Veteran journalist Vandana Kalra has been awarded the NDTV Masterstroke Art Award for Writer of the Year, recognising her outstanding contribution to art journalism over more than two decades. A senior voice at The Indian Express, Kalra has played a pivotal role in shaping how India reads and understands art. Through insightful reporting, in-depth profiles and thoughtful critique, she has chronicled the journeys of artists, the growth of cultural institutions and the changing dynamics of India’s art world. Accepting the award, Kalra thanked her organisation for supporting serious culture journalism and praised NDTV for creating a dedicated category for art writers, something rarely seen on national platforms. She credited artists for trusting her with their stories and acknowledged readers for engaging deeply with art through her work.