We were lucky to catch up with Siddhesh Pandey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Siddhesh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

A very relatable question for me, Risks are an inseparable part of our lives even if it’s informed or comes to you as a surprise, the word ‘Risk’ just brings the sense of fear and caution to me. As a Director and Photographer originating from India I had a life changing experience during the covid times in 2020 when I started documenting the people representing a large group around the world who wake up and choose to work in anonymous risks in their job for daily survival.
With a 6 people crew we lived in deprived parts of Mumbai and captured Dead Body Collectors, Red Light area Workers, Sewage Cleaners and Ambulance drivers etc who were surviving and putting their lives at risk even before the pandemic existed.
It’s a feature length documentary titled, ‘Risk Takers’ which showcase their harsh realities but also leaves the audience with a message to make peace with what we have achieved and respecting human life. This cherished project is in the works to be released this year and run for film festivals around the globe.

Siddhesh, 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?

I’m Siddhesh Pandey a freelance Director, Photographer and Writer currently living in Los Angeles, California. It’s out of pure dedication and will to build my career in the film and photo industry as it’s been a part of my childhood. As a Director & Writer I pave my way from ideating a story to having it completed in any visual media form be it Film, TV show and Commercial. For cliental work I indulge with Music artists, agencies and creatives to build a project around their requirements and bring something innovative by the end. none other than

As a Professional Photographer I’ve built my portfolio around my likings of Street Photography, Commercial and Fashion Photography both on analog and digital mediums. I’ve had the chance to work for Harper’s Bazaar Turkey,
New York Fashion Week and the Singer Sonu Nigam and I’m grateful for these opportunities and the one’s coming my way in the future.

How did you build your audience on social media?

The only thing I belief regarding social media and building a presence is to being active frequently and post whatever you feel is good for you. Choosing algorithms and trending Reels to create something based off of is just following a dead end. Get inspired and know your market from social media but be yourself and different.

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

I would say for any creative, the day your work is appreciated and you’re pushed to move ahead by anyone be it your family, friends or from the industry is the most rewarding aspect. The day an artist completely believes their true soul purpose is to create over money or fame, thats when an artist is rewarded with their true capabilities.        

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddheshpandeyy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddhesh-pandey-a01a6a218/

Image Credits
All Images by Siddhesh Pandey