New Delhi, Oct. 25 -- "What do you think?" asks Vikram Goyal, one of India's leading product designers, showing me his latest work on an iPad. We are in his study at his home in a quiet south Delhi neighbourhood, surrounded by family photos, an M.F. Husain painting, framed sketches picked up from his travels, furniture upholstered with ceremonial textiles made for the Bhutanese royal family, and books on design, economics and history.

On the iPad screen is Karabha, a baby elephant sitting at ease with a playful glint in its eyes-a three-dimensional sculpture made in brass, a metal that's become synonymous with Goyal's work, which includes furniture, lighting and design objects. Three slides later is the twist: Karabha's butt has a secret...