We were lucky to catch up with Sahej Singh Nandrajog recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sahej Singh, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
The film industry faces numerous external challenges, such as the rise of streaming services impacting movie theaters and the shift toward short-form content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which has reduced audiences’ attention spans and made it harder to engage them with films. However, an even more significant threat to profitability lies in the short-term profit focus of major movie studios. Rather than recognizing the long-term potential of a well-made film, which can generate continuous revenue over time, studios prioritize big opening weekend box office numbers. This leads to investments in fast, time-sensitive products that may lack longevity or lasting cultural impact, ultimately undermining long-term profitability.
Sahej Singh, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a filmmaker, writer, and director from Mumbai, India, with a deep-rooted passion for cinema that has been with me for as long as I can remember. Initially, my love for films began with simply enjoying watching them. However, during my undergraduate years, I started experimenting with filmmaking, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that this was the path I wanted to pursue in life.
After university, I dedicated four years to honing my craft, during which I created two independent feature films: July, 2020 (2021) and Varun! Medha! Varun! (2023), both of which were showcased at various film festivals. This journey further fueled my desire to take my work in a more ambitious direction, prompting me to enroll at the American Film Institute Conservatory. With the knowledge and experience I gain there, I aim to direct Hollywood films in the future.
In terms of my creative process, I find myself more fascinated by people than abstract ideas. I tend to create character-driven stories that explore the intricacies of human relationships, often delving into the theme of love. While romantic love is a central theme in many of my films, I also enjoy portraying love in its many unexpected forms—be it between people or found in the ordinary moments of life. I am drawn to uncovering drama in the mundane, revealing depth and meaning in the seemingly small things.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I graduated from university, many of my classmates also aspired to become filmmakers. Most chose the conventional route in India—assisting on Bollywood film sets with the hope of eventually getting the opportunity to direct their own films. However, I was determined to start my filmmaking journey right away. I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to be a filmmaker. So, I took the biggest risk of my life.
I moved back in with my parents to save money on rent and food. I used the income from my freelance sound mixing work to fund my own films. This decision wasn’t without its challenges. The people who cared about me were understandably concerned for my future. To many, it seemed like I was taking a step backward rather than moving forward. I wasn’t working a full-time job; instead, I was spending my own money to create art, all while facing the societal judgment that comes with living with your parents in your 20s.
This phase of my life lasted nearly three years, but it proved to be incredibly transformative. By the end of it, I had made two feature films—while many of my university peers were still assisting on Bollywood sets, waiting for their chance to make their own films. Looking back, that time spent pursuing my passion, despite the setbacks and doubts, was crucial in shaping who I am as a filmmaker.
I will always view those years as a pivotal and highly instrumental part of my creative journey.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
While I find life to be filled with wonder and beauty, it is also often mundane and repetitive, which can detract from the magic it has to offer. I believe that in order to live a fulfilling life, it’s essential to meet our responsibilities—both to ourselves and others. However, it’s equally important not to lose the spark that allows us to recognize and embrace the mysterious, awe-inspiring moments life has to offer.
Art provides me with that very opportunity. It allows me to dream, to lose myself in imagined worlds and fantastical circumstances, offering an escape from the challenges of everyday life. Through art, I am able to rejuvenate myself, returning to my life with a fresh, more optimistic perspective. I can truly say that making art makes my life feel more alive.
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