“Movies touch our hearts, and awaken our vision, and change the way we see things. They take us to other places. They open doors and our minds.Movies are memories of our lifetime. We must keep them alive.” - Martin Scorsese
Zindaginama
This six-episode anthology drama series, directed by six different filmmakers, is an intimate exploration of human relationships across various walks of life in today’s India, unfolding through the prism of mental health. Told with a great deal of dramatic and emotional energy, these stories strive to shatter prevailing stigmas and taboos around sensitive matters with accurate medical and anthropological understanding, in turn putting the viewers deep inside the characters' heads and the surroundings that they inhabit.
I was the creative production lead for the show as well as an Assistant Director and Script Supervisor on two of the episodes - Caged and Purple Duniyaa.
You can watch the trailer here.
Watch on Sony LIV.
Yaari Music Video - Ananya Birla
Yaari celebrates friendship like no other. Featuring Ananya Birla and her dog, Spencer, it tells the story of togetherness, the care-free vibes of a road trip and the essence of true friendship.
I was the Chief Assistant Director on this project and was in charge of everything from pre-production to post, as well as coordinating with costumes, extras, calling action on set, and making sure the shoot is carried out smoothly.
I was also in charge of he cover album photoshoot that was done for the soundtrack.
You can watch the film here.
Director: Danny Mamik; Producer: Antimatter Media; DOP: Sujay Pawar; Editor: Hemanshu Rathod
Kya Karein Music Video - Ananya Birla x Ankur Tewari
A peppy fun track that talks about the problems of a heartbreak, Kya Karein is the first collaboration between Ananya Birla and Gully Boy music composer, Ankur Tewari.
I was the Chief Assistant Director for the Bombay schedule with Ankur on this project and was in charge of being in coordinating with Ankur and his manager, as well as coordinating with costumes, calling action on set, and making sure the shoot is carried out smoothly.
View here.
A Crew: Director: Nizar Shad; AD: Benyamin Bhakt; DOP: Matt Perren and Tom Walder; Producer: Maneet Sandhu
B Crew: Director: Danny Mamik; AD: Tanay Salil Shah; DOP: Jay Charola; Producer: Sahaan Hattangadi
Ikai Asai: Digital Ad Film
Ikai Asai is committed to building an integral space for artists, craftsmen and designers to express and experiment in collaboration and evolve a global creative language. They create homeware products and are featured in various magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Grazia, among others.
The brand film that I worked on was to bring the concept of the product (art) from the artisan to the artist, by showing the minute details in the making of the product and how energy is passed on throughout the process.
I was the Chief Assistant Director and Director’s Assistant for the film, which brought together artisans from all across India to bind together their products, which to them is a legacy to be proud of.
You can watch the film here. Other content in the form of reels of the campaign can be viewed here.
Director: Dorith Mous; Producer: Antimatter Media; DOP: Jani Mohd Shaikh; Editor: Vaibhav Parab
Levis Campaign S2 - Levis x Deepika Padukone
A forward-looking collection inspired by Deepika’s signature athleisure-meets-finesse style. Fun, fresh, bright and happy, the second season of this collaboration features elevated dyeing techniques, hybrid silhouettes, and utility elements in a mix of spirit-lifting colors and earthy neutrals.
I was the Second Assistant Director on this project and was in charge of being in coordination with the models and the body double, as well as being at the costume base and coordinating with Deepika’s stylist Shaleena Nathani and her team regarding trials, and the outfits for the ad film.
View here.
Director: Rid Burman, Producer: Raman Singh Chauhan, DOP: Tapan Basu, Editor: Adarsh Menon
Beymaaniyan Music Video - Ananya Birla x IKKA
Beymaniyaan is a song that is a sultry appeal to surrender to our most innate feelings; the feelings which bewilder and surprise our innermost apprehensions. A melodious Hindi pop song with a Spanish flavor, Beymaniyaan is the pull and push between the heart and the mind.
I was the Chief Assistant Director for the second leg of the project, which featured the rapper IKKA. Along with scheduling and interacting with the cast, my job also was to sit with the director throughout the shot breakdown process and make sure the shoot was carried out successfully. I was also responsible for the art and production design on set and had to coordinate with the art director. View Here
Director: Danny Mamik, Producer: AntimatterMedia, DOP: Jay Charola, Editor: Hemanshu Rathod
Kingdom of White: Digital Ad Film
Kingdom of White is an Indian clothing brand that explores and celebrates fashion in the little things of everyday life. They are known for their collection of white shirts, which are inspired from the micro-moments of life. They celebrate colourful stories in white!
I was the Second Assistant Director for the film and also helped with the capturing of the still after the videography was done.
View the film here.
Videography: Hassan, Photography Stills: Rid Burman
Tu Hai Wajah: Music Video
Mihir, a corporate stooge has dreamt that his life would be a certain way. He dreams of the perfect job and the perfect girl. Although his reality is different. On one fine evening, he decides to propose to his girlfriend, and she shoots him down. His dreams get shattered. There are times when he has tough times with all the people in life. But in the end, the one person that stays in his life till the end, is his dog!
This project was a re-vamp of singer-songwriter Piyush Bhisekar’s track, ‘Tu Hai Wajah’, (You’re the Reason).
I was the Chief Assistant Director for this project and along with scheduling and interacting with the cast, my job was to make sure the shoot was carried out successfully, and it was! View Here
Director: Prithvi G.M, Producer: Smera Juneja, DOP: Prithwish Patra, Editor: Simran Alwani
Pata follows the story of a postman who struggles to make ends meet. His coworker gets a promotion, and he does not. To make matters worse, a corporator has decided to take over their settlements and asks for papers that he does not have. He takes revenge on his co-worker only to realize that he had helped him.
The film premiered at several festivals around the world including ‘Lift Off’ (United Kingdom, 2019), ‘Film-ed: International Student Film Festival’ (Dubai, 2019), Kolkata Short International Film Festival, 2019, Goa Short Film Festival, 2019, Delhi International Film Festival, 2019, and Global Shorts, 2019.
The film won several accolades at these festivals including the Best Student Short Film at the Pune Short Film Festival and the Honourable Jury Mention (Student Short Film Category) at the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival, 2019.
I was the Assistant Cameraman for the film and also helped with sorting the rushes for the editor post the day’s shoot.
Director: Armaan Dua, Producer: Malvika Nowlakha, DOP: Bharat Madan, Editor: Panchsheel Gaikwad
Tu Hai Wajah: Music Video
Mihir, a corporate stooge has dreamt that his life would be a certain way. He dreams of the perfect job and the perfect girl. Although his reality is different. On one fine evening, he decides to propose to his girlfriend, and she shoots him down. His dreams get shattered. There are times when he has tough times with all the people in life. But in the end, the one person that stays in his life till the end, is his dog!
This project was a re-vamp of singer-songwriter Piyush Bhisekar’s track, ‘Tu Hai Wajah’, (You’re the Reason).
I was the Chief Assistant Director for this project and along with scheduling and interacting with the cast, my job was to make sure the shoot was carried out successfully, and it was! View Here
Director: Prithvi G.M, Producer: Smera Juneja, DOP: Prithwish Patra, Editor: Simran Alwani
Set in Mumbai, this film tells the story of an old rickshaw wala, and a doctor who deal with similar familial complications very differently and make a statement about the stereotypes and hypocrisy in our society.
The film premiered at several festivals around the country and won several accolades. It was the official selection at the Venice Short Film Festival, 2020, and the 11th Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival, 2021.
It won the Bronze Prize at the Independent Short Awards, Los Angeles, 2020.
I was the Chief Assistant Director for this project and along with scheduling and interacting with the cast, which included prominent actors such as Ganesh Yadav and Paritosh Sand, my job was to ensure the successful completion of the shoot.
Director: Smera Juneja, Producer: Ritika Dwivedi, DOP: Mihika Das, Editor: Altaf Shaikh and Sidhartha Agrawal
‘Mi Jawaabdaar’ Campaign
As part of an internship with Snowball Studios, Mumbai, I worked on the Government of Maharashtra’s ‘Mi Jawaabdaar Campaign.’ The campaign aimed at promoting awareness of wearing masks during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
I worked on a series of 4 short films, which were showcased all over social media and television, by the All India Radio and Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika (BMC) Networking Wing, including the Office of the Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray. You can view the films here. Through the 4 short television info commercials, I could learn a lot as since it was a small crew, I had multiple roles to play.
I was the 2nd Assistant Director (AD) for most of these films, closely working with the director and 1st AD throughout the process. I also helped in Production, Crowd Control, and Procurement of various props and costumes, among other roles that this project enabled me to play.
Director: Mrinalini Thakur, Producer: Raman Singh Chauhan, DOP: Sonu, Editor: Adarsh Menon
Omron: Ad Film
View Reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLGSTqspc44/
Omron is a Japanese electronic company that is in the business of manufacturing and sale of automation components and mechanical parts. However, its primarily known for medical equipment such as thermometers, blood pressure monitors and nebulizers.
As part of an internship with Snowball Studios, I worked on a television commercial, digital campaign and print campaign for the brand Omron. The products that the commercial was about was the Omron Blood Pressure Monitor and the Omron Body Composition Meter.
The ad starred actors Milind Soman and Gul Panag in lead roles.
My role was quite varied as I got to experience different aspects of the filming of television commercials, right from the time of Pre-production, Production, to Post-Production. During Pre-Production, I was actively involved in creating decks, assisting in storyboarding, etc.
During Production, I was a part of the Direction Team as a 2nd 2nd AD. I was responsible for several things on set, such as clearing the set for the actors, working with the actor’s props, and being a stand-in for the reccees. I was also responsible and in-charge of the stand in/body double of actor Gul Panag.
I was also thoroughly involved in the Post-Production Process which included things like colour grade, dubbing, and sound mixing, among other things. You can view the 30-seconder film here.
Director: Keyur Bipinchandra Shah, Producer: Raman Singh Chauhan, Shamz Lalji, DOP: Kaushal Shah
Sexy Beast is an upcoming global unisex brand that deals with a wide range of loungewear clothing from boxers, masks, to socks! This music video was a part of the launch of their India Campaign in 2021.
For this music video, I was the 2nd AD, closely working with the director and 1st AD throughout the process. I also helped in Production, and Procurement of various props and costumes. However, my main role was to talk to the talent and coordinate with them, their hair/makeup, among other roles that this project enabled me to play.
I was also in-charge with the executive producer for the photoshoots of each of the models for the print campaign.
Assisting in this video, enabled me also to see how choreographed sequences are done for advertisements. We had done an extensive 2 day rehearsals with choreographers and the talent.
You can view the 30-seconder film here.
Director: Adarsh Menon, Producer: Raman Singh Chauhan, Gaurav Kulkarni, DOP: Sanket Satam
Screwed: Ad Film
As part of a college assignment, I directed and shot an advertisement for a fictional dating app 'Screwed', entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Screwed was an all-inclusive dating app, catering even to the LGBTQIA+ community and aimed to tie up with OYO Rooms. Ad filmmaking is something that I always wanted to explore and here was my chance!
I scripted it, and was extensively involved in storyboarding, mood boarding, casting, etc. to create an entire docket for the ad film.
Written, Directed and Shot by Yours Truly; View Here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/screwedapp/
Thespo: A Youth Theatre Movement
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespoindia/
Thespo is a Youth Theatre Movement that showcases, trains, collaborates, and celebrates to create a global community of young theatre professionals. Thespo as a festival occurs every year in around the time of December and involves the amalgamation of various talks, workshops and platform performances in the world of theatre.
This year, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Thespo took an all-new online avatar. I was involved in organizing the festival, which was India’s first International Virtual Youth Theatre Festival, right from the screening performances to the Awards ceremony.
I was also involved in creating small animated videos, and graphic designs for their social media. The videos I made were part of the festival and ‘Friends of Thespo’, a crowdfunding initiative, with a thriving community of those who believe in the power of theatre, who want the wonders of the arts to be discovered by those who come after them. You can view them here.
I am currently working on Thespo Audio-torium: One-of-a-kind theatre podcast, now streaming on Spotify and Gaana. Tune in now!
Travel Vlogs
I believe that, to escape the situation you are in, one should always opt for either of the two - one should either travel, or one should go watch a film. But what if one does both?
In 2019, I started making short vlogs and videos of my family travels around the globe. Here, are two Vlogs - Cambodia, Vietnam and Rishikesh.
Cambodia,Vietnam: The ancient temples of Angkor, the old rustle town of Hoi-An and the historical Ho Chinh Minh City, this vlog encapsulates my journey to discover some of the ancient civilizations in the world.
Rishikesh: Ever since the Beatles visited the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late '60s, Rishikesh has been a magnet for spiritual seekers. This vlog encapsulates my journey to the Capital city of Yoga in the world.
Written, Directed and Shot by Yours Truly; View Here
Action Continuity Short Film
Action Continuity or Match-on-Action is a form of continuity editing used in films which matches the character’s action from one shot to another. Action Continuity is very important to be followed while filming anything, and it preserves temporal and spatial continituity when there is a uniform, unrepeated physical motion or change within a passage of time.
For a college assignment, I shot and edited this action continuity film. The film, just a few seconds, shows the action continuity and match-cuts of a girl, filling her bottle and drinking water.
Shot and Edited by Yours Truly!
Film-ateasments
As the name suggests, these are films plus advertisements. Doning my advertising hat, I tried turning famous popular culture films and content into advertisements for brands like QuizUp, Woo, and Camlin.
Film-ateasement:
Koffee With Karan x QuizUp
Film-ateasment:
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai x Woo
Film-ateasment:
Taare Zameen Par x Camlin
Upcoming Projects:
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Kaakdi
Kaakdi is a comedy web series that takes place in the quirky yet charming world of Hillside Cooperative Society. Kaakdi comes from Bombay cricket lingo. The clean sound of the bat hitting the ball for a six – that resembles the fresh sound of a cucumber snapping. “Kya kaakdi maara hai!”
The show follows two young documentary makers filming the society’s cricket league. They become suspicious of the local cricket league being fixed and set on a mission to uncover the truth behind the scandal.
I was the Chief Assistant Director for the project.
Shot in May 2023, the film is now in the post-production phase.Directed by: Sahaan Hattangadi + Danny Mamik. DOP: Yogi Sankotra
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Hesiyatt
Hesiyatt, a short film is an ode to the millions of broken dreams in Mumbai.
Pre-production for this project started in early 2020, however, was stalled due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Production resumed in September 2021 and it is now in the post-production phase.
Written and directed by Yours Truly.
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Bombay Music Video
Bombay is the name of the upcoming song of Ananya Birla, who has collaborated with American rapper G Eazy for the same.
I was the 2nd Assistant Director and Director’s Assistant for the project.
Shot in the second week of August 2022, the film is now in the post-production phase.
Directed by Danny Mamik. DOP: Rangarajan Ramabadran
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Bittu
Bittu, a short film tells the story of gender and trafficking. Being a small production, I was the Director’s Assistant (DA) who also played the role of an Assistant Director (AD).
Production for the film was stalled in June 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Production is yet to resume.
Directed by Pooja Kumar.
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Parachute Advansed Baby Oil TVC
Parachute Advansed Baby Oil is a baby range of oil made with the goodness of Virgin Coconut Oil and has the same nutrients found in a mother’s milk.
Written and Directed by Yours Truly; DOP: Vikram Singh