MAM
Hindustan Pencils amplifies support for emerging artists in Prafulla Dahanukar’s legacy
Mumbai: In celebration of the profound influence of Indian modern art, Apsara, a flagship brand under Hindustan Pencils, stands as a steadfast pillar for emerging artists. Through its unwavering commitment, Apsara has become synonymous with championing the creative endeavours that shape the vibrant culture of the Indian art scene. As a part of this mission enduring support is lent to the renowned Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation (PDAF).
Established in 2014 by the late Dilip Dahanukar in loving memory of his wife, Prafulla Dahanukar, PDAF embodies a legacy of nurturing burgeoning talent within the Indian artistic landscape. Prafulla Dahanukar’s generosity and unwavering commitment to nurturing young artists remain an enduring source of inspiration, casting a legacy that transcends generations and deeply resonates within the artistic community.
Since its inception, PDAF has remained unwavering in its dedication to providing a dynamic platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents. In 2019, Hindustan Pencils partnered with PDAF, extending support through various avenues, including grants and prizes, to empower aspiring artists across the nation.
Hindustan Pencils president Pradip Ughade stated “We, at Hindustan Pencils, have consistently championed emerging artists through various initiatives, and our Brand Apsara is partnership with PDAF exemplifies our unwavering commitment to this cause. This collaboration is yet another testament to our ongoing efforts to nurture creativity and provide aspiring talents with the support they need to thrive”
Together, PDAF and Apsara along with others have embarked on a transformative journey, igniting the flames of creativity and providing a nurturing ecosystem for emerging talents to flourish. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to honouring Prafulla Dahanukar’s enduring legacy, as both entities continue to serve as catalysts for innovation and guardians of artistic expression in India.
Exhibition details are as follows:
Kalanand 2024 is presented at the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai, in collaboration with the Prafulla Dahanukar Art Foundation.
The exhibition will be on view from 5 – 24 March 2024, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Closed on all Wednesdays.
Brands
Abhinav Rastogi named global marketing director for YouTube Shopping
Google veteran to scale creator commerce and expand shopping across global markets
SINGAPORE: Abhinav Rastogi has stepped into a new role as global marketing director for YouTube Shopping, marking the latest chapter in a more than decade-long career at Google.
Rastogi, who took on the position in February and is based in Singapore, will lead global marketing for YouTube Shopping, a platform designed to connect creators, viewers and merchants in a single ecosystem. His remit includes expanding the service into new markets and strengthening its positioning as a growth channel for both creators and brands.
In a reflective note on the transition, Rastogi pointed to a simple but powerful idea driving the role. For years, creators have quietly built trust with audiences through consistent and authentic content, and that trust often shapes purchasing decisions. What is changing now, he said, is the infrastructure around that behaviour. YouTube Shopping aims to make it easier for viewers to discover and buy products recommended by creators they already follow.
The scale is already significant. More than half a million creators have joined the programme, with recent expansion into Japan through a partnership with Rakuten signalling further global ambitions.
Rastogi believes the future of shopping on YouTube will be driven by a blend of creators, content and communities. In his view, it is the human voice behind the screen, not just the product, that ultimately builds trust and drives discovery.
Prior to this role, he served as director of marketing, YouTube Asia Pacific, where he led regional marketing across creator engagement, brand building and reputation. During that time, he played a key role in launching and scaling YouTube Shopping across eight markets in the region.
Earlier stints at Google include group product marketing manager, consumer apps, overseeing growth for products such as Search, Maps and Assistant across India and Southeast Asia, and product marketing manager roles spanning consumer apps and YouTube, where he contributed to launches including YouTube Music, YouTube Originals and YouTube Shorts.
Rastogi began his career in consulting with Boston Consulting Group and A.T. Kearney, before moving into the technology sector. He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
Alongside his corporate role, he is also an active angel investor, backing early-stage startups in consumer technology and electric mobility across India and Southeast Asia.
As he settles into the new role, Rastogi is betting on a future where every video can double up as a storefront, and where commerce feels less like a transaction and more like a recommendation from a trusted voice.
