Fos Lighting, established in 1951, made its debut as the very first lighting store in Bhagirath Palace, Chandni Chowk – a hub synonymous with history and heritage. For over seven decades, this iconic brand has been illuminating spaces and hearts with its décor lighting, becoming a beacon of style and elegance. From its inception, Fos Lighting seamlessly fused Indian tradition with modern innovation, cementing its status as a visionary leader in the realm of luxury lighting.
What makes Fos Lighting Special?
What sets Fos Lighting apart is its remarkable ability to blend time-honoured Indian craftsmanship with contemporary design. Whether it’s brass work, Kashida embroidery, marble inlay, or Warli art, the brand’s artisans, designers, and conceptualizers have made a signature out of incorporating India’s rich artistic heritage into the realm of lighting. Each piece stands as a testament to this fusion, a shimmering beacon of the craftsmanship and artistic pride that India is known for.
Now, with the third generation at the helm, directors Sidharth and Kunal Rohatgi are expanding Fos Lighting’s horizons like never before. The duo, whose foresight and passion have redefined the brand’s trajectory, are setting their sights beyond India’s borders, bringing the essence of Indian artistry to global markets.
Under their visionary leadership, Fos Lighting has embarked on an exciting journey of international expansion, taking its exquisite designs to discerning customers across the world. From Europe to the Middle East, and soon to the United States, Fos Lighting’s creations are lighting up homes, hotels, and high-end spaces, carrying with them the stories of artisans from India’s past.
Over to Fos Lighting’s Visionary Directors – Sidharth & Kunal Rohatgi
In an exclusive conversation with TheGlitz, Fos Lighting’s dynamic directors Sidharth and Kunal Rohatgi share insights into their ambitious global expansion plans and their dedication to preserving and reviving traditional Indian art forms, for they say that their commitment to reviving traditional art forms like Kashida embroidery, brass work, and Warli art isn’t just a business strategy – it’s a tribute to India’s artisanal community.
Fos Lighting has a rich legacy dating back to 1951. How do you balance preserving traditional Indian craftsmanship with incorporating modern design trends in your lighting collections?
Sidharth: At Fos Lighting, we work with communities of artists, which are exclusive and rare. Our deep-rooted inclination towards Indian crafts and keep authentic Indian artforms alive, enables us to look for ways to blend these artforms into our designs. Our products are unique and loved by our patrons. As far as the modern design trends are concerned, my brother, Kunal, and I travel around the globe and country extensively; we read a lot and observe little things of life which keep us updated with contemporary designs.
We also stay in touch with a circle of young and talented designers who enthusiastically share their insights and learning with us. We also talk to our customers individually and focus on what they truly want. This process guides the perfect balance between traditional and modern design trends. We are soon going to launch some exclusively designed lights after which we would have the correct blend of designs to launch internationally.
As third-generation leaders, what has been your vision for expanding Fos Lighting into international markets, and what challenges have you faced in positioning the brand globally?
Kunal: We are slowly and steadily moving towards global markets and have already shipped our products to different parts of the world. With the Indian craftsmanship getting global acknowledgement in different industries, an authentic Indian brand stands out. We receive orders from European countries and the US, now and then, but now we are working on some exclusive designs and plan to scale Fos Lighting to a more artistic niche globally. There are no big challenges, just the usual logistics while scaling any business. However, for us to project Indian art on a global platform is a responsibility we want to do justice to.
You’ve revived several traditional Indian art forms, such as brass work, marble inlay, and Warli art, by integrating them into your designs. Could you share some insights into this creative process and how these elements have shaped your collections?
Sidharth: I’m an ardent lover of Indian history and ancient history in particular. Also, sketching is close to my heart. Whenever I sit with myself, I try to draw dots in my mind as to how the current design can merge with the ancient art forms. On other occasions, I visit art exhibitions and read history books, I assemble whatever I grasp from them and then incorporate them with contemporary design. Then we work with native artisans and try to blend their materials with technology. As an artist, this is my high – to integrate tradition and technology.
With the lighting industry constantly evolving, how do you stay ahead of trends and continue to innovate while staying true to Fos Lighting’s roots?
Kunal: At Fos Lighting, innovation is our compass, but our heritage is our anchor. We stay ahead by blending emerging technologiesand sustainable design with our foundational commitment to creating something meaningful. Our team continuously explores new materials and design concepts, always asking: How can we enhance the way people experience light? By listening to our customers and staying true to our original vision, we transform cutting-edge possibilities into lighting solutions that are both forward-thinking and deeply authentic.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for Fos Lighting’s future growth, both in terms of design and global expansion, and how do you see the brand evolving in the coming years?
Kunal: At Fos, it is our mission to take Indian artforms to global platforms. Like my brother said, we are working on some exclusive designs and want to launch them at a befitting platform to showcase Indian art and culture. Lights are an integral part of the aesthetics of a space. Once we position our brand at a befitting platform, we can ensure Fos Lighting will get the recognition it deserves.
TheGlitz Verdict
Indeed, this exciting new chapter marks a pivotal moment for Fos Lighting. What began in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk has now blossomed into a global sensation, a brand that symbolizes both heritage and innovation. With its finger firmly on the pulse of global design trends and a deep-rooted respect for tradition, Fos Lighting is poised to become a household name in the world of luxury lighting.
As the brand continues to shine brightly, Sidharth and Kunal have one goal in mind: to ensure that Fos Lighting remains synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship, innovative design, and a deep respect for India’s rich cultural legacy. The world may be their stage now, but their hearts – and their artistry – remain firmly anchored in the vibrant heritage of their homeland.
For those who appreciate art, history, and contemporary luxury in equal measure, Fos Lighting is the brand to watch.