Shaping the Future by putting creativity To Work

For the sixth edition of Entrepreneur's Creative Inc, we recognize 25 creative artists and brand builders selected on the basis of qualitative analysis and consideration from industry leaders and Entrepreneur India Editors, who reviewed hundreds of nominations - under the cultural economy. The people featured in the ensuing pages are the champions of the value of design excellence. How some of these creators are using design to address some of society's most pressing problems showcases their potential for the future. Our ambition with this issue is to explore what role design and creativity play to make a better world.

- PUNITA SABHARWAL WITH PRIYA KAPOOR, S. SHANTHI, NUSRA, KABIR SINGH BHANDARI, SHRABONA GHOSH, SAPTAK BARDHAN, SOUMYA DUGGAL & DEEPA VAIDYA

THE STYLE ICON

RAHUL KHANNA, ACTOR

One of India's pioneer style figures, actor Rahul Khanna recently made his foray into the world of fashion. Known for his dapper style and his classic sense of style which has earned him a badge of being one of India's most suave and well dressed men, Rahul has had a close affinity to the world of fashion from very early on. The actor has now entered the world of fashion by curating an exclusive men's accessories collection for Chokore titled - RKXC. Sharing his early memories and bend towards creativity, Khanna says, "I was always drawn to the creative arts when I was growing up. I was a voracious reader and then writer-writing essays and little novellas. I was also constantly sketching, doodling and cartooning and then, later on, developed an interest in drama and performing. It was once I started working in the entertainment industry and interacting with stylists and designers that I started having an appreciation for fashion and personal style."

Shedding light on the odds of a creative breakthrough, Khanna mentions, "Inspiration is elusive and spontaneous. I think the trick is keeping oneself always open to inspiration, so one is ready to receive it when it strikes." As per him, "When it comes to style-old family photo albums (how stylish were our ancestors!), art, cinema and travel," keep on inspiring him. Talking about how his audience connect would differ in this new avatar, he says, "This is the first time I'm venturing into an entrepreneurial space, so I'm still getting the hang of it! I would imagine social media would be a good barometer-customers can communicate directly-and one can gauge their response in real time."