You can opt for the frame work of solid wood or waterproof plywood , polish it , can install lights at cross section , I don't know about the size and shape of your room . This way you can have ceiling fan also at the location you want . Easy and simple solution. will look elegant as well

@ Studio Not a big fan of false ceilings either. I am going for this purely for insulation purposes. The searing heat of hyderabad summers renders the long living space unusable. The vendor tells me thermocol filling will take care of this. Googled for this and learnt that the temp drop can be upto 5 degs. Exposed concrete painted dark is totally my thing but the ceiling is plastered anyways... Does saint gobain do the channels as well? Any tips for me to supervise this and ensure the guy is doing a quality job? Thanks,

Tajinder they are different products and are use based on the areas. You may find houses with complete gypsum false ceiling but not many with end to end Vox false ceiling. VFC is limited to certain areas based on design.

Shailesh, Although it is NOT a recommended thing to do but should you install a gympsum board under a water exposed area - Please ensure that 1- The cement board slope is tested for leakages and painted with waterproof lining. 2- Use only Gyproc Glassroc H board for false ceiling 3 - It will be better to use Water proof Grid Ceiling than a regular ceiling for future maintenance and repairs. As there are many finer details, please get it done under supervision of a trained professional. Thanks, Nitin