The world of magazine editing is a complex and fascinating domain, where creativity meets editorial acumen, and trends are defined, not merely followed. In this world, magazine editors play a pivotal role in curating content, setting new standards, and shaping the cultural narratives of their respective domains. One such luminary in the field of design and decor is Mrudul Pathak Kundu, the Editor of ELLE Decor India. With a rich background in the arts, an academic foundation that champions creativity, and a deep-seated passion for design, Mrudul has been an influential figure in the world of lifestyle and design publications. Let’s delve into her academic journey, her career, her influence on design trends, and her diverse passions, offering a comprehensive profile of this remarkable editor.

Profiles of magazine editors: Mrudul Pathak Kundu  - Sheet1
mrudul Pathak_©www.elledecoration.co.uk

Academic Roots: Shaping the Mind of an Artist

To understand Mrudul Pathak Kundu’s journey, it’s essential to begin at the beginning – her academic foundation. She graduated in Fine Arts from MS University, Vadodara, a prominent institution known for its rich artistic traditions. Her educational journey played a pivotal role in shaping her approach to design and aesthetics.

Profiles of magazine editors: Mrudul Pathak Kundu  - Sheet2
A touch of messiness, a lot of imagination_© elledecor.in

The choice of Fine Arts as a major is significant, as it laid the foundation for her lifelong love for graphic compositions and solid colours. These elements have become an integral part of her editorial vision and continue to influence her professional journey.

Profiles of magazine editors: Mrudul Pathak Kundu  - Sheet3
On Mrudul Pathak Kundu’s desk_©elledecor.in

Fine Arts, with its emphasis on creativity, visual communication, and artistic expression, equipped Mrudul with the skills necessary for translating her ideas into compelling design narratives. Her academic experiences laid the groundwork for a career that would merge art, design, and editorial expertise seamlessly.

The Journey with ELLE Decor India: Shaping Design Trends

For Mrudul, her journey with ELLE Decor India has been a remarkable 20-year odyssey. She joined the magazine and quickly established herself as an essential part of the team. Her creative background allowed her to infuse fresh perspectives into the publication’s design and editorial content. Over the years, she has been instrumental in shaping design trends and providing inspiration to countless readers and design enthusiasts.

Profiles of magazine editors: Mrudul Pathak Kundu  - Sheet4
Mrudul Pathak Kundu, Editor, ELLE DECOR India, Ajit, and Madhavi Shilpi_ ©Photographs by Ankush Maria and Atul Chowdhary

As the Editor of ELLE Decor India, Mrudul’s contributions go beyond curating content. She’s a custodian of contemporary design aesthetics, setting new standards and pushing boundaries. Her vision for the magazine includes not only showcasing the latest in design but also capturing the essence of Indian design heritage and presenting it to a global audience.

Profiles of magazine editors: Mrudul Pathak Kundu  - Sheet5
Manesh Nambiar, Mrudul Pathak Kundu, Shriti Das​ – ELLE DECOR India_©www.edida-awards.com

Her work at the helm of ELLE Decor India has earned her respect and admiration among her peers and readers alike. Her expertise has made her a pivotal figure in the design and decor community. Her editorials not only reflect the current design landscape but also offer a glimpse into the future of design trends.

Elevating Indian Design to Global Prominence

While her daily responsibilities as the editor include curating content, overseeing photo shoots, and engaging with the design community, Mrudul Pathak Kundu’s long-term vision extends far beyond. She aspires to bring Indian design to the global stage, sharing its diverse, culturally rich offerings with a worldwide audience.

Profiles of magazine editors: Mrudul Pathak Kundu  - Sheet6
Adorning Mrudul Pathak Kundu’s living space_©elledecor.in

This commitment to promoting Indian design globally underscores her dedication to her craft. It’s a vision that requires continuous effort and a deep understanding of the global design landscape. Mrudul’s ability to identify and celebrate Indian design’s uniqueness and its resonance on a global platform is a testament to her passion and editorial excellence.

Passion Beyond Design: A Multifaceted Enthusiast

Beyond her editorial role, Mrudul is a connoisseur of the arts. Her passion for art and design naturally extends to the world of cinema. She is an ardent world cinema watcher, reflecting her broad and diverse creative interests. The world of cinema, like design, is a realm where storytelling takes centre stage, and visual language is paramount. This fascination with cinema speaks to her love for visual narratives, a passion that undoubtedly enriches her role as an editor.

Profiles of magazine editors: Mrudul Pathak Kundu  - Sheet7
(L-R) Ekta Parekh, Mrudul Pathak, Editor, ELLE DECOR India, and Rajiv Parekh; Photographs by Kedar Nene Chandraneel_©elledecor.in

Another realm where her creativity shines is in the kitchen. Mrudul enjoys cooking nostalgia-inducing food using recipes that have been passed down through generations. Her culinary skills are a reflection of her love for tradition and her ability to infuse warmth and creativity into everyday life.

When not busy with all things design, you’ll find her watching old art-house movies, savoring the classics that have contributed to the cultural tapestry of world cinema. Her taste in cinema mirrors her appreciation for the art of storytelling and the power of visual narratives.

Balancing Design with Personal Joys: A Holistic Approach to Life

Balancing a demanding editorial career with personal pleasures is no small feat. However, Mrudul Pathak Kundu does it with finesse. Her ability to maintain a well-rounded life while leading a publication known for its cutting-edge design insights showcases her balanced approach to life and work.

ELLE DECOR India’s editor Mrudul Pathak Kundu with Amit Syngle, MD and CEO, Asian Paints Limited_©elledecor.in

Her pleasures, such as savoring old art-house movies with a glass of single malt, offer moments of relaxation and enjoyment. They are a testament to her ability to find joy and solace in the arts, even outside of her professional pursuits.

Conclusion: A Creative Force in Design and Editorial Excellence

Mrudul Pathak Kundu’s journey as the editor of ELLE Decor India is a testament to her dedication to design, her unyielding passion for the arts, and her multifaceted nature. Her academic roots have provided the foundation for a vibrant professional life, where she shapes design and decor trends in India. Her vision extends beyond curating content; it encompasses promoting Indian design on a global platform, celebrating traditions, and savoring the finer aspects of life.

With her editorial expertise and her wide-ranging personal interests, Mrudul is a source of inspiration for both her readers and her peers in the design community. Her journey underscores the idea that a life dedicated to creativity and design can be an enriching and balanced one, and her contributions continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of design and decor.

References

  1. ELLE DECOR. (n.d.). Mrudul Pathak Kundu, Editor of ELLE Decor India, reveals her home office. [online] Available at: https://elledecor.in/article/mrudul-pathak-kundu-editor-of-elle-decor-india-opens-up-her-home-office-and-shares-her-views-on-evolving-work-dynamics/ [Accessed 18 Oct. 2023].
  2. India Design ID. (2023). Mrudul Pathak. [online] Available at: https://indiadesignid.com/symposium/mrudul-pathak/ [Accessed 18 Oct. 2023].
  3. Dnb.com. (2023). Challenge Validation. [online] Available at: https://www.dnb.com/business-directory/company-profiles.mrudul_pathak_kundu.64e99e311d5a4ac4d7e545c6250b32f9.html [Accessed 18 Oct. 2023].
  4. www.google.com. (n.d.). mrudul pathak kundu and her work – Google Search. [online] Available at: https://www.google.com/search?q=mrudul+pathak+kundu+and+her+work&sca_esv=575188784&rlz=1C1CHBF_enIN946IN946&hl=en&tbm=isch&sxsrf=AM9HkKnjTjX4xYWIJs37cT0zw9_nd7q4Hg:1697810246145&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwix7feE5ISCAxUAlFYBHWEGCOUQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1396&bih=672&dpr=1.38#imgrc=8juYMKCv0zMYlM [Accessed 18 Oct. 2023].
  5. Google.com. (2023). Redirect Notice. [online] Available at: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Felledecor.in%2Farticle_category%2Fedida%2F&psig=AOvVaw3dSLhLwJLX_vEbe3tLlBjZ&ust=1697897101294000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBEQjRxqFwoTCMjUmN7lhIIDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAj [Accessed 18 Oct. 2023].
Author

Deepika is an undergraduate architecture student who truly believes everything has a relation to everything. Therefore, several fields do teach us a lot about the same thing. She perceives Architecture as a paradigm of change in the world followed by evolution with the utmost potential for a better civilization to come.