We were lucky to catch up with Anubhav Kaushish recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anubhav thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

When I completed my undergraduate degree in Animation, I had a choice either to take a traditional 9-to-5 job or pursue a path that truly excited me. The idea of a structured routine—waking up at 7:30 AM, rushing through breakfast, battling traffic, spending eight to ten hours in an office, coming home, eating dinner, and repeating the cycle never appealed to me. I knew that wasn’t the life I wanted.

Since the very beginning, I’ve been deeply curious about the magic behind filmmaking. I wanted to understand the entire process, who the real people are behind the scenes, how they bring stories to life, and what it truly takes to create something that moves audiences. That passion drove me to choose creativity over routine, even when stability was an option.

Of course, like anyone, I’ve had moments of doubt—times when challenges felt overwhelming, and the thought of an easier, more predictable path crossed my mind. But I’ve always believed that these moments are the universe’s way of testing our patience and commitment. It’s in those times that we have to hold on to our passion, remind ourselves why we started, and push forward.

For me, every challenge, every late night spent creating, and every lesson learned along the way is a reminder that I chose the right path. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Film—a four-letter word that has filled 25 years of my life with color and purpose. My
name is Anubhav Kaushish, and I was born in a middle-class joint family in
Chandigarh, India. Growing up without any filmmakers in my family, dreaming of
ruling the film industry might have seemed far-fetched. But I’ve always believed in
the magic of manifestations, and for me, that dream has always been making films.
At the age of twelve, I held my father’s DSLR for the first time, captivated by the
flickering glow of movie nights. While other kids were lost in cartoons and toys, I was
fascinated by the “how” of films—the behind-the-scenes process, spotting mistakes,
and decoding camera techniques. That fascination set my path. I completed my
Bachelor’s degree in Animation then interned as an assistant editor for a year. Simultaneously I reached out to many directors and luckily one director noticed my passion for films and let me into his next production as his assistant. After that I worked as an assistant director for 2.5 years, gaining hands-on experience in India.
This journey prepared me to take the next big step: moving to Los Angeles.
I earned my Master’s degree in Film and Media Production from the New York Film
Academy and immediately immersed myself in student productions. I worked
passionately across departments, gaining connections and insights into every role.
That’s when I discovered my true passion: Cinematography. Over the years, I’ve
worked on more than 20 productions as part of the G&E, Gaffer, and DP teams.
Recently, I had the privilege of being the Director of Photography for a 15-minute
action short film. It was an exhilarating experience, collaborating with a stunt
coordinator for the first time. One of our shoot days required extensive handheld
work and use of an easy Rig, keeping me active and energized throughout. Leading
the crew during that project, improvising camera movements, and ensuring seamless
action shots reaffirmed my love for this craft. When the stunt coordinator—a
seasoned professional—praised my work and asked for my contact for future
collaborations, it was a moment of immense pride and validation.
Due to that production, I got many opportunities to work as a DP on different productions. Some of them are thesis films, some are indie semi-features, shorts, and music videos.
For me, filmmaking isn’t just a profession; it’s my way of life. I see the world as a
canvas, and every frame I capture is an opportunity to tell a story. With a camera in
hand and an insatiable curiosity, I’m eager to bring stories to life—one frame at a
time

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deep desire to tell stories that move people. Stories have the power to make us feel, think, and connect in ways nothing else can. Whether it’s through film, animation, or any form of art, my goal is to create something that lingers in people’s hearts long after they’ve experienced it.

Moreover, I want my work to mean something—to inspire, to evoke emotions, and to leave a mark. It’s not just about creating; it’s about making an impact, however small, in the lives of those who see my work.

But beyond that, my biggest motivation is my family. They have done so much for me—more than I could ever repay. I know I can never truly give back everything they’ve given me, but if I can create something beautiful, something they can be proud of, that will be my small gift to them.

At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to make my family proud and to bring meaningful stories to life and to make people feel something real

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had started working as a cinematographer earlier and researched cinematography more in-depth. If I had, I might have been further along in my journey by now. But at the same time, I’m grateful for the path I took—exploring different fields in the industry has given me a broader perspective and made me a more well-rounded creative.

I’ve realized there’s no such thing as ‘too late’ or ‘too early.’ The best time to start is always now, and what matters most is staying focused and moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anubhav7k/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anubhavkaushish/