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Do you love cars and its unique design?
This blog is dedicated towards the extraordinary work of one such person one name that stands out when we talk about the automotive design in India is Ramkripa Ananthan. Ramkripa through her work is an inspiration for many aspiring designer and engineers. Born in 1971, Ananthan has spent years reshaping the way that we look at the vehicles, making them not just machines but an extension of our personalities and needs.
When you think of cars with unique designs such as Mahindra Thar, SUV, XUV 700, Scorpio, Ramkripa has played an important role in shaping and revolutionising the Mahindra SUV Segment. Through her vast experience and innovative mindset, she has left an undeniable mark on the Indian automobile industry.
Let’s explore more about her life, career and remarkable contributions to the world of automotive design.
Early Life and Education of Ramkripa Ananthan
Ramkripa Ananthan’s career is not just about designing vehicles she has always focused on innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. Her main attention was designing vehicles that cater to real-world needs, ensuring that they are eye-catching with appealing designs that stand out. Ensuring comfort, safety, and ease of use. Sustainable which explores eco-friendly materials and processes. Adapting to changing technologies and trends. Her leadership serves as the inspiration for many young designers in India, showing them that creativity and engineering can go hand in hand.
Ramkripa Ananthan is more than just an automotive designer; she is an innovator, leader and visionary. From an engineering student to heading design for India’s top automobile companies is truly inspiring. With Krux Studio and her role at Ola Electric, she is continuing achieving milestones and pushing boundaries, proving that design is not just about how something looks — it’s about how it works, feels, and impacts the world.
Ramkripa Ananthan’s started into the world of design with a Mechanical Engineering degree from one of the most prestigious institute BITS Pilani. After pursing her mechanical degree, she later pursued design at the IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay, studing from both of these institutions gave her the perfect knowledge about the technical and the creative knowledge. Her engineering background gave her a deep understanding of automobile mechanics, while her design education helped her create visually appealing yet functional vehicle interiors and exteriors.
Beginning at Mahindra & Mahindra
Ramkripa Ananthan’s professional journey was started in 1997 when she joined Mahindra & Mahindra as an interior designer of cars. At the time, the Indian automotive industry was undergoing rapid changes where she served as the prominent figure.
Her work wasn’t just about making cars look good; it was about improving comfort, functionality along with the efficiency. Over the next 24 years, she played a crucial role in designing Mahindra’s most iconic vehicles. Some of Notable Mahindra Vehicles Designed by Ramkripa Ananthan are Bolero, a durable SUV that became favourite in rural and urban India, Scorpio, SUV that combined style with power.
XUV500 which is one of Mahindra’s most premium SUVs with a futuristic design. TUV300 & XUV300, a compact SUVs designed for urban and semi-urban markets. Marazzo, a spacious MPV known for its comfort and safety features. KUV100, a compact SUV catering to young and first-time car buyers. Thar, mostly adored by lot of people. The rugged off-road vehicle that blends adventure with modern aesthetics.
Each of these vehicles reflects her ability to understand the needs of different consumers and create designs that are both stylish and practical.
Founding Krux Studio
Rare are those people who never fear of facing new challenges. Ananthan decided to take on many new challenges. Ramkripa Ananthan after an incredible 24-year career at Mahindra as Head of Design founded Krux Studio in 2022, an independent design consultancy. Her goal was to explore new avenues in automotive design and bring innovative ideas to life. At Krux Studio, she worked on multiple exciting projects, focusing on sustainability, electric mobility, and futuristic vehicle designs.
A Revolutionary Project: The ‘Two’
One of the most notable projects from Krux Studio was the development of ‘Two’, a micro-mobility electric vehicle concept. What made ‘Two’ unique was its emphasis on sustainability. The vehicle was designed with 20% upcycled parts, making it an eco-friendly innovation. With this, Ananthan reflects that the future of automobiles lies not just in aesthetics but also in responsible and sustainable design.
Collaboration with Ola Electric
Ramkripa vast experience and expertise in automotive design soon caught the attention of Ola Electric, a leading player in India’s electric vehicle revolution. In 2022, she collaborated with Ola Electric, offering her insights into futuristic vehicle design. Ola Electric brought her on board as their Head of Design. In this role, she worked on cutting-edge electric vehicles, shaping the future of India’s mobility solutions.
Ramkripa Ananthan’s career is not just about designing vehicles she has always focused on innovation, leadership, and problem-solving. Her main attention was designing vehicles that cater to real-world needs, ensuring that they are eye-catching with appealing designs that stand out. Ensuring comfort, safety, and ease of use. Sustainable which explores eco-friendly materials and processes. Adapting to changing technologies and trends. Her leadership serves as the inspiration for many young designers in India, showing them that creativity and engineering can go hand in hand.
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Ramkripa Ananthan is more than just an automotive designer; she is an innovator, leader and visionary. From an engineering student to heading design for India’s top automobile companies is truly inspiring. With Krux Studio and her role at Ola Electric, she is continuing achieving milestones and pushing boundaries, proving that design is not just about how something looks — it’s about how it works, feels, and impacts the world.
As the world moves toward electric and sustainable vehicles, Ananthan’s work will remain at the forefront of this transformation. She is a name that is admired in Indian automotive design.
