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Newsmakers of the Week SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 | The Indian Eye 39

DEEPIKA PADUKONE 2011 through 2025 and currently holds a leadership role on the BIAA-TN
Community Council.
The Academy pays At Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), Patel serves as Divi-

special tribute to film star sion Chief of Acute Care Surgery. In that position, he oversees trauma, burn
care, emergency general surgery and critical care services across an area span-
ning approximately 80,000 square miles. His responsibilities include caring for
patients who have sustained traumatic brain injuries, placing his clinical work
ashington, DC: One of at the intersection of emergency medicine, surgery and neurological recovery.
Deepika Padukone’s be-
Wloved characters Naina Tal- In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Patel serves as Vice-Chair of Pro-
war from ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ fessional Development in the Department. In that role, he focuses on mentoring
early-career faculty members and supporting their professional advancement.
has received a special spotlight from The Tennessee Luminary of the Year recognition highlights Patel’s con-
The Academy, which shared a clip tributions to patient care, professional leadership and the broader brain inju-
from the 2013 Hindi film on its offi- ry community. His long-standing involvement with BIAA-Tennessee has also
cial Instagram account. connected his medical expertise with advocacy and community engagement.
The Academy’s post carried the
The 2026 Tennessee Luminary of the Year event is scheduled for Thurs-
caption, “A reminder from Naina to day, October 8, 2026, at Richland Country Club in Nashville, Tennessee.
enjoy what’s right in front of you.”
The clip features the scene from MEGHANA BISINEER
the Ayan Mukerji’s romantic drama
where Naina shares a profound mo- Carnegie Mellon University names
ment with Bunny (played by Ranbir Ka-
poor) in Udaipur during sunset just be- Head-School of Art
fore Aditi’s (Kalki Koechlin) wedding.
When Bunny stresses about rushing to the next planned activity, Naina
reminds him that it is impossible to experience everything in life and that they Pittsburg, PA:
should instead appreciate the present moment. This serene scene serves as arnegie Mellon University’s
a pivotal turning point where Naina teaches the hyper-ambitious Bunny the College of Fine Arts has ap-
importance of mindfulness and finding joy right where they are. Cpointed Indian-born artist,
‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ stars Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, curator and educator Meghana Bis-
Aditya Roy Kapoor and Kalki Koechlin in lead roles. ineer as the new Head of the School
The film has remained a fan favourite since its 2013 release. of Art, effective August 3, 2026.
The Academy’s social media post also drew engagement from accounts Bisineer joins Carnegie Mel-
including Netflix India and Dharma Productions, while commenters expressed lon from the California College of
their delight at seeing the Bollywood film receive recognition on the platform. the Arts in San Francisco, where
Fans also chimed in in the comments section, expressing their love for the she has served as Chair of Anima-
movie. “This movie will forever have my heart,” a fan wrote. tion and Game Arts & Design since
Another fan wrote, “I’ve watched thousands of movies, but Yeh Jawaani 2022 and has been a faculty member
Hai Deewani always hits different. No matter how many times I watch it, I come since 2016. Her previous academic
back to this movie at least once a year. And deep down, it just feels like home.” appointments include Associate Professor in Animation at the University of
“Ok fine I’ll watch YJHD again!!!!” a third fan wrote. Portsmouth and teaching positions at the University for the Creative Arts in
‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ is a definitive Hindi coming-of-age romantic Rochester and Farnham and the Royal College of Art in London.
drama directed by Ayan Mukerji. Her multidisciplinary practice spans experimental animation, installation,
The blockbuster follows four friends, played by Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika performance and ritual. Her work explores time, vulnerability and personal
Padukone, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Kalki Koechlin, from a Himalayan trek to memory in relation to place and landscape. Her installations and performanc-
an Udaipur wedding. es often incorporate food offerings for audiences, reflecting her interest in
care as a creative force.
DR. MAYUR B. PATEL Bisineer has exhibited internationally at venues including the Yerba Bue-
na Center for the Arts, Asian Art Museum, Exploratorium, Berkeley Art Mu-
Surgeon Named Inaugural Tennessee seum and Pacific Film Archive, and Royal Festival Hall in London.
Her experience includes working as co-founder and curator of the Eye-
Luminary of the Year by BIAA wash Experimental Animation Salon, hosting Upstream, an artist-run residen-
cy in the Sierra Foothills near Yosemite National Park. She works at Dream
Farm Commons, an artist collective that operates a gallery and project space
Fairfax, VA:
in downtown Oakland.
r. Mayur B. Patel, a sur- Her honors include the Zellerbach Family Foundation Arts Grant in
geon-scientist recognized for 2024, Future of Film Award in 2023, and Kala Media Arts Fellowship Award
Dhis work in traumatic brain and Residency in 2022.
injury and acute illness, has been se- “I am honored to join the School of Art and step into this exceptionally
lected as the inaugural Tennessee Lu- talented and warm community,” Bisineer said. “In a world that seems increas-
minary of the Year honoree. ingly broken, I believe artists are a vital voice at the table, bringing creativity
Patel has spent more than a de- and curiosity to conversations that will shape our future.”
cade working with the Brain Injury Bisineer earned her bachelor’s degree in animation from the National
Association of America (BIAA) and Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and an MFA in animation from the Royal
its Tennessee chapter, contributing College of Art in London, supported by the Inlaks Scholarship.
to efforts focused on brain injury
awareness and support. He served on To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians,
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