Mumbai: The Mumbai edition of MAAC Manifest 2025, the flagship creative and media education forum of MAAC (Maya Academy of Advanced Creativity), concluded successfully at the Rangsharda Auditorium, Bandra West.
MAAC Manifest 2025 brought together MAAC students, aspiring creators, and leading professionals from the animation, VFX, gaming, and digital content sectors for a full day of industry-driven learning and mentorship.
Organised by MAAC, a training brand of Aptech Limited and a pioneer in high-end animation, VFX, gaming, digital content creation, and multimedia education, MAAC Manifest 2025 continued its legacy of engaging creative talent across multiple cities.
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The Mumbai chapter featured keynote sessions, panel discussions, and guided interactions designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and studio-ready skills.
MAAC Manifest 2025: Maharashtra’s Support for the AVGC-XR Sector
MAAC Manifest 2025 was graced by Adv. Ashish Shelar, Minister of Information Technology & Cultural Affairs and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban, who addressed the gathering as the Chief Guest.
He spoke about Maharashtra’s commitment to strengthening the Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) ecosystem, emphasising policy support, cultural development, and industry-academia collaboration.
Adv. Shelar underlined that Mumbai continues to be India’s creative hub for film, streaming, advertising, and digital content, making it an ideal location for discussions on emerging industry expectations and career possibilities.
Speaking about the event, Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail at Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian – MAAC, said that MAAC Manifest aims to provide access, opportunity, and industry-first guidance for aspiring creators. He thanked the students, speakers, and Adv. Ashish Shelar for their contribution to the knowledge-rich forum.
Keynote Session: Future Skills in Creative Technology
In his keynote address titled “From Learning to Leading – Your Future in Media & Entertainment Begins Now,” Niraj Ruparel, Creative Technology Lead at WPP India, highlighted how students can move from foundational training to leadership roles in creative technology, production, and immersive content. He offered actionable guidance for building collaborative, future-ready careers.
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Panel Discussion: Media & Entertainment — The Way Forward
A panel featuring Yogesh Chhag, Business Head, NYVFXWALLAH; Harsh Mohan Mishra, Director & VFX Supervisor; and Saurabh Ankur, Senior Analyst, Accenture India Solutions discussed current shifts in production scale, monetisation patterns, and talent requirements across the media and entertainment industry.
Students received detailed insights into what studios expect from artists in animation, VFX, gaming, motion design, and simulation. Portfolio-building guidance emphasised presenting context, process, and problem-solving approaches – not just final outputs.
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
Attendees engaged directly with industry leaders, mentors, and professionals involved in top productions, gaining exposure to real-world challenges and skill expectations.
