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— Harnish Ambaliya Growing up in Mumbai ’s slums, the concept of studying abroad, let alone filmmaking in the US, felt like a fantasy. Every day was a battle for survival, and by class 10, I became the family’s breadwinner, juggling odd jobs with my education. My dream was to break free from that harsh reality and build a better future for all of us. This unexpected twist of fate led me to the Hindi film industry. It all began with a series of odd jobs, like working at an internet cafe, electronic shops, and even trying my hand at a PR agency. I was determined to do something big and not settle for less. Soon, I produced, directed, and shot music videos and commercials. By the age of 24, I had become an executive producer at a leading ad firm, where I created award-winning campaigns for major Indian brands such as Hafele International, Future Group – Brand Factory, Fullerton India, Hindustan Times, RR Kabel & UTI Mutual Funds. I worked as an executive at a PR firm while I was in college. This profession was a complete mystery to me at the time, but this firm managed some of India’s most prominent artists, including the legendary Kailash Kher. “Hi, this is Kailash Kher. You start working with me tomorrow.” Back then, I was an 18-year-old young man eager to try everything. I found myself writing press releases, editing interviews, and even assisting in the editing room. My enthusiasm for the creative side must have been evident because my boss noticed my interest in filmmaking and asked if I would be up for filming an interview. Naïve and excited, I readily agreed. Suddenly, there I was, a complete DSLR novice, facing the renowned Kailash Kher. Panic surged through me – I had never even touched a camera. Thinking fast, I excused myself to the restroom, frantically searched online for a crash course on using a DSLR, and raced back to tackle the challenge. That experience sparked something unexpected. Kailash Kher saw a potential in me that I hadn’t realised myself. To my utter astonishment, he called me soon after and said, “Hi, this is Kailash Kher. You start working with me tomorrow.” The next day, I found myself on a plane, flying across the country with him. Upon our return, he offered me a life-changing opportunity to join his creative team and help him build his dream production company, Kailasa Entertainment. For the following four years I went on an incredible journey. I travelled the world, filmed over 50 concerts, and worked on projects that felt more like dreams than reality. Despite my success, a seed of doubt remained in my mind. Filmmaking wasn’t a preconceived path; it had fallen into my lap. And while I found myself finally thriving in this world, a question gnawed at me – was I a true filmmaker? I soon gained a burning passion to solidify my skills and understand this craft on a deeper level. To prove I was worthy to myself and to others, I embarked on a quest to find the world’s best film school – USC’s School of Cinematic Art. Yet, it wasn’t just their prestige that resonated with me, it was their unique approach to traditional student-teacher dynamics. USC fosters a collaborative environment where faculty members become your peers. This prospect of learning from industry veterans in a hands-on environment was incredibly exciting. While I explored other programmes in the US, USC quickly became my first choice. Its faculty interaction and program structure aligned with my aspirations. The initial anxiety about acceptance transformed into genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside some of the best in the industry. The admissions process for USC was completely different from anything I’d ever experienced in India. It was intense, detail-oriented, and took over a year of meticulous preparation. While transcripts and resumes were important, USC wanted to see proof of teamwork and communication skills – both essential for filmmaking. I had to write a “Collaborative Experience Essay” where I discussed a project in which I worked with others. I had to submit a five-minute short film, letters of recommendation, and a 1-page treatment for a feature-length script. But the crown jewel of the application was undoubtedly the Statement of Purpose (SoP). This is where my unique journey from Mumbai’s slums to filmmaking really mattered. It wasn’t just about listing achievements; it was about conveying my burning desire to tell stories through film. I poured my heart out, sharing my story, my filmmaking dreams, and how USC fit into that vision. The financial aspect of studying abroad was a major concern for me. Luckily, USC’s application process allowed me to apply for scholarships along with my programme application. This streamlined the process and offered the possibility of financial aid. I was fortunate to receive the prestigious Hollywood Foreign Press Association Scholarship. It’s a highly competitive scholarship awarded to a few international students each year. My first week at USC was a whirlwind of emotions – a mix of excitement, nerves, and a healthy dose of culture shock. The anticipation had been building for months, and finally being there surrounded by fellow aspiring filmmakers felt so surreal. Thankfully, we students had connected beforehand on a WhatsApp group and decided to meet before the official commencement of the programme. Despite our diverse backgrounds and cultures, we were all united by a common passion – storytelling. Those initial conversations were truly inspiring. In just one day, I heard a lawyer with a decade of experience share their reasons for pursuing filmmaking, met someone with a young child who saw film as a new chapter, and interacted with fresh college graduates eager to dive in. Each person brought a unique perspective, and their stories were all captivating. The sense of belonging struck me immediately. My peers went above and beyond to make me feel truly welcome, which was exactly what I needed after the daunting experience of moving to a new country. Sure, there were challenges – navigating an unfamiliar city and rules, adjusting to new living arrangements, and exploring part-time job options required some effort. But for every hurdle, there was an outstretched hand. A friend readily offered his car when I needed to move apartments, a simple gesture that spoke volumes. There have been countless quiet moments of support too, like the friendly barista at my usual coffee shop. Every morning, her warm smile greets me like sunshine, a familiar face in a new world. I could easily order my coffee through an app, but I cherish the human connection and prefer ordering by standing in line. Sometimes, she treats me to cookies or even pays for my coffee, her act of kindness reminding me of my grandma back home. Over a year, we have fostered a connection that transcends language and culture. It’s these unexpected moments and these small acts of human kindness that make a new place feel like home. One of the most striking differences between life in the US and India is the pace. In the US things seem to move much faster. People juggle busy work schedules Monday through Friday, leaving weekends for socialising and leisure activities. This is a stark contrast to India, where the pace can be more relaxed, and spontaneity often plays a bigger role. This difference in speed has definitely forced me to adapt. Back home, I rarely used a calendar to keep track of things. Here, however, it’s become an essential tool for managing my schedule. From classes to assignments to social outings, planning things in advance seems to be the norm. Even something as simple as grabbing a bite with friends requires more planning in the US. In India, it’s more common to suggest meeting up on a short notice. Here, coordinating schedules and finding a mutually convenient time often involves meticulous planning. Another difference is the level of independence required here. In India, while shooting a film, renting gear often means the equipment and crew will be delivered to your location. Here, the cost of labor is significantly higher, so you’ll find yourself picking up cameras and equipment yourself. This has been an adjustment, but it’s also been an opportunity to become more self-sufficient and resourceful, which are valuable skills for any filmmaker worldwide. (This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics) Deeksha Teri covers education and has worked with the The Hindu (print division), WION and Stonebow Media. She is an alumnus of The University of Lincoln and The University of Delhi. ... Read More None
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