New Delhi, Nov. 3 -- ading Mahindra Thar and XUV are among some of the most distinguishable SUVs on Indian roads. Over the years, their muscular, bold, and commanding road presence has become synonymous with Mahindra. But not many people know the person behind these standout designs. Meet Ramkripa Ananthan, the former Head of Design at Mahindra who shaped the Thar and XUV as we know them today.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate from BITS Pilani, Ananthan also holds a Master of Design (M.Des) in Industrial Design from the IDC School of Design, IIT Bombay. Ananthan began her career at Mahindra as an Interior Designer in 1997.

Her initial works include the interiors of Bolero, Scorpio, and Xylo, and in 2005, Mahindra promoted her as the He...