Arena Animation has concluded the Mumbai edition of Perspectives 2026, its annual industry engagement event for students and professionals from the media and entertainment field. The programme brought together more than 1000 students, industry professionals, creative leaders and guests from the sector.
The event was held as Arena Animation marks 30 years in animation, gaming, visual effects and digital media education. Arena Animation is a training brand of Aptech Limited.
This year’s edition focused on giving students a closer look at current industry practices, especially the use of artificial intelligence in creative work. The sessions also covered career opportunities in the AVGC-XR sector, which includes animation, visual effects, gaming, comics and extended reality.
Shantanu Maheshwari joins student sessions
Actor, dancer and performer Shantanu Maheshwari was among the guests at the event. He interacted with students and watched their participation in Arena’s Got Talent and other activities.
Speaking about creative careers, Shantanu said that dreams need discipline, regular learning and resilience to turn into long-term work. He added that meeting the students and seeing their passion was inspiring, and encouraged them to keep believing in themselves and take opportunities that come their way.
The event also featured Dr. Amit Behl, actor and television personality, and actor Aditya Deshmukh, who is known across Marathi and Hindi entertainment. Their presence gave students a chance to hear from working performers about persistence, changing career paths and the need to keep learning.
Industry speakers discuss AI, animation and VFX
Along with the celebrity interactions, Perspectives 2026 included industry-focused sessions and demonstrations. Vaibhav More, a director, designer and animator, delivered a special session on AI in animation and VFX.
Other speakers included Vineeth S, Country Manager, Media and Entertainment, Ark Infosolutions; Sandip Weling, Whole-time Director and Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited; and Shajan Samuel, Senior Vice President and National Sales Head, Arena Animation, Aptech Limited.
The day-long programme combined keynote sessions, AI demonstrations, talent showcases and student activities. According to the source, students received first-hand insights into the changing skill requirements in animation, VFX, gaming, digital design and filmmaking.
Student showcases and campus activities
Perspectives 2026 was also designed as a student festival. Activities included Arena’s Got Talent, a cosplay ramp walk, interactive engagement activities, AI showcases and the Khau Gully Food Zone.
These segments gave students space to present their work and take part in performance-based activities outside classroom learning. The event also highlighted Arena Animation Originals, an initiative linked to encouraging original intellectual property creation among students.
The Media and Entertainment Skills Council collaborated as the Industry Partner for the event, while Huion came on board as the Technology Partner. The collaborations were aimed at giving students exposure to current tools, industry practices and career pathways in the AVGC-XR field.
Aptech leadership on the event
Sandip Weling said Perspectives has grown from an industry interaction platform into a place where students can connect with opportunity. He said AI, immersive technologies and digital storytelling are changing how content is created, and the event was meant to help students learn directly from industry leaders, technology experts and creative professionals.
He also said it was important to give students a stage to show their creativity and confidence. According to him, Arena Animation aims to prepare professionals who are technically skilled, adaptable and employable in global markets.
Dr. Amit Behl said the creative industry offers many opportunities for young people who are willing to learn, adapt and remain committed to their craft. He said Arena Animation students showed enthusiasm and curiosity during the interaction.
The Mumbai edition of Perspectives 2026 closed with a mix of career-focused discussions and student-led presentations. For students interested in animation, VFX, gaming and digital media, the event offered a direct look at how creative training is being linked with new tools and industry expectations.
Source: Bollywood Hungama.