The way animation brings forth the vibrant human spirit living in the stories one creates is how the most innovative mind’s artistry finds its connecting platform with the audience through cartoons. The world of animation, similar to many other media and technology niches, has been mostly male-driven since the beginning.
Yet, breaking this one-dimensional narrative, women technovators are bringing in their multidimensional perspectives, ideas, creativity, artistry, and innovation to the global as well as the Indian animation industry. Now, when we talk about Women World India’s Most Innovative Woman in Animation, we’re not just talking about an industry leader; we’re talking about a visionary, a storyteller, and a builder of dreams.
Meet Hansa Mondal, the visionary Producer-Director-COO of Ssoftoons Entertainment Media LLP, and a pioneering force in India’s animation industry. With over 22 years of experience, she’s not just a leader in animation; she’s an architect of imagination, weaving stories that captivate millions on screen and ignite a passion for creativity in hearts and minds.
In a testament to her adept leadership, Hansa has been honoured to serve as the State President of the Animation and Entertainment Women Council at WICCI West Bengal.
The Beating Heart of the Indian Animation
More than just the Producer-Director-COO title, Hansa is the beating heart of Ssoftoons. Founded in 2001 alongside Mr. Sourav Mondal, she’s not only responsible for bringing vibrant animation to life but also for the strategic and operational magic that keeps the studio thriving. Budgets, teams, diverse talents – nothing escapes her keen eye and a steady hand.
But Hansa’s true magic lies in her passion for storytelling. With over 20 projects and 1000 episodes under her belt, she’s created worlds that entertain, educate, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian culture. From “Lullu” to “Dadi Ma ki Kahaniya,” “Do Budhiya,” and “Buddhuram,” her creations capture the hearts of young and old alike, proving that animation is more than just cartoons; it’s a powerful voice for imagination and connection.
Yet, Hansa’s thirst for knowledge is never quenched. Constantly honing her skills, she’s acquired multiple leadership, business, and relationships certifications, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to growth and excellence.
Hansa proves that animation is not just about pixels on a screen; it’s about the boundless possibilities within the human imagination, and she’s the tireless explorer leading the way.
Hansa’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the realm of artistic creation; she has actively pursued personal and professional development, earning certifications from LinkedIn to enhance her leadership, business, and relationship skills. Her mission revolves around delivering top-notch animation content that entertains and mirrors the rich culture, values, and narratives of her region and beyond. Hansa’s visionary leadership and dedication to storytelling make her a driving force in the animation industry.
The Adventure of Ssoftoons Entertainment
In 2001, Hansa and her husband embarked on a visionary journey that would later redefine the landscape of animation. Their shared dream was to introduce a new era of quality cartoons to households, setting the stage for the birth of Ssoftoons Entertainment Media LLP. It was a time when the realm of animation was not as ubiquitous as it is today, and their venture aimed to make a significant mark in the industry.
The journey began with establishing Ssoftoons in Howrah, West Bengal, a modest beginning that laid the foundation for an extraordinary enterprise. Despite the initial challenges and the relatively uncharted animation territory in that era, Hansa and her husband were driven by a powerful vision. Over the course of a decade, Ssoftoons underwent a remarkable transformation, emerging as a noteworthy name in the regional market. The success of Ssoftoons not only reflected their dedication but also marked a turning point in the accessibility and popularity of quality animated content. The animated dream that began in 2001 had evolved into a reality that captivated audiences and established Hansa as a key figure in the animation industry.
Hansa’s Success Saga
A potent blend of hard work, dedication, and a rich reservoir of knowledge characterizes Hansa’s guiding philosophy for success in the animation industry. At the heart of her and her team’s strategy was a straightforward approach – to go mainstream. Recognizing the potential of their unique content, Ssoftoons collaborated with television channels, strategically expanding their reach to a broader audience.
A key element of their success story lies in the astute decision to retain intellectual properties (IPs), ensuring creative control and long-term benefits for Ssoftoons. This approach safeguarded their originality and positioned them strategically in an ever-evolving industry.
Embracing the digital wave, Hansa Mondal and her team took a significant plunge into online platforms, notably YouTube, with the creation of Ssoftoons Animation. This move proved transformative, allowing them to connect with millions of viewers, particularly the younger generation, who increasingly consume content through digital channels.
Hansa’s philosophy revolves around adaptability, strategic collaborations, and a commitment to staying true to their creative vision. Through this approach, Ssoftoons garnered recognition as innovative animators in India and secured a lasting impact on the industry.
According to Hansa, the animation landscape is like a rollercoaster. It keeps evolving, twisting, and turning. Staying ahead of the curve involves constant monitoring, tech investments, and a team that breathes innovation. Hansa says, “Regular collaborations with national channels like Sony Yay, Nickelodeon, and Disney have kept us relevant and at the forefront, providing our clients with solutions that are not just creative but ground-breaking.”
The Swan Song of Leadership
Hansa’s leadership style at Ssoftoons Entertainment Media LLP is akin to conducting a symphony, where empowerment and collaboration are the harmonious notes that define their work culture. At the helm, Hansa places a strong emphasis on creating an atmosphere where each team member feels not only valued but also genuinely motivated. Recognizing that creativity thrives in an environment of open communication, Ssoftoons fosters a workplace that encourages the free exchange of ideas and perspectives.
In Hansa’s leadership paradigm, professional development is a key pillar. The team is provided with ample growth opportunities, ensuring that each member can enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to the collective success of Ssoftoons. This commitment to continuous improvement not only enriches individual team members but also contributes to the overall dynamism of the company.
Moreover, Hansa places a premium on instilling a sense of belonging among her team. By cultivating a work environment that values diversity, encourages collaboration, and promotes a shared vision, she ensures that everyone at Ssoftoons is invested in the collective journey. This approach not only strengthens the bond within the team but also plays a pivotal role in driving the creative excellence that defines Ssoftoons’ animated productions.
The Art of Entertaining
As the driving force behind Ssoftoons Entertainment Media LLP, Hansa understands the delicate art of balancing creators’ aspirations with the audience’s desires. In the world of animation, this equilibrium is where the magic truly happens. At Ssoftoons, a meticulous approach is taken to ensure that the creative visions of the animators align seamlessly with the expectations and preferences of the audience.
The process involves a continuous feedback loop, allowing creators to refine their work based on real-time responses from the viewers. Market research plays a crucial role, providing insights into the evolving tastes and preferences of the audience. With her keen eye on industry trends, Hansa guides the team to create content that not only fulfils the artistic ambitions of the creators but also resonates with the broader audience.
This delicate dance between creators’ dreams and audience expectations is a testament to Ssoftoons’ commitment to delivering content that captivates and engages. By striking this intricate balance, the animation studio ensures that each creation is a work of art and a source of joy and entertainment for its viewers.
Green Ethos
At the helm of Ssoftoons Entertainment Media LLP, Hansa understands that green is not just a colour but a lifestyle. She says that in an era where sustainability is a cornerstone of responsible business practices, Ssoftoons has wholeheartedly embraced eco-friendly principles and integrated them into its animation production processes. “Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond just telling stories; it’s about doing so with a sense of environmental responsibility,” says Hansa.
The studio prioritizes eco-friendly practices, incorporating sustainable elements into the very fabric of its animations. From the conceptualization stage to the final production, Ssoftoons ensures that environmental consciousness is woven into every aspect of its creative process. This approach aligns with the modern ethos of responsible media, where sustainability is not an afterthought but a fundamental consideration.
Hansa’s leadership extends beyond the world of animation, reflecting a commitment to leaving a positive impact on the environment. By integrating sustainable principles into Ssoftoons, she sets an example for the industry, proving that entertainment can coexist harmoniously with environmental responsibility. In doing so, Ssoftoons tells compelling stories and contributes to a more sustainable and conscious media landscape.
When Disney Came Calling
Sharing a transformative project, Hansa says, “Let’s talk Disney! Our collaboration with Disney India is a game-changer. The creation of Twinkle Sharma #0007, set to grace Disney’s platform, is a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality, diverse content that resonates with a wide audience.”
In the dynamic realm of animation, Hansa recognizes that technology is the secret weapon that propels creativity to new heights. At Ssoftoons Entertainment Media LLP, the studio she leads, cutting-edge technologies such as 3D animation, digital effects, and virtual reality are not just tools but integral components to redefine the game. The studio’s commitment to leveraging the latest advancements is not merely about staying ahead of the curve; it’s about optimizing its services and delivering nothing short of excellence.
By embracing technologies that push the boundaries of traditional animation, Ssoftoons ensures that its creations are visually stunning and at the forefront of industry innovation. The integration of 3D animation adds depth and realism to their storytelling, digital effects enhance the visual spectacle, and virtual reality provides immersive experiences that captivate audiences in new and exciting ways.
Hansa’s leadership at the intersection of technology and animation showcases a forward-thinking approach that acknowledges the transformative power of innovation. Through the strategic use of cutting-edge tools, Ssoftoons not only keeps pace with the evolving landscape of animation but actively shapes and redefines it, ensuring that each creation is a testament to the limitless possibilities that technology offers in the world of entertainment.
Resilience Triumphing Over Adversity
According to Hansa, every success story has its challenges. “For us, it was the initial leap into the regional market. Despite the hurdles, we held onto our IPs, embraced digital platforms, and emerged triumphant,” she shares. It’s a tale of resilience and innovation when faced with adversity.
In the fast-paced world of animation, Hansa understands that “Time waits for none.” Leading Ssoftoons Entertainment Media LLP, she embraces the industry’s ever-evolving landscape with a forward-thinking approach. Recognizing that change is not just inevitable but integral to artistic excellence, Hansa ensures that her team stays on their toes, ready to adapt strategies that align with global trends.
A key aspect of navigating the evolving times in animation is the continual investment in new technologies. Hansa’s leadership underscores the studio’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological advancements within the animation sphere. By staying abreast of the latest tools and techniques, Ssoftoons positions itself not only to meet but exceed the expectations of a dynamic and ever-changing audience.
Fostering a culture of creativity is another cornerstone of Hansa’s approach. She recognizes that in an industry driven by innovation, nurturing a work environment that encourages and celebrates creative expression is paramount. This ensures that the team at Ssoftoons is not just responsive to change but actively contributes to shaping the future of animation.
Hansa’s philosophy revolves around the proactive embrace of evolving times, where adaptability, technological innovation, and a creative mindset converge to propel Ssoftoons into a realm of continuous growth and artistic achievement.
Tech-Toons Advances
In the ever-expanding realm of animation, Hansa Mondal recognizes the transformative influence of augmented reality (AR) and virtual user experiences. Understanding that animation has evolved beyond traditional screens, she leads Ssoftoons Entertainment Media LLP to acknowledge these advancements and actively embrace them. With a keen eye on technological trends, Hansa ensures that her team stays tech-savvy, seamlessly integrating AR and virtual user experiences into their creative repertoire.
Hansa understands that the future of animation lies in providing audiences with more than just content to watch. Through a strategic approach to technology adoption, Ssoftoons endeavours to create immersive entertainment, transcending the boundaries of conventional storytelling. Augmented reality opens up new dimensions of engagement, allowing viewers to interact with animated worlds in once unimaginable ways.
Fostering an Animatedly Augmented Reality
By addressing augmented reality and virtual user experiences, Hansa positions Ssoftoons at the forefront of a dynamic and evolving industry. The studio’s commitment to leveraging these technologies enhances the viewer’s engagement and establishes a forward-thinking narrative that aligns with the expectations of contemporary audiences. In this way, Hansa Mondal ensures that Ssoftoons remains at the vanguard of animated storytelling, offering experiences that captivate and resonate with the ever-evolving preferences of its audience.
Divulging her plans, Hansa says, “Looking ahead, my vision is simple yet profound.” It’s about continuing to significantly impact India’s animation landscape. “Collaborating with big names, expanding our digital footprint, and creating content that speaks to diverse audiences remain at the core.”
Hansa concludes that as a trailblazer in the animation sector, her journey doesn’t end; it transforms.
Women World India wishes her all the very best in all her endeavours.
