We recently connected with Sanket Mehare and have shared our conversation below.

Sanket, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Framing Dreams: The Emotional Journey Behind the Camera

Life has a way of steering us toward our true calling, often through paths we least expect. My story began with a diploma in mechanical engineering, but my heart was captivated by something entirely different—photography. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, one that filled my soul with a sense of purpose I had never felt before.
By the time I completed my diploma, I was determined to pursue a bachelor’s degree in photography at Fergusson College, Pune. But as is often the case in middle-class Indian families, my dreams clashed with practicality. My parents, concerned about my future, insisted I continue my engineering studies. Though it was a bitter pill to swallow, I respected their wishes and enrolled in a bachelor’s program at MIT Pune.
Yet, my heart remained restless. Photography wasn’t just a hobby—it was my lifeline.
The First Camera: A Leap of Faith
In the midst of my engineering studies, I learned that Fergusson College offered a part-time evening photography course. It felt like a glimmer of hope. But when I tried to enroll in my first year, the seats were already full. Disappointed but determined, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
To truly dive into photography, I needed a camera—but I didn’t have the money to buy one. My uncle, Swapnil, saw the fire in my eyes and stepped in to help. With his support, I purchased my first camera. I repaid him little by little, saving from my pocket money. That camera wasn’t just a tool; it was a symbol of belief—his belief in me, and mine in my dreams.
Finding Purpose Through Theatre
Pune, a bustling city, was entirely new to me. To connect with others, I joined my college’s theatre group. What began as a casual decision soon turned into a transformative experience. Theatre opened a world of storytelling and collaboration, and I found myself drawn to the magic of production design and backstage creativity.
Through theatre, I discovered that my love for photography was evolving. I wasn’t just interested in capturing still images—I wanted to tell stories through moving frames.

Learning by Doing: A Self-Taught Journey
Weekends became my sanctuary. My friend Shantanu and I would spend countless hours experimenting with camera settings, watching YouTube tutorials, and understanding the interplay of light and shadows. It was during this time that I finally enrolled in Fergusson College’s part-time photography course.
The course deepened my understanding of composition, lighting, and the art of storytelling. It wasn’t just about taking pictures; it was about seeing the world differently. After completing the course, I began freelancing, shooting products and jewelry.
The Turning Point: Discovering Cinematography
One day, I visited the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) to watch a senior’s film screening. That visit was a revelation. Seeing the power of cinema to move, inspire, and transform cemented my desire to become a cinematographer.
Through a friend, Amitabh Bhawar, I joined the camera team for an FTII diploma project in 2017. That experience changed my life. Working alongside talented filmmakers, I realized this was where I belonged. From then on, I assisted on multiple FTII projects while balancing my engineering studies. By the time I graduated in 2019, my path was clear: cinematography was no longer just a dream—it was my destiny.
The Roadblocks and Resilience
I set my sights on FTII, but the journey was fraught with challenges. In 2019, I didn’t make it through the entrance exam. The pandemic delayed exams for two years, and even when I finally cleared the test in 2023, a technicality with my documentation held me back.
Each setback was a blow, but it didn’t break me. Instead, it fueled my determination. I took every opportunity to learn and grow. I studied under A.S. Kanal, an esteemed FTII faculty member, and began assisting renowned cinematographers in Mumbai.
Stepping into My Light
In 2021, I shot my first short film for a friend, Tanmay Jakka. The film’s success in festivals validated my efforts and gave me the confidence to take on more projects as a director of photography. That same year, I worked on another short film, Chewing, and later shot the indie feature Chand Par Basa Suraj, which earned Nominated & Screen at film festivals.
By 2024, I was shooting commercials, documentaries, and sports campaigns. Every project, whether big or small, became a stepping stone in my journey.

A New Chapter in Los Angeles
To deepen my knowledge and hone my craft, I decided to enroll at the New York Film Academy (NYFA) for cinematography. Being here, learning from some of the best in the industry, feels like a dream come true.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
When I think back to the day I told my parents I wanted to pursue photography, their questions still echo in my mind: “What will you do with photography? How will you survive?” Today, I finally have an answer.
This journey has been far from easy, marked by doubts, sacrifices, and countless hurdles. But it has also been filled with moments of joy, discovery, and growth. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know this is just the beginning.
I am deeply grateful to my parents for their support, to my friends for believing in me, and to every mentor who guided me along the way. This path has shaped me into the artist I am today, and I am ready to walk many more miles to achieve my dreams.

Sanket, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey into the world of filmmaking and cinematography began with a simple dream and a camera in hand. After completing a photography course, I gained the confidence to step out into the real world and take on projects that allowed me to explore my passion. Those early days—capturing product shoots and conducting interviews—were the foundation of everything I’ve built since then.

Over time, I had the honor of assisting some incredible Directors of Photography. Each project, each set, and each mentor taught me something new, from the technicalities of lighting to the subtleties of storytelling. Traveling across different states and working on diverse sets, I learned that every frame has its own voice, and every project has its own heartbeat. These experiences shaped not only my skills but also my perspective as a filmmaker.

I’ve worked on a variety of projects: music videos that pulse with energy, web series and feature films that weave intricate narratives, commercials that leave lasting impressions, and documentaries that tell stories of truth. Whether the production was small and intimate or grand and high-budget, I approached each project with the same passion and dedication, because every story deserves to be told with care.

For me, filmmaking is about more than just creating beautiful visuals—it’s about capturing the rawness and reality of life. It’s about showing what’s real, what’s possible, and what’s often unseen. I believe that film has the power to connect us, to inspire us, and to open our eyes to new perspectives.

What sets me apart is my commitment to the craft. Whether I’m working with Sony FX series, RED Digital Cinema, or ARRI cameras, I bring precision, creativity, and a relentless drive to deliver something extraordinary. I take pride in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and creating visuals that leave an impact.

When I reflect on my journey, what fills me with pride isn’t just the projects I’ve worked on, but the relationships I’ve built and the stories I’ve had the privilege to tell. To anyone considering working with me, know that I pour my heart into every frame, every shot, and every story. Together, we can create something meaningful, something unforgettable. Let’s bring your vision to life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the profound power to tell stories that can touch hearts and change perspectives. The thought that my work can reach millions, evoke raw emotions, and spark something deep within someone else keeps me going, even on the toughest days. It’s knowing that through every film, every shot, I’m sharing a piece of my soul, and in return, connecting with others in a way that words alone can’t. This connection, this ability to move and inspire, is what drives me—what makes every challenge and sacrifice worthwhile.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

As a filmmaker, my journey has been deeply influenced by a range of cinematic masters whose work has shaped not just my craft but my thinking about storytelling, management, and entrepreneurship. Watching Indian parallel cinema, especially the Apu Trilogy by Satyajit Ray, opened my eyes to the profound power of storytelling through simple yet powerful visuals. Ray’s ability to capture raw human emotions in a way that transcends time inspired me to approach filmmaking as a way to connect with people, not just to entertain but to move and change them.

Another filmmaker who profoundly impacted me is Chaitanya Tamhane, particularly his film Court. His storytelling style and the way he integrates cinematography into the narrative deeply resonated with me. I found a quote by him that really connected with my philosophy as a filmmaker—“The beauty of the story lies in its simplicity.” His focus on detail, subtlety, and human emotions mirrors my own approach to filmmaking.

When it comes to cinematography, Roger Deakins is someone I constantly look up to. His work is not just technically impressive, but emotionally resonant. His ability to create visual narratives with light and composition has been a major influence on my own approach to the camera.

I also deeply relate to Emmanuel Lubezki’s naturalistic and motivated lighting style. His ability to make light feel like an organic part of the story speaks to my own passion for creating authentic visuals. Through my experiences working on documentaries and budget films, I’ve learned how crucial naturalistic lighting is in creating an immersive atmosphere, where the audience feels like they are part of the scene.

I’ve been equally inspired by Indian DPs like Avinash Arun and Swapnil Sonawane, who excel at using naturalistic lighting to bring authenticity to their work. Watching their films, I realized how lighting could not just illuminate the scene but could also tell a story on its own, enhancing the emotional tone without overpowering it.

All these influences, from Satyajit Ray’s emotional depth to Lubezki’s mastery of light, have shaped my approach to filmmaking, pushing me to think creatively not just in terms of visuals, but in how I manage projects, communicate with collaborators, and stay true to my artistic vision. They’ve taught me that every frame has the power to inspire, and every film is an opportunity to connect with the audience on a deeper level, turning vision into reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sanketmehare.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanket_mehare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanket.mehere.9
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanket-mehare-b45950b2/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanketmehare3646/featured