Ramkripa Ananthan – The Woman Behind Mahindra Thar’s Modern Makeover
Ramkripa Ananthan or Kripa, as she is often known, has been a well-known figure in the Indian automotive sector. Born in 1971, Ramkripa has significantly contributed to the design of key products of Mahindra & Mahindra Thar.
With her knowledge and innovative thinking, she has revolutionized the aesthetics and practicality of Indian SUVS leading to a lasting impact on the industry.
Early Life and Education
With great zeal for engineering and design at heart, Ramkripa Anathan began her journey. She did a degree in Mechanical Engineering from BITS, Pilani (Birla Institute of Technology and Design) before going on further studies at Industrial Design Centre (IDC) School of Design, IIT Bombay.
The academic foundation was instrumental in starting off her career in car designs. Her education disseminated her design philosophy that combined technical precision with creative flair.
Career Beginnings
In 1997, Ananthan joined Mahindra & Mahindra as an interior designer. Her talent for creativity and determination saw her ascend rapidly through the ranks.
Initially involved in interior design projects, this job soon began to influence how vehicles would look overall under Mahindra.
Her ability to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal made her a valuable asset to the company.
The Mahindra Thar: An Iconic Design
Mahindra Thar is one of Ananthan’s most celebrated achievements. Under her leadership, this beloved off-road vehicle for India was transformed greatly.
Modern touches were added to this new version designed by Ananthan without compromising its ruggedness and robustness which it retained from its predecessor making it more appealing to a wider audience.
It became an instant hit among car enthusiasts who loved its blend of traditional off-road toughness with modern styling.
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Her design philosophy for the Mahindra Thar focused on enhancing its appeal without compromising its rugged nature.
It maintained some signature elements such as round headlights and unique grille even while incorporating contemporary amenities that increased convenience and ergonomics.
The Mahindra Thar eventually became a classic design icon in the Indian automotive market as it managed to strike a balance between old traditions and new trends.
The Mahindra XUV Series: Redefining Luxury
Mahindra Thar’s success led Ananthan to focus on the Mahindra XUV series. In 2011, Mahindra launched the XUV500, which had a completely different look from any other SUVs they had made before then.
With the Mahindra XUV500, Ananthan wanted to create something that would be luxurious as well as being high-performing and technologically advanced in terms of features.
Bold lines, cheetah inspired looks on the outside of this SUV coupled with an interior which is plush and well-appointed were a few of its features. From her choice of materials to how she arranged controls, Ananthan left no stone unturned when it came to designing every bit of this vehicle.
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As a result, the success led to subsequent models like the Mahindra XUV300 and recently launched Mahindra XUV700.
The Mahindra XUV700, in particular, showcases Ananthan’s design prowess. The vehicle boasts a futuristic design, advanced driver assistance systems, and a luxurious interior.
Ananthan’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with aesthetic appeal has made the Mahindra XUV700 a standout in its segment.
The Mahindra Scorpio N: Evolution of a Legend
Another major project done by Ananthan was redoing the Mahindra Scorpio. India’s popular SUV, the Scorpio by Mahindra required modernizing for remaining competitive among its rivals. Her task was to change the look while maintaining what made Indian consumers fall in love with Scorpio initially.
A modern interpretation of the classic SUV gave birth to the Mahindra Scorpio N. Ananthan’s design included contemporary styling cues, enhanced aerodynamics and better interior. The Mahindra Scorpio N has successfully reached out to a new generation while paying respect to its past.
Leadership at Mahindra & Mahindra
Ramkripa Ananthan’s contributions in Mahindra & Mahindra go beyond individual vehicle designs.
She held the position as head of Design at Mahindra Motors, and was responsible for steering the company’s style strategy.
As the leader, she has inspired creativity and innovation among her designers that resulted in many successful models.
Ananthan sees design as a collaborative process executed through a cross functional team approach.
It is her belief that engineers, marketers and product planners should be involved in designing cars to meet customer needs and exceed expectations.
Her overall outlook however has played an important role towards the recent successful line-up by Mahindra.
Current Position
In 2022, she took on a new challenge by joining Ola Electric as the Head of Design, where she leads efforts for both two-wheelers and the upcoming four-wheeler divisions, reflecting her adaptability to changing trends in the automotive industry
Personal Life and Legacy
Ramkripa Ananthan, born in 1971, balances her professional achievements with her personal life.
While she is known for her dedication to her work, she also values her family and personal time. We do not know whether she is married or unmarried, as she keeps her professional and personal life separate.
Her journey from a mechanical engineering student to a leading automotive designer is a testament to her talent, hard work, and perseverance.
Ananthan’s legacy in the Indian automotive industry is marked by her ability to blend tradition with modernity.
Her designs have not only enhanced the appeal of Mahindra vehicles but have also set new standards for automotive design in India.
As she continues to innovate at Ola Electric, her influence on the industry is expected to grow even further.
Also Read: 25 Years of Vijay Diwas – PM Modi’s Visit to Kargil War Memorial
Conclusion
Ramkripa Ananthan’s contribution to the automobile industry has been deep-rooted and far-reaching. Ananthan has constantly pushed boundaries in automotive designs ranging from Mahindra Thar, Mahindra XUV as well as Mahindra Scorpio N. Such efforts have not only helped create a better brand image for Mahindras but has also transformed the whole industry.
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