We recently connected with Shreya Thosar and have shared our conversation below.
Shreya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
An artistic career offers the freedom to tell stories, provoke thought, and inspire others.However, the road to success in the arts is rarely smooth. It requires persistence in the face of rejection, financial instability, and self-doubt. Building a portfolio, networking, and marketing oneself are essential skills in today’s competitive and interconnected world. Many artists juggle multiple jobs or collaborate with others to sustain their careers. This adaptability, however, fosters resilience and often leads to unexpected opportunities.
Pursuing an artistic career is also deeply fulfilling. The process of creating something from nothing, seeing it resonate with an audience, and knowing it has touched someone’s life is incomparable. The satisfaction of transforming passion into a livelihood outweighs the challenges along the way.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Shreya Thosar is an independent filmmaker whose journey reflects a profound commitment to the world of cinema. Driven by an artistic calling, she made the bold move to Los Angeles to pursue her master’s degree in Films, immersing herself in the vibrant heart of the entertainment industry. A born Director and Diva, Shreya approaches filmmaking as both an art and a calling, blending creativity with a passion for storytelling. Her work is a testament to her dedication to crafting meaningful narratives and pushing the boundaries of visual expression.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The Chameleon’s Lesson
Shreya Thosar found herself in the bustling, chaotic world of filmmaking in Mumbai, working as a third assistant director under a well-known production company. It wasn’t long before she realized her role was little more than symbolic. On set, there were only three women: the actress, the makeup artist, and Shreya. Her presence felt like an afterthought, perhaps only meant to make the actress feel more at ease. The responsibilities she had hoped for, the creative spark she sought, were absent.
One day, Shreya reached her breaking point. Frustrated and determined, she approached the male director during a break. “I don’t want to do this anymore,” she said firmly. Surprised, the director asked, “What is it you want to do?” Shreya didn’t hesitate. “I want to do what you do.”
Her words were met with anger. The director, perhaps feeling threatened or dismissive of her ambition, fired her on the spot. Shreya didn’t argue. She picked up her bag, her pride still intact, and walked away.
The shoot was in a remote jungle, and Shreya had to make her way back to the city alone. As she trudged through the wilderness, her mind was heavy with doubt and determination. Along the way, she stopped suddenly, her eyes caught by a small, vibrant chameleon perched on a rock. She watched as the creature slowly changed its color, blending seamlessly into its surroundings.
For a moment, Shreya stood transfixed. The chameleon’s transformation sparked a realization: if she wanted to achieve her dreams, she couldn’t simply adapt to her environment like the creature before her. To truly stand out, to become the filmmaker she aspired to be, she needed to stand apart from her surroundings. It was a lesson in visibility, courage, and self-definition.
The road to success, she knew, wouldn’t be easy. It would be risky, filled with uncharted paths and challenges. But Shreya Thosar was ready. That moment in the jungle became her turning point, a quiet but profound vow to herself. She wouldn’t just blend in—she would make her mark. From that day forward, every step she took was toward creating her own story, one where she called the shots and forged her path with the unwavering resolve of someone who knew her worth.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Let me tell you my story –
The Colors of Creation
Shreya’s life moved in muted tones, not even stark enough to be black and white—just endless shades of gray. Each day she walked the same road, passing the same people. Some laughed, some cried, but she kept her face impassive, untouched by the emotions around her. Her world felt like a film stuck in an eternal loop, devoid of meaning or vibrancy.
One afternoon, as she walked her usual path, something unusual caught her eye. Amid the dull surroundings stood a bright, colorful hoarding—a burst of orange and blue proclaiming the name of an old theatre. Its vibrancy stopped her in her tracks. Without thinking, she crossed the street and stepped inside.
The theatre was empty, its seats cloaked in dust, the air heavy with silence. Suddenly, a spotlight flickered on, its beam landing squarely on Shreya. She froze, bathed in its warm glow. It was the first time in what felt like ages that she saw color—not just in the theatre, but in herself.
As her eyes adjusted, she noticed something curious on the stage. Miniature human figures, a dollhouse, and scattered props were arranged haphazardly. Shreya climbed onto the stage, drawn to them. Her hands instinctively began to move, arranging the miniatures and props, creating a world that felt alive. She adjusted the dollhouse, fixed the light, and positioned the figures.
When everything was in place, she stood back and whispered, “Action.”
To her astonishment, the miniatures came to life. They moved, danced, and spoke, telling a story that flowed from her mind as naturally as breathing. The gray world she had left behind disappeared, replaced by the vibrant colors of her imagination brought to life on that tiny stage.
Shreya sat in the front row, watching the story unfold. For the first time in her life, she felt alive—not merely existing but creating. A tear slipped down her cheek, a mix of relief and pure joy. The satisfaction of seeing her vision come alive filled her heart with purpose.
In that empty theatre, Shreya discovered her power. She wasn’t just a passerby in a gray world—she was an artist, a storyteller, capable of bringing color to the dullest of landscapes. And from that day on, her life was no longer shades of gray; it was a canvas she painted with every story she told.
