Welcome to the gallery of academic luminaries! This space is designed to introduce you to the incredible individuals who make up our faculty team. With their vast expertise, dedication, and passion, they play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and personal growth of our students. Delve into their profiles to discover their academic backgrounds, research interests, and professional experiences. Whether you are a prospective student, a current member of our community, or simply interested in learning more about our faculty, we invite you to explore and connect with these inspiring educators.
Designation: Dean – School of Film & Media
Teaching Experience: 15 Years
Industry Experience: 8 Years
Brief Profile: Dr. Manju Rughwani, a Ph.D. holder in Corporate Social Responsibility, is the Dean & Professor at Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Pune. With expertise in journalism, advertising, and public relations, she is known for innovative teaching methods in filmmaking. Recognized for her contributions, she is an Outstanding Woman in film, media, and communication education, globally.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-manju-rughwani/
Designation: Deputy Dean
Teaching Experience: 14 Years
Industry Experience: 24 Years
Brief Profile: With twenty-four years in filmmaking and media production, Dushyant Somvanshi collaborated with prestigious organizations like Doordarshan and brands such as Lokmat Newspaper and Tech Mahindra. His expertise extends to directing projects for Convergys and Wipro Industries. His commitment to the media’s societal impact is evident through research contributions, pursuing a Ph.D. in Audiovisual Storytelling through Immersive Media. His unique blend of practical experience and academic achievements positions him as a valuable asset, shaping the future of media education at the university.
Research Publications: 11
Key Publications :
1)Image and Video Processing: An Ingenious Tool of Story Telling, International Journal of Advances in Science, Engineering and Technology,
2) The Future of Audio Visual Story Telling, Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research,
3) The Humanitarian Element in Italian NeoRealism: A Critical Analysis – Shodh Sarita
4) Role of Eye Contacts in Satyajit Ray Films: A Critical Study – Journal of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda,
5) Audio-visual Storytelling through Immersive Media and its Impact: A Critical Literature review – European Chemical Bulletin
6) Hinduism: The Future of the World – World Hindu Congress
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dushyant-somvanshi-14257917/
External Link : Google Scholoar – https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=iSeTEf8AAAAJ&hl=en
Designation: Assistant Professor
Teaching Experience: 14 Years
Industry Experience: 2 Years
Brief Profile: Ketan M Deore, a professional in animation, possesses an extensive sixteen-year blend of industry and academic expertise. Holding a Post Graduation in Animation and pursuing a Ph.D., he has seamlessly transitioned through various roles across more than five distinguished universities. A notable highlight of his career is his pivotal role in guiding students to create award-winning short films. His directorial brilliance was evident in the acclaimed ‘ANU’, which clinched the Best Animated Short Film accolade at the 2019 International Film Festival in Nasik. Beyond mentoring, he has demonstrated his multifaceted talent as the Director, Producer, Actor, and Animator for India’s first graphics animation biopic film, produced under his banner, KetRaj Fine Art Gallery.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ketan-deore-a40ab515/
Research Publications: As a co-author – International Journal of Humanities, Law and Social Sciences ISSN 2348-8301 Vol. X. Issue I (A): 2023 UGC CARE Approved, Group I, Peer Reviewed and Referred Journal by New Archaeological & Genealogical Society Kanpur India
Designation: Assistant Professor
Teaching Experience: 10 Years
Industry Experience: 14 Years
Brief Profile: Harrashad Kaamble, a seasoned expert in photography and cinematography, boasts exhibitions at esteemed venues like Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, Thane Art Festival, and Dombivali Art Festival. With valuable experience as an assistant to fashion photographer Mr. Vikram Bawa, Mumbai, he passionately captures human stories through light. As a Director of Photography, he has excelled in creating subliminal images across various projects, including short films and documentaries, and has been doing freelance cinematography since 2015. With five years in drama plays, he brings extensive light design and operation expertise. A notable highlight in his portfolio is the short film ‘Identity’, which was selected for the Lift Off Session Festival in the UK. His diverse photography genres include fashion, fine arts, portraiture, product, and industrial photography, with notable assignments for Blackberry & Volkswagen Calendar, Gabrial, Rochi, and Vishay in Pune.
Designation: Assistant Professor
Teaching Experience: 4 Years
Industry Experience: 8 Years
Brief Profile: Priya Niranjan Bonte, an expert Game Developer with twelve years of combined industry and academic experience, stands as a notable professional in the field. Armed with a postgraduate degree in computer applications from the University of Pune, she embarked on her career at The Guillemot Brothers’ Gameloft Pvt Ltd and later transitioned to Ubisoft Games Pune. Over eight years, she has honed her skills, demonstrating in-depth expertise in creating games for various platforms, including Android, iOS, PS3, Xbox, and Wii.
Research Publications: 1
Key Publications: 1
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-bonte-443b9924/
Designation: Assistant Professor
Teaching Experience: 6 Years
Industry Experience: 7 Years
Brief Profile: Dr. Sukhada Khandge, Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Folk Media from the University of Mumbai, has been a distinguished journalist and researcher since 2008. Her impactful contributions have adorned the pages of prestigious national dailies, including Pune Mirror, DNA, Free Press Journalism, and Sakaal Times. She has shared her knowledge at esteemed institutions like MIT-WPU, MIT-ADT and Pillai College, and Panvel. Her extensive research is showcased through papers at various national and international conferences, highlighting her academic prowess and commitment to advancing the field. She stands as a notable figure in journalism, academia, and research, contributing significantly to the understanding and preservation of Folk Arts.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sukhada-khandge-0433445/
Research Publications : Research paper in TMV Inter-Disciplinary Journal
Designation: Assistant Professor
Teaching Experience: 12 Years
Brief Profile : Kamal Srivastava is a seasoned professional with over twenty years of experience in 3D modeling, texturing, and game asset creation. Pursuing a Ph.D. at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, his research focuses on the impact of digital media and AI on contemporary Indian art, showcased in published papers and a book chapter. Notable achievements include contributing as a 3D artist for a monumental Sachin Tendulkar sculpture unveiled at Wankhede Stadium. With diverse roles in prestigious organizations and accolades in poster and painting competitions, he brings expertise in 3D modeling, animation, and game art and design.
Research Publications : I have published research papers and have a book chapter published on the topic of the digital medium’s influence on contemporary Indian art. I have also participated and presented papers in international conferences showcasing the impact of artificial intelligence technology and digital mediums on the visual arts in India.
Key Publications : Book Chapter has been published in Scopus Indexed Journal. Available on Scopus
Designation: Assistant Professor
Teaching Experience: 3 Years
Brief Profile: Prasad Pawar, a dedicated educator and former UPSC aspirant, brings over three years of invaluable experience in shaping young minds. Armed with a UGC NET certification, he has emerged as a knowledgeable and passionate media expert. His educational journey includes impactful roles at prestigious institutions such as Ranade Institute, Pune, and Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai. With a background in international affairs, he offers a unique perspective on today’s global challenges and opportunities. Renowned for his strategic thinking, he is celebrated for his engaging teaching style and adeptness in making complex concepts accessible to his students. He takes immense pride in his work, reflecting on the notable achievements of his students under his guidance.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prasad-pawar-1212aa213/
Designation: Assistant Professor
Teaching Experience: 5 Years
Brief Profile: Shahrukh Sayyed is an adept Cinematographer and Video Editor with over a decade of industry experience. His technical expertise and deep understanding of media have shaped a diverse portfolio, including feature films, web series, impactful ad campaigns, and corporate films. Known for his impactful contributions to major advertisements for renowned brands, his cinematic creations have garnered acclaim in international film festivals. Notable recent projects include Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva, A.I.SHA My Virtual Girlfriend, and Bhootiyapa, showcasing his unwavering commitment to visual storytelling excellence.
LinkedIn Profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrukh-mushtaq-sayyed-2b0459b3/
External Links: https://youtu.be/BUjXzrgntcY?feature=shared, https://youtu.be/PibmqsRaBSE?feature=shared, https://youtu.be/6TDRub960V4?feature=shared,
Designation: Teaching Assistant
Teaching Experience: 4 Years
Brief Profile: Bhuvanesh Pandian serves as an Assistant Professor for Animation at the School of Film and Media, bringing a wealth of expertise and a passion for storytelling to the educational landscape. His academic journey includes a post-graduation in Animation Cinema from the esteemed Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata, complemented by a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Animation from Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad. With a cumulative four years of professional experience, he excels as a mentor in the realms of digital media, design, art, and storytelling.
LinkedIn Profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhuvan-pandian-95b675210/
Designation: Assistant Professor
Teaching Experience: 3 Years
Brief Profile: Nikhila Kotwal emerges as a dedicated researcher and writer with a diverse academic background. Possessing a post-graduate degree in Journalism and English literature, coupled with a PGDM in New Media Journalism from the esteemed Asian College of Journalism in Chennai, she exhibits a well-rounded comprehension of media, communication, and journalism. She brings a unique blend of theoretical expertise and practical insights garnered through three years of teaching experience at SIES College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Mumbai, coupled with two years of industry exposure in Marketing and Content Writing. Her balanced approach underscores integrating scholarly knowledge with hands-on experience, reflecting her commitment to the theoretical foundations and real-world applications in her field.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhila-kotwal-41b75879/
Designation: Adjunct Faculty
Teaching Experience: 8 Years
Industry Experience: 20 Years
Brief Profile: Sachinkumar Selvaraj, a Digital Marketing professional with over twenty years in the industry, is recognized for his dynamic nature and proficiency in all facets of Digital Marketing. With a strategic mindset, he excels in developing and implementing digital campaigns, managing the entire process with successful outcomes. Leveraging extensive knowledge in the Digital Marketing domain and a dynamic persona, he is adept at training students and imparting the expertise needed for success in the industry.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachin-selvaraj/
