At a time when India’s global presence is increasingly shaped not only by economic ambition but by cultural confidence, NDTV on Friday announced the launch of the NDTV Masterstroke Art Awards— an initiative dedicated to recognising excellence in Indian art and celebrating those shaping the country’s creative presence on the world stage.
The announcement was made at the NDTV Indian of the Year, reaffirming NDTV’s belief that art and culture are not peripheral conversations, but central to how a nation understands itself.
The Masterstroke Art Awards aim to create sustained engagement with Indian art —spotlighting artists, institutions, patrons, and practices that define India’s evolving cultural identity.
Introducing the initiative, Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of the NDTV Network, positioned the awards as a natural extension of NDTV’s long-standing engagement with culture and ideas.
‘NDTV has always believed that culture lies at the heart of the idea of India. Long before art entered mainstream public discourse, NDTV engaged with Indian art and artists with seriousness and purpose. The Masterstroke Art Awards carry that legacy forward —creating a platform that recognises artistic excellence and deepens the role of art in our public and cultural life.’
A key presence at the launch was Kiran Nadar, Founder of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) and one of India’s most influential patrons of the arts.
Reflecting on her own journey with Indian art, Kiran Nadar spoke about the importance of restoring art to everyday cultural consciousness. ‘My journey with Indian art has always been about democratising access – bringing art back to the people of India. We have an extraordinarily rich artistic heritage, but it needs to be rediscovered and understood. A mainstream platform like NDTV has the reach and integrity to help people recognise why art matters and to make it part of everyday cultural life.’
The launch also marked the unveiling of the NDTV Masterstroke calendar, curated by Rohit Chawla, Creative Director, NDTV. While the calendar draws from a decade-long body of work photographing leading Indian artists in their studios, Chawla emphasised that the larger intent of the initiative goes well beyond a single creative expression.
Speaking about the Masterstroke Art Awards, Rohit Chawla said: ‘The Masterstroke Art Awards are about recognising the seriousness of artistic practice in India. They are meant to honour not just visibility, but depth—artists and cultural contributors whose work shapes how we see, think, and engage with the world. This is about giving Indian art the stature and continuity it deserves.’
The announcement prompted a broader reflection on the role of media in shaping cultural consciousness.
Shalini Passi, art patron and collector, underscored that India’s cultural narrative extends far beyond a limited set of popular references. She emphasised the need for platforms that actively educate, preserve, and celebrate art in all its forms—from contemporary practice to indigenous and traditional expressions—and noted the importance of a mainstream institution taking sustained ownership of this responsibility.
Kalyani Chawla, art collector and cultural advocate, highlighted the importance of cultivating appreciation for art, particularly among younger audiences. She spoke about the role media can play in making art accessible again—encouraging families, first-time viewers, and young people to engage with art as a shared cultural experience rather than a niche pursuit.
Placing the initiative in a broader global context, veteran communications strategist Dilip Cherian reflected on the growing importance of culture in shaping India’s soft power. He noted that as India’s international influence expands, its artistic and cultural voice must grow alongside it, and that media platforms have a critical role in positioning Indian creativity as an essential part of the country’s global identity. The initiative seeks to spotlight not only artists, but also the institutions and individuals who nurture creativity across regions, disciplines, and generations.
The inaugural NDTV Masterstroke Art Awards will be held in the first week of February. Watch this space.