s, but it was an acceptable term in our language to define slow processing. (Sallu Bhai even made a movie). While the incandescent bulb was Rs10, the Tubelight commanded a 10X price with much longer life. The white underline was the signature of progress and even affluence. As a child, I was fascinated by the concept of the Tubelight. It had a metal strip base and a pair of folding plastic holders at each end. One had to adjust the slots before carefully inserting the twin pins at each end of a glass tube. As trouble-shooting, we would rotate the tube back and forth till it stopped flickering and happy bright again. The ballast, which we called "Choke", was an essential black box or reactor of the Tubelight, along with a round cylinder called "Starter". The base of the tube light was home to lizards, and watching how it would catch insects (free Nat Geo Channel those days) was scary. Finally, when the flickering old tube light reached the end of its life (it used to turn black at the ends), it became a desi lightsaber and breaking it (when parents left for the office) would create 'Phat' sound as Argon gas would discharge. The LED introduction in 2000 slowly led to the transformation of tube lights from complex ecosystems to simple tubes. However, the tube light design has not changed much since 1940. It was fascinating and challenging when Havells invited us to change the status quo. We not only created new age wall sculptures but also elegantly captured user aspiration on having mood lighting along with functional lighting of the tube light. A true Desi In a Design project, and so happy we were part of this lightbulb moment of Tubelight. Thank you, team Havells! @i.see.desi #iseedesi #iseedesign #lightingdesign #india #design #productdesign https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjzc5qvSWDC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[abhijitbansod]

Circa 1992 - Engineering college - programming games in basic language. Must be part of first breed UI/UX species (there was no term like that in 1992). #uidesign #basicprogramming #throwback #gamedesign https://www.instagram.com/p/CFxJSrLpQ2H/?igshid=iyqr1gbuzuro

[abhijitbansod]

#design #throwback Before 3D printing technology, we all used to make our model by hands. The model making was favourite part of design process. From planning, cutting, shaping, forming, painting and finally assembling, it used to take 20-30 days to complete the model. The anticipation and wait for completion was nothing less than an exciting journey. Here are images of few handmade models and me. Which was your last hand made model ? #modelmaking #designmodel #productdesign #indiandesigner #designstudio #designlovers @amrita.kaushal @studioabd_design https://www.instagram.com/p/CFpiNm3pYNB/?igshid=1imwkmjv493mf

[abhijitbansod]

Most part of my childhood time was spent in outdoors. We were blessed with old ruins of British Barracks and 250 years old architectural remains from Bhosala period including a heritage lake just few mins walk from my home. We had so many variety of amazing trees around where we lived. Playing, climbing, swinging even hiding your importance treasures in tree hollows, we did it all. Looking back at my design influences, tree has been the one of the most important inspiration and it keeps coming back to my design diary. Sharing few of my personal favourites, let me know which connects with you the most! @amrita.kaushal @studioabd_design @mubhi_life @i.see.desi.gn #nature #trees #designtrends #design #productdesign #designinspiration #iseedesign #iseedesi #indiandesigner #india (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFJMS2gp4M_/?igshid=obzm9fzhowuv

[abhijitbansod]

Bappa #ganpatibappamorya #ganeshchaturthi (at Bangalore, India) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEMMXLMJVz1/?igshid=1tya8o7keuv3c

[abhijitbansod]

Design throwback 2002 - Magic Mirror was minimal elegant candle stand inspired by great Dutch artist M C Escher master piece Magic Mirror’. The candle stand with steel mirror plate in centre, magically converts the reflection of the candle into realty. #mcescher #magicmirror #candlestand #design #indiandesigner #productdesign #productdesigner https://www.instagram.com/p/CBbGYNYpF8_/?igshid=xfb7uncywpts

[abhijitbansod]

Throwback 1996 NID - while was exploring nature and form inspired by dinosaur, made few simple wire forms mocks. The minimal almost sketch like form became a herd later. Still walking gracefully and exploring our home. #natureandform #dinosaur #sculpture #wireform #indiandesigner #minimal #art https://www.instagram.com/p/CBWJWe0pOSK/?igshid=1gzr607ykfgtd

[abhijitbansod]

Repost from @designstrategistwud • Catch this discussion live tomorrow, 14th May at 5pm On Instalive. Follow @designstrategistwud @abhijitbansod with @designstrategistwud Abhijit Bansod in discussion with Sanmitra Chitte https://www.instagram.com/p/CAKGoh4pqtS/?igshid=jqgq6vhb9zm8

[abhijitbansod]

Every time someone from yo r contact join google pay, it asked you to send Rs 1 gift... really? I don’t think Google team understand local context. Wonder how you will feel to get one rupee gift ? #google #googlepay #badinsight #india https://www.instagram.com/p/CAEw3_nJNEM/?igshid=xlrgz1o8r67

[abhijitbansod]

Next centre of excellence for Indians ! We can also provide red colour accents, if you allow us to have pan/ ghutaka shop on moon. #indian #wayoflife https://www.instagram.com/p/B_95c3Xpjan/?igshid=6tq7xuewhzfa

[abhijitbansod]

25 year back, when I was studying at NID, we used to regularly go to RK Eatery, a small egg stall run by Irfan Bhai. One day I asked him to add slices of boiled egg in my omelette and it was a instant hit. He sweetly named it ‘Abhijit omelette’ and even painted it in its stall. It was my first design in market. Soon he had many designer recipes in his menu card. Over the years he expanded his business and has many outlets. While we look up to brands and corporates to hire us for projects, we usually miss on what we can do to our neighbourhood. Watch video or click the link, try Abhijit Omelette and make your lockdown breakfast interesting. If you visit Ahmedabad, visit R K Eatery. Do share your review :) #designimpact #designrecipe #eggs #omlette #indiandesigner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5y_G_uAChg https://www.instagram.com/p/B_44cHOJhG7/?igshid=l6iorqciq86d

[abhijitbansod]

My first rishi Kapoor movie was Khel Khel Me in 80s when we got our own TV at home. As movies were so integral part of our lives, for me observing their signature styles was the excitement. Each hero had its own elements Bachhan's hairstyle, Firoz Khan's cowboy hat, Vinod Mehra would keep his shirt's two-button always opened, and Chintu would showoff 5 woollen sweaters in one song. He also owned the copyright on not so romantic musical instrument 'Dafali'. Post Dafaliwale, he carried this Dafali in many movies. I would wait for the moment when Dafali would appear in his hand, like the most Bollywood heroes he would also play the musical instrument by facial expressions, rather than hands. But what we loved the most about movies was the anticipation and excitement of watching/ living the movie. Thank you, Rishi Kapoor for all the entertainment and the frank opinions on various topics. #rishikapoor #dafali #dafaliwale #design #indiandesigner #bollywood @i.see.desi.gn #iseedesi https://www.instagram.com/p/B_nfSJOpuhc/?igshid=12fuc2m5mdlyu

[abhijitbansod]

Love and support handmade in India! #handcrafted #india #handmadeinindia #handcraftedwithlove #indiandesigner #design @mubhi_life @amrita.kaushal @studioabd_design https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Xgq7upU58/?igshid=1g42osxkimva1