ACF Lounge Series

In this deeply contemplative episode of the ACF Lounge Series, host Navneet Mendiratta sits down with artist Seema Kohli for an intimate conversation on myth, spirituality, and the feminine divine.Tracing the origins of her visual language, Kohli reflects on how mythology, memory, and lived experience shaped her practice organically over time. She speaks about the cyclical nature of existence, creation and dissolution and how these ideas first surfaced in her early works. The conversation moves through her experiments with sculptural forms, performance, film and digital media, exploring how ritual, movement and embodiment became essential to her storytelling.She reflects on the convergence of the sacred and the digital today, the evolving role of the artist in changing times and whether art must adapt or remain timeless.An episode that feels like a meditation in itself, this conversation offers rare insight into an artist whose practice is deeply devotional, intuitive and ever unfolding.

In this episode, journalist, writer and storyteller Navneet Mendiratta is in conversation with Uday Jain, CEO and Director of Dhoomimal Gallery, a renowned art gallery with a legacy deeply intertwined with the evolution of Indian modern and contemporary art. The discussion explores the gallery’s enduring contribution to India’s art ecosystem, stories of celebrated masters, and the evolving ideas of authenticity, value, and cultural legacy. Together, they reflect on how institutions and individuals continue to shape artistic discourse in a rapidly transforming world.

In this episode of ACF Lounge, host Navneet Mendiratta, Journalist, Writer & Storyteller is in conversation with Moksha Modgill, CEO of Geek Pictures India and Art Director at Gallerie Geek Art. Together, they explore how murals transform public spaces, how technology is evolving from a mere tool into a true creative collaborator, and how Indian art resonates across borders, sometimes without translation, sometimes through it.With her curatorial vision, global collaborations, and passion for expanding artistic access, Moksha shares insights into the possibilities of a borderless art world and what it means for culture today.

In this episode, host Navneet Mendiratta, Journalist, Writer & Storyteller, sits down with Ina Puri, Art Historian, Curator and Documentarian, who has spent decades preserving the intangible. Whether she's chronicling the life of Jogen Chowdhury or capturing the spirit of Baul musicians in Bengal, Ina’s work is rooted in deep observation and care.Together, they talk about the quiet power of documentation, the responsibility that comes with telling someone’s story, and what it really means to preserve memory through image, sound, and silence.This is a conversation about listening, about looking closely, and about keeping stories alive, just as they were lived.

In this episode, tune in to an engaging conversation between our host Navneet Mendiratta and Manish Saksena, Business Lead at Aadyam Handwoven, a corporate social enterprise by the Aditya Birla Group, on the intricate world of handwoven textiles. Listen in to them as they discuss not just the craft, but the communities, culture, and continuity it represents. From centuries-old weaving traditions to the evolving role of handlooms in a modern marketplace, this conversation threads together stories of resilience, innovation, and deep-rooted heritage. Get an insight into how every weave holds memory, emotion, and the living legacy of India’s artisan clusters.

Hosted by Journalist, Writer and Storyteller Navneet Mendiratta in conversation with renowned Art Historian and Curator Ina Puri, this podcast invites you into the layered world of Indian art curation and storytelling.Together, they explore how exhibitions are shaped, how India’s rich cultural legacy is preserved through thoughtful curatorial practices, and how the art market is evolving from a collector’s perspective. With Ina Puri’s deep-rooted insights and Navneet Mendiratta’s narrative lens, the episode offers rare behind-the-scenes conversations on the choices, challenges, and personal experiences.Whether you’re a passionate art enthusiast, an aspiring collector, or someone curious about the invisible threads connecting art and memory, this episode promises an intimate, thoughtful, and inspiring journey through the world of art.

Historian and itihāsology's founder, Eric Chopra, joins journalist, writer & storyteller, Navneet Mendiratta, to explore the layered world of Indian art history & miniature paintings. From Mughal ateliers to the lyricism of Pahari art, they unpack how these intricate works serve as vital sources to reconstruct our diverse pasts, and how these artworks, possessing rasa, are treasure troves of symbols and stories. The conversation touches on the artists—often unnamed—and the absence of women and queer voices in art history, prompting deeper reflection. They also trace the impact of colonialism, the tradition’s revival, and how miniature art continues to influence global aesthetics today. A layered and intriguing journey into one of India’s most refined art forms.

Ever wondered how to make your walls sing (without actually hiring an opera singer)? Join architect extraordinaire Apoorva Shroff, Founder & Principal Designer at lyth Designs and the Journalist, Writer & Storyteller, Navneet Mendiratta as they dive headfirst into the delightful dance between art and the spaces we inhabit. They'll unravel the mysteries of how art can elevate your architecture, sharing intriguing insights on what to keep in mind when you're on the hunt for that perfect piece during a home renovation. Get ready for practical gold nuggets and entertaining tales from Apoorva's treasure trove of experiences – it's like having your two coolest, most knowledgeable friends chat about making your home a masterpiece!

Ever wondered how cinema captures the essence of artistic souls? Join us as we delve into the cinematic portrayals of artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Frida Kahlo, explore the passionate world of 'Rangrasiya', and question the boundaries of art in 'Exit Through The Gift Shop'.We're exploring a unique film sub-genre: movies about art and artists. Tune in to listen to an interesting conversation between Murtaza Ali Khan, Film Critic & Journalist, and Navneet Mendiratta, Journalist, Writer & Storyteller.We peek into the lives of creative minds, their struggles, and the incredible impact their work has on the world.

Introducing the ACFLounge Series: Your Window into the World of Art, Culture, and Creativity Welcome to the inaugural episode of the ACFLounge Series, your passport to a world brimming with artistic expression, cultural insights, and creative inspiration. Join our host, Navneet Mendiratta, a seasoned journalist, writer, and storyteller, as she invites you to delve into this rich and vibrant realm. In this introductory episode, Navneet sets the stage for the series, sharing our vision and passion for exploring the diverse facets of the creative world. We give you a glimpse into what’s to come — the exciting conversations, thought-provoking interviews, and captivating stories that we have planned for you in the episodes to come. Tune in to discover the magic that unfolds within ACFLounge, where art, culture, and creativity converge to ignite your imagination and inspire your soul. Make sure to subscribe, like and share as you embark into this journey!