Creator of a start-up, D.O.P. for an international music album, and now the director of a silent short film… all these are not the profile description of an average 20-year-old. Then again, Kanishk Dhupad is not an average young man. The Media Studies student from Christ University has a passion, a goal, and a game plan.
Kanishk decided to go official with his skill set last year when he created his label, Dhupad Creatives. He has also worked on a series of varied projects, which include video coverage for Ebay India, two TEDx Talks and conducting a basic photography workshop. “Photography and videography started out as a passion. I used to freelance for small parties and cover events for people I knew,” says Kanishk. “Soon, news of my work spread through word-of-mouth and even social media to an extent, and I began getting bigger and more upscale events to cover, including from the corporate world. That is when I realised my work was snowballing into something major”.
He explains the need for a label.
“I was ambitious and decided it was time to get professional, get records, and do this under a name. We’ve all got to go pro someday, right?”
The latest feather in his cap is his first short film, Trivial Matters. The silent, heart-warming 11-minute film explores the relationship between a man and his mother with music and expressions.
What started out as a thought and an ensuing conversation between him and his friend, a fellow Christ University student, John Thuppayath, resulted in Trivial Matters .
John explains that they deliberately chose to make a silent film because, “A film is not something you can analyse. It’s an art form to be felt. You’re essentially sharpening the view of the audience, and when it’s silent and there’s just music, it’s not quantifiable. There’s just feeling”.
Kanishk agrees, and adds: “Everyone can do something commercial and fancy, but it’s important to use the art form for simple and subtle stories as well, which is difficult.”
John pitches in, “You’re in the middle of an intense, emotional scene, and Kanishk would suddenly yell ‘cut!’ You need time to regain your flow all over again. But, when you see the final product, all the frustration makes sense, believe me. It is a beautiful feeling.”
Kanishk does not want to stop at this, but has big dreams.
“I’m looking to start a production team of dancers, actors, singers and other performers. My aim is to tap raw talent that’s not given a chance in the spotlight. I feel everyone deserves a chance.”
One foot still in college and the other in showbiz, Kanishk sure seems to be heading on in the right direction.
The film is available on YouTube.
