Pencils to the podium as Nataraj draws focus at NDTV Indian of the Year

MUMBAI: When the spotlight shifts from speeches to sketchpads, you know creativity has entered the room. Hindustan Pencils, the company behind classroom staples Nataraj and Apsara, has signed on as the official stationery partner for NDTV Indian of the Year 2025, bringing its long-running love affair with expression to one of the country’s most watched award stages.

The association sees Nataraj lean into its Be Bold positioning, linking stationery often seen as humble and utilitarian with big ideas, cultural achievement and fearless self-expression. The brand’s presence will be woven into the ceremony rather than parked on the sidelines.

One of the evening’s key moments will see a senior member of Hindustan Pencils’ management present the best director of the year award. That handover will be followed by a tight 2–3 minute on-stage conversation, offering a glimpse into how the Be Bold philosophy has shaped Nataraj’s thinking and why creativity still matters in an increasingly digital-first world.

Adding a visual flourish, Hindustan Pencils has curated a live sketch artist experience, with a commissioned illustrator creating custom artwork for each award winner in real time. The idea is to turn recognition into something tangible, a personalised illustration that doubles up as a memento and a nod to the brand’s drawing-led legacy.

Away from the main stage, guests will also find a Nataraj Be Bold photo booth, designed as an interactive pit stop rather than a static backdrop. The installation invites attendees to play, pose and take home keepsakes, extending the theme of expression beyond the formal proceedings.

Speaking about the partnership, Hindustan Pencils chief marketing officer Aishwarya Shinod said the association felt like a natural fit for a brand built around ideas and imagination. The awards, she noted, celebrate individuals shaping India’s future, a narrative that aligns closely with Nataraj’s long-standing focus on creativity and confidence.

With this tie-up, Hindustan Pencils moves stationery out of the pencil box and into the cultural conversation, using the NDTV Indian of the Year platform to remind audiences that bold thinking often begins with a simple line on paper.