​Born and raised amidst the rich diversity of India, my passion for discovery and storytelling has been a guiding force in my life. My journey into the world of cinematography began quite unexpectedly. One day, while flipping through channels, I stumbled upon a mesmerizing documentary on Antarctica. The stark, breathtaking beauty of this frozen world captivated me instantly, igniting a flame within me that has never dimmed. I realized then that there were countless untold stories and unseen wonders in the world, all waiting to be captured through the lens of a camera.

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As a child, I explored various creative pursuits—music, singing, and art—each a stepping stone in my quest for self-expression. Yet, it was photography that truly captured my heart. Living in a society where conventional career paths were the norm, I often felt trapped, struggling to break through the ceiling wall. In contrast to my constrained reality, my photography became a powerful medium for expressing not who I was at that moment, but the freedom I aspired to have one day. Each image I captured spoke of my dreams and aspirations, encapsulating the ethereal beauty of nature and the profound sense of liberation it represented.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for deeper storytelling, I transitioned into filmmaking. I poured my heart into three films in India, wearing multiple hats as director, screenwriter, and cinematographer. These projects garnered 11 selections and 12 wins at international film festivals, including BISFF, India’s only Oscar-qualifying festival, affirming my dedication and craft.

In my culture, people tend to be very sensitive and often keep their emotions closely guarded. Throughout my upbringing, I found myself frequently guessing what people truly felt, as they often conveyed their emotions in a very reserved manner. They would mask their true feelings to avoid hurting those around them. Growing up in such a diverse and emotionally complex community, I developed a keen ability to read people and their emotions. This soft skill has become invaluable to me, and it's why I find immense thrill in unraveling the layers of complex characters. Hence I draw huge inspiration from human psychology, and I am most excited by the challenge of understanding complex characters. I am fascinated by how individuals respond to unexpected turns in their lives, making them question themselves and their existence. This passion for delving into the human psyche fuels my love for psychological thrillers and horror films. The process of cracking these characters is what excites me the most in pre-production. For me, pre-production is an exhilarating journey of discovery, both of the characters I create and of myself.

To excel in my craft, I spend considerable time observing and absorbing the world around me. I often sit quietly, watching people, or engage with them to observe their reactions, later processing and absorbing my insights. This practice enhances my ability to create authentic and relatable characters.

The next chapter of my journey took me to the United States, where I pursued an MS in Television at Boston University. There, I served as the Director of Photography for the 27th season of Shadows, BUTV’s longest-running show. My work earned an Honorable Mention at the NATAS Student Production Award in the Photographer’s category. I also directed ‘The Musician,’ the second episode of Shadows’ 28th Season, further honing my storytelling skills.

In my quest to further my career, I moved to Los Angeles and immersed myself in the world of film development as an intern at Walden Media. For someone born in a society where pursuing a career as an artist was rather unconventional, moving to Los Angeles felt like coming alive. Being surrounded by people who are equally passionate about making a difference with their voice and creative vision felt like finding a safe space to thrive. Here, I scouted for potential film and television productions, broadening my horizons and sharpening my eye for compelling narratives.

Currently, I am a cinematography fellow at the prestigious American Film Institute, dedicated to perfecting my craft and exploring new horizons of visual storytelling. Based in Los Angeles, I am driven by an insatiable curiosity and a fervent desire to tell stories that captivate and inspire. At AFI, I continue to make films—four and counting. Every day I get to make films, I realize more and more how I am living my dream.

From the bustling streets of India to the creative heart of Hollywood, I continue to pursue my passion for cinematography with unwavering determination. Through the lens of my camera, I strive to bring stories to life, one frame at a time, capturing the vastness of our world and the emotional intimacy of our shared human experience.