The Broadcast India Show's first day at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai buzzed with the dynamic energy of the broadcast media and infotainment sectors, where technology's rapid evolution continually reshapes the landscape. For over three decades, the show has been the annual touchpoint for unveiling cutting-edge advancements in infotainment technology, offering a rare opportunity to experience the future today. Amid this innovation, Canara Lighting stands out as a trailblazer in the industry. In an engaging conversation with IndianTelevision.com, Canara Lighting Industries Pvt. Ltd., MD, Ajeet Khare delves into the company’s origin story, its rise as a homegrown leader in lighting solutions, and the forward-looking vision driving its growth.
In 1972, when the Indian film industry was still navigating the transition from monochrome to colour, a small but ambitious venture near Thane, Maharashtra, set its sights on brightening the future of television and cinema. Today, Canara Lighting Industries is a distinguished name in specialised lighting solutions, catering to studios, stages, and broadcasting requirements across India and beyond. At the helm for the past 14 years is Khare, a seasoned industry leader whose entrepreneurial journey is as fascinating as the company's evolution itself.
A bold vision for a bright future
The idea for Canara Lighting took root in a time when the Indian entertainment industry relied heavily on imported lighting equipment. “There was no one producing lights for the broadcasting and film sectors in India back then,” Khare recounts. “We saw an opportunity to start manufacturing these lights. Wherever we lacked the technology, we collaborated with American companies, like for Cool Light.” This strategic move laid the foundation for Canara Lighting's dominance in the Indian film sector, which quickly embraced the brand's offerings.
New era begins
Khare's own journey with the company began in 2010 when he took the bold step of acquiring the company. “I had been working as a managing director for multinational firms in Mangalore. By 2009, I decided it was time to stop working for unknown bosses and start my own venture,” Khare explains. He was drawn to Canara Lighting because of its rich history and potential for innovation. “I wanted to understand the founding philosophy to ensure we carried that vision forward. Our goal has always been to be at the forefront of lighting technology, especially as LED lighting started to gain traction.”
Keeping pace with technology and trends
Over the years, Canara Lighting has remained resolute in its mission of providing specialised lighting solutions, adapting to technological shifts and changing market demands. Khare emphasises, “We are not in the business of general-purpose lights. Our focus is on delivering a product and a complete solution that ensures the right output for our clients.” This steadfast dedication to specialised lighting has allowed Canara to keep pace with the industry as it transitions from large studio setups to smaller, multi-purpose spaces suitable for digital content production.
The company’s ability to stay relevant in a competitive landscape is largely attributed to its continuous R&D efforts. “Our R&D team was given a simple brief: benchmark against the best—like the German company, Aerie—and strive to match or exceed their standards,” says Khare. “Today, I can proudly say that our products are in line with international benchmarks, and our clients can tell the difference.”
Navigating challenges and reskilling the workforce
One significant challenge that Khare encountered was the shift from older lighting technologies, such as halogen, to LED. The transition demanded a workforce with advanced skill sets, a tall order in Mangalore, where manufacturing talent is limited. “The skill levels required for LED technology were very high,” he notes. “To bridge this gap, we recruited experts in illumination technology, power electronics, product design, and circuit manufacturing from outside Karnataka. This newly formed ‘technology team’ trained our existing employees, ensuring a seamless transition to the new technology.”
Anticipating the future of studio lighting
Looking ahead, Khare predicts further evolution in the studio and stage lighting sector, driven by advancements in LED technology and emerging alternatives. "For now, LED remains a mature technology, with innovations such as integrated lenses on the LED chips enhancing performance. However, laser lighting is knocking on the door and could be the next big shift within the next five years."
He also foresees a convergence in studio design trends. “Today’s studios are still segmented—news, sports, general entertainment—but these boundaries are blurring. Virtual studios, with smaller footprints and sensitive cameras, will become the norm, requiring fewer but more sophisticated lighting solutions,” Khare observes. “The lighting industry must keep pace with these changes, ensuring we continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions.”
Marketing and outreach strategies in a digital era
Despite being a major player in the lighting industry, Canara Lighting's marketing strategy deviates from conventional practices. “Our advertising efforts are not geared towards mass media because we cater to a niche audience,” Khare states. “We focus on making our presence felt through social media splashes on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter, and by participating in specialised trade shows like Broadcast India and Palm Expo.”
The company’s frugal yet effective approach leverages an in-house team that continuously creates engaging content to keep the brand in the spotlight. “Our social media efforts ensure that we maintain recurring impressions with the right audience,” he adds.
Canara Lighting’s legacy is one of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the lighting landscape continues to evolve, the company is poised to illuminate the path forward, setting new benchmarks in specialised lighting solutions.
