Daily Inspiration: Meet Harnish Ambaliya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Harnish Ambaliya.

Hi Harnish, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
Never in my teenage years did I imagine I’d be making films. Growing up in the slums of Mumbai, even the concept seemed out of reach. My parents had always prioritized education, sending us to a school where I witnessed a different world – kids from apartments and high rises. This contrast fueled a desire to break free from our circumstances. 

By 10th grade, I was doing all sorts of odd jobs – from working at cyber cafes to electronics shops – all to support my family’s dream of escaping poverty. Pursuing a career in engineering seemed like the fastest path, so I enrolled in college to get a degree. However, a gap year after my first year changed everything. 

To afford returning to school, I landed a job at a PR firm, completely unaware of what PR even meant. This job opened doors to a new world, and it was there that I held a camera for the first time. My boss asked me to shoot an interview of a legendary singer Padma Shree Kailash Kher. I hardly knew how to use the camera, and I panicked sitting in front of such a big singer. I excused myself to the restroom to google how to use a DSLR. Now ready to take on the challenge, I shot the interview. While it wasn’t perfect, Kailash Kher saw something in me. He offered me a life-changing opportunity to join his creative team at Kailasa Entertainment. At 18, I found myself traveling the world with him, filming over 50 concerts. It was an incredible learning experience, immersing me in every aspect of filmmaking, from camera operation and directing to producing. I had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Shaan, Hard Kaur, Abhijeet Sawant, and upcoming artists like Sreekant Krishnamurthy, Thomson Andrews, and Rachit Agrawal. 

Four years later, my skills caught the attention of Ideatlabs, one of the first digital marketing agencies in India. They offered me the role of Executive Producer, heading their production vertical, Vertuals. During my 3 years there, I produced and directed award-winning ad campaigns for major Indian brands, including Hafele International, Future Group – Brand Factory, Fullerton India, Hindustan Times, and RR Kabel & UTI Mutual Fund. 

Despite these incredible experiences, a seed of doubt lingered. Filmmaking wasn’t a path I had consciously chosen. It had come to me unexpectedly. To solidify my passion and refine my skills, I decided to pursue formal education at the best film school I could find. Research led me to USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. If such a prestigious program accepted me, I thought, then maybe filmmaking truly was my calling. I applied, got in, and even received the prestigious Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) student Grant’s 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has definitely been anything but smooth sailing. Every day is a masterclass, a constant push to learn and grow. I can’t deny the incredible launchpad that working with Kailash Kher provided. But that amazing experience came with a hefty dose of responsibility and pressure. This industry’s a funny one – success on a project doesn’t guarantee the next. Each one demands you prove yourself anew, with no room for error. Building a reputation as a filmmaker is a marathon, while a single project can crack the foundation you’ve built. The ups and downs are relentless, no matter where you are in your career. 

The truth is self-doubt can be a constant companion too. Even getting into USC, I naively thought I’d ‘arrived’ as a filmmaker. In reality, my anxiety skyrocketed here at first. Surrounded by such an insanely talented pool of filmmakers, each with their own captivating stories, I felt like a minnow in an ocean. But that’s where the magic happens – this incredible community at USC. We all share that initial self-doubt, that imposter syndrome. But the beauty lies within the support system we build for one another. The wider filmmaking community is vast, and the stories we yearn to tell are what keep us pushing forward together. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While back home, I started as a producer/director. It was a valuable experience, but I always found myself happy around cameras and lights. My connection with the visual storytelling process is what brought me to USC – to truly master the craft of cinematography. It’s the camera and lights that bring me the most creative joy. I love experimenting with lighting, painting the canvas through lights, and capturing moments for directors.” 

“In my short but impactful three years at USC, I’ve been fortunate enough to work on some truly unique projects as a cinematographer. A highlight was shooting the first-ever multi-camera sitcom thesis called “Failure to Launch.” Another incredible opportunity was being the cinematographer for a thesis film shot on 35mm film called “Dead Pet Shark”; a project that received a prestigious Panavision New Filmmaker Grant. These experiences have been invaluable in honing my skills and pushing my creative boundaries. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about LA? It’s all about the people. I’ve built some incredible friendships here, a network of folks who are always there to support each other. Sure, this city can be overwhelming at times. Being the heart of the entertainment industry, it has a certain intensity. But those down moments are what make such strong friendships even more valuable. We lift each other up and keep moving forward. 

Beyond the bonds I’ve made, there’s the incredible natural beauty of this city. The combination of stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and sprawling deserts, all within easy reach, is mind-blowing. One day I can be hiking with views overlooking the city, and the next, I can be catching waves at the beach. With the sun shining all year round, the access to nature is a true gift of LA living. 

Contact Info:

• Website: harnishambaliya.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/harnishambaliya
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/harnishambaliya/
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/harnishambaliya/
• Other: http://imdb.com/name/nm11018704/

Image Credits
Karim-Eldin
El-Alfy
Leilani Wetherell