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Dr Nina Sabnani

Adjunct Faculty

Nina Sabnani is an artist and storyteller who uses film, illustration and writing to inform and enlighten her audience. Graduating from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Vadodara she received a master’s degree in film from Syracuse University, NY, which she pursued as a Fulbright Fellow. Her doctoral thesis on the Kaavad tradition has been published by Niyogi books; Kaavad Tradition of Rajasthan, a Portable Pilgrimage. Her animated films are often rich collaborations with artists and folk fablers and have earned critical acclaim. Her film Hum Chitra Banate Hain won the National Award in 2016. In 2018 she received The Big Little Book award: a lifetime achievement award for Illustration at the Tata Lit Live Festival, Mumbai. In 2021 she was conferred with The Legend of Indian Animation award from Toonz Media Group. Nina’s research interests include exploring the dynamics between words and images in animated films and book illustrations. She taught at NID Ahmedabad for 22 years and retired from IDC, IIT Bombay in 2021. At present, she is associated with Srishti Manipal Institute of Art Design, and Technology, Bangalore; and School of Design UPES, Dehradun, IIT Bombay and IIT Hyderabad. Nina currently lives in Chennai.