Today we’d like to introduce you to Akash Pandit.
Hi Akash, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It’s funny how life has its own script. Mine began in the world of medicine but found its soul in the language of cinema.
I started out preparing for the medical college entrance exams. I was deeply committed to becoming a doctor—even to the extent of taking a gap year just to give it my all. But somewhere in the middle of that journey, a realisation quietly crept in. I wasn’t just solving equations or memorising formulas, I was dreaming in visuals. I had always been a creative person, even during high school, where I had a natural eye for photography. Still, I never imagined it could be more than a hobby.
When my entrance exam results came in, they weren’t strong enough to get into the college I wanted. Sure, I could’ve taken admission into dental school, but my heart wasn’t in it. So I took another gap year, not to reattempt, but to figure out who I really was and what I truly wanted. That year changed everything.
During that time, I started visiting film sets with my father, who works as an art director in the film industry. Watching the world behind the camera, the massive lighting setups, the intricate camera movements, and the captured image, I was completely mesmerised. I realised then cinema is a language of visuals, and I’ve been fluent in it all along without knowing it. I fell in love with cinematography because it was the perfect blend of storytelling and visual art.
With all my heart, I told my parents that I wanted to pursue a career in cinematography. It wasn’t easy to take a complete U-turn from medicine, but the support I received from my family, especially my mom and dad, was everything. They believed in me before I believed in myself, and that gave me the courage to start from scratch and commit to this path with everything I had.
I went on to pursue my Bachelor’s in Filmmaking because I strongly believe that to become a powerful storyteller, one must understand the language of cinema from all angles. During those three years, I won a few awards that further validated my choice and boosted my confidence. But my focus was always clear: cinematography.
Eventually, I realised that my thirst for knowledge and mastery was far from over. I wanted to learn the craft at the highest level, master every tool, every technique, and every nuance of visual storytelling. That’s what brought me here, still learning, still growing, and still chasing that perfect frame.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Making a complete switch in career direction is never easy, especially when you’re at a stage in life where most people are settling into their chosen paths. I had to start from scratch, and that meant embracing a lot of uncertainty. Walking away from something as structured as a medical career into the fluid, unpredictable world of filmmaking required a mental shift. And that wasn’t instant; it came with self-doubt and internal questioning.
There were moments when I struggled to trust the process. Learning the technical and artistic language of cinematography wasn’t something I could master overnight. What kept me grounded through all of that was my passion. I genuinely love this craft, every part of it. From lighting to framing, from visualising emotion to transforming a script into images, the process excites me endlessly. That love for the work itself helped me power through the difficulties.
Even now, the road isn’t easy. But I’ve learned to embrace that
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Director of Photography, and my role is to shape the visual story of a project. I shoot commercials, music videos, and narrative films, always focusing on how light, composition, and camera movement can bring emotion and depth to the story. For me, it’s not just about making things look good, it’s about making them feel honest and connected to the characters and world.
I also spend time doing street photography. It’s something I truly enjoy because it keeps my eyes sharp and helps me observe life in its rawest form. That practice strengthens my ability to find stories in small moments and trust my instincts behind the camera.
What sets me apart isn’t one specific look or technique; it’s the way I approach every project with care, curiosity, and a deep emotional connection to the craft. I’m always trying to grow, not just in terms of skill, but in how I see and respond to the world around me.
How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about working on big sets or getting recognition. It’s about growing, both as a cinematographer and as a person. If I’m getting better at telling stories through images and staying honest with the work, that’s what really matters.
I want to create visuals that connect with people, something they feel. I don’t need them to remember my name. If they remember the film, or they talk about a frame I shot that stayed with them, that’s success to me.
And more than anything, I want to make my mom and dad proud. They’ve always supported me, and every time I step forward in my career, I feel like I’m giving something back to them. As long as I’m learning, creating, and staying passionate, I know I’m on the right path.
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