Arena Animation FC Road Hosts Grand Alumni Meet 2026 in Pune, Celebrating Global Success of AVGC-XR Professionals
Pune, 6th July 2026: Arena Animation FC Road celebrated its Grand Alumni Meet 2026 with great enthusiasm at Pride Plaza in Pune, bringing together nearly 100 successful alumni from across India and abroad. The event highlighted the institute’s three-decade-long contribution to the animation, visual effects (VFX), gaming, and AVGC-XR industry, while providing inspiration and networking opportunities for current students.
Alumni travelled from countries including the United Kingdom, Italy, the United States, Canada, and Malaysia to attend the reunion, reflecting the institute’s growing global footprint. Established in 1996, Arena Animation FC Road has trained professionals who have gone on to build successful careers in animation, gaming, VFX, graphics, and related creative technologies.
Welcoming the alumni, Centre Director Nikhil Halli said the institute’s former students have collectively contributed to Guinness World Records through their creative work. He also stated that the work of several alumni is expected to feature in the Visual Effects category of the upcoming Academy Awards (Oscars).
According to Halli, alumni of the institute have played key roles in the VFX and creative teams behind several acclaimed Indian films and web series, including Dhurandhar 1 & 2, The Family Man, Kurukshetra, and Mirzapur. Many have also contributed to internationally popular video games.
Several former students have established their own animation studios and production houses in Pune, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, while others hold senior positions in leading global companies working in artificial intelligence (AI), graphics, UI/UX design, gaming, and visual effects.
During the event, accomplished alumni interacted with current students and shared insights from their professional journeys. Among those who addressed the gathering were Nikhil Mukund Sarode, recognised for holding a world record as Maharashtra’s youngest graphic and motion graphic artist and faculty member; Omkar Wakhare, Production Coordinator; Divya Kataria, Senior Graphics Designer at Group Bayport; Aryan Bhaunik, entrepreneur and studio owner; and Aditya Mhaske, Tracing and Rotomation Lead at MVision VFX.
The inaugural session featured discussions on career challenges, industry experiences, and emerging opportunities in the rapidly evolving AVGC-XR sector, encouraging students to continuously upgrade their skills.
The event’s chief guest, Shajan Samuel, Senior Vice President and Brand Head at Arena Animation, Aptech Limited, Mumbai, praised the achievements of the Arena Animation FC Road centre and its alumni. The grand occasion was also graced by prominent industry leaders and special guests, including Amit Singh, Founder and Managing Director of BIMS, and Ranbeer Hora, Founder & Director of God Speed Games studio.
Speaking at the gathering, Shajan Samuel emphasized that India’s AVGC-XR industry is currently experiencing a golden phase. He stressed the importance of continuous learning, embracing technological advancements, and fostering innovation to remain competitive in the global creative industry.
The alumni meet concluded on a high note with networking sessions, discussions on future collaborations, nostalgic reunions, and cultural performances by current students, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to nurturing talent for the global animation and visual effects industry.
