Once done with the workshop, we spent some time with Pratap over some light hearted conversation, also asking him about our career prospects in car design. What followed was a photo session with Pratap and the design team, before saying our good byes and thanks for the wonderful insights they had shared with us. We ended the day with a homely vegetarian lunch before heading back home from Pune. And not before we were handed a box full of Diwali sweet and savoury to take back with us. That too made in house.

The half day that I spent at the Tata Motors Design Studio was easily one of the best times I have spent anywhere in a long time. The entire process of seeing a car go from a mere sketch on paper to the production model that we we see on the road was a complete eye opener. The amount of effort that goes into achieve that perfect design is beyond words and will make me think twice before I give an opinion on a design element or a panel gap on a car that I review next. To end, a big thanks to Tata Motors to grant us access to what goes on behind the scenes of a car design process at a global design studio. It was truly a privilege and something that will be remembered for a long time to come. And oh, I have already picked up a new sketch book and drawing pencils to restart the hobby that I had left behind. And what’s more, Pratap has promised to give me feedback on my humble creations as well.

Photo gallery: