We recently had the chance to connect with ABHILASHA FNU and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning ABHILASHA, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is a mix of creativity, caregiving and working across time zones. My mornings often begin early with Google Meet or Zoom calls with collaborators in London, Los Angeles, Texas, Dubai, Hyderabad and Mumbai. As a creative, I’ve learned to adapt to different schedules and work toward deadlines that can’t be moved. After morning work, I make time for the gym to keep myself active and healthy before dedicating the day to caring for my brother, who is recovering from a major injury. Even during his physiotherapy sessions, I stay connected by scheduling meetings, reviewing scripts and managing projects from my phone.
Afternoons give me a brief moment to pause before his second round of therapy, after which I focus on Sudin Productions with production meetings and creative discussions. Late nights are often for learning new skills or working on my digital marketing company, CAN, with my co-founders in Dubai, the UK and India. It hasn’t been a typical year, but I feel grateful to be present for my brother while still moving forward with my creative work. Watching his recovery has strengthened my resilience, sharpened my priorities and given me a deeper sense of purpose in both life and career.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Abhilasha FNU, and filmmaking has taken me across the world. In the past four years, I’ve worked on over 80 productions in roles ranging from producer and creative producer to writer, director, assistant director and script supervisor. I founded Sudin Films with a simple but ambitious idea—to be able to execute a production in any city of any country, from start to finish. That global flexibility is what makes us unique, and it’s a challenge I love. I’m also the co-founder of CAN, a digital media agency built on the same collaborative, cross-border spirit.
My journey began in Los Angeles, where I studied filmmaking at the New York Film Academy and spent three and a half years working in the US industry before returning to India. Now I manage productions that stretch across the US, UK, UAE and India, often jumping between time zones in a single day. What drives me is the thrill of bringing together people, stories and places that might never have crossed paths otherwise—and proving that when it comes to storytelling, the world really is one big set.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I didn’t see myself as resilient. I would get upset easily and sometimes sulk for days over a memory, a place, a person, or an idea I was attached to. Over time, through life experiences and self-reflection, I realized that life is a blessing and the only moment we truly have is the present. Holding on too tightly, whether to something good or bad from the past, only weighs you down.
Now, I process my emotions better, let go more easily, and stay present. As a creator, this has made a huge difference. I focus on the process rather than cling to the original idea, understanding that projects evolve and grow beyond their starting point. This shift has made me more resilient, adaptable, and fully present in both life and work.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to truly listen to the voice inside her head. That voice knows your truth, your instincts, and your potential far better than anyone else—friends, relatives, or even successful people around you. From the day you were born, you’ve known what you’re capable of; it’s time to trust that, follow it, and stop doubting yourself.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the filmmaking industry tells itself is that success is linear or predictable. Many people believe that if you follow the right path, work hard, or know the “formula,” everything will fall into place. The truth is, filmmaking is unpredictable, collaborative, and often messy. Great projects can come from the most unexpected places, and setbacks are inevitable.
Another lie is that creativity can be measured by rigid rules or trends. The industry often rewards what is popular or safe, but the most memorable stories are those that take risks, evolve during the process, and reflect authentic human experience. As someone who works across continents and cultures, I’ve learned that adaptability, persistence, and staying true to your vision are far more important than chasing validation or following a supposed formula for success.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I would build a safe space—a place where people could truly be themselves, share their stories, heal, and create without fear or judgment. As a filmmaker and storyteller, I’ve seen how powerful it is when people feel safe to express their ideas, emotions, and experiences. This space would nurture creativity and collaboration across cultures and generations, allowing stories to flourish and connect people in ways that last far beyond a single project. It would be a legacy of empathy, understanding, and human connection that continues to inspire long after I am gone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sudin.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abhikuku/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhilasha-fnu-9b6a1a21a/
