Inspiring Conversations with Ayushi Khurana of Sinema Inc

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayushi Khurana

Hi Ayushi , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been anything but linear, and looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I started out on a completely different path, studying law in India and even working towards becoming a criminal lawyer. At the time, I thought that was my purpose, partly because it felt like the “right” thing to do and partly because I admired the sharp, confident lawyers I saw in shows like Suits. But somewhere along the way, I realized that the courtroom didn’t ignite the fire in me that I was looking for.

It was during my college theater days that I felt a spark—being part of storytelling, even in the smallest capacity, felt fulfilling. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the start of my love affair with filmmaking. After graduating, I took a leap of faith and shifted my focus entirely. It wasn’t easy to start over, especially in an industry where rejection and uncertainty are constants. But step by step, I learned to navigate the world of film, first through theater and then by studying filmmaking in Los Angeles, where the heart of the industry beats the loudest.

Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say I co-founded Sinema Inc. with my partner, Hritik Mehta. Sinema Inc. is a production company that stands for collaboration, creativity, and passion. We specialize in everything from short films and features to commercials and music videos, all crafted with the belief that storytelling is a team effort. One of our core values is respecting and incorporating the ideas of every team member, knowing that great films aren’t made by individuals—they’re built by a collective of passionate minds.

One project close to my heart is Jalebi, a short film that explores cultural and generational clashes through the story of Anya, a successful lawyer navigating family expectations and personal happiness. It’s a deeply personal story, inspired by my own experiences, and creating it has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Sinema Inc. is a space where we push creative boundaries, support new voices, and craft stories that stay with people long after the credits roll. From exploring human connections in films to finding innovative ways to make something as ordinary as a dentist commercial shine, every project is a chance to grow and tell stories that resonate.

If you’d told me eight years ago that I’d be running a production company in Los Angeles, I would’ve laughed and ignored it. But life has a funny way of surprising you when you follow your instincts. The road wasn’t easy—filled with its fair share of late nights, setbacks, and self-doubt—but every step has been worth it. Now, I’m chasing the stories I want to tell, collaborating with incredible people, and building something that feels bigger than myself. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been far from a smooth road, and honestly, I think the bumps and twists are what make the journey worthwhile. One of the biggest challenges I faced was convincing my family—especially my parents—that I wanted to switch career paths. Coming from a traditional Indian household, the idea of leaving behind a stable career in law to pursue filmmaking was met with a lot of resistance. It didn’t help that, as a woman, there was already a preconceived notion that I might not have the grit or capability to thrive in an industry as cutthroat as filmmaking. At times, it felt like I was fighting not just societal expectations but also this idea that I was someone who didn’t “look” like she belonged in this space.

Then came the financial and emotional hurdles. Starting over in a new field, especially one as expensive and unpredictable as filmmaking, was daunting. I moved to Los Angeles with more dreams than money and had to juggle multiple jobs to make ends meet while I studied and honed my craft. Rejection became a regular visitor; pitching ideas and not hearing back, applying for opportunities only to be overlooked—it was disheartening at times.

Another challenge was finding my own voice in an industry brimming with talent. There’s always this pressure to prove yourself, to justify why you’re here. Early on, I felt like an imposter, questioning whether my work was good enough or if I even deserved a seat at the table. Over time, I learned to embrace my unique perspective and realized that my stories, rooted in my experiences, were just as valid and worthy as anyone else’s.

Even starting Sinema Inc. came with its own share of growing pains. From building a team that shared our vision to navigating the business side of running a production company, every day brought a new challenge. But I was determined to push through because I knew this was my path.

Through it all, the key has been perseverance. The road hasn’t been easy, but every struggle has taught me something invaluable. It’s made me more resilient, more adaptable, and more confident in my ability to chase my dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem. And looking back, I wouldn’t trade the challenges for anything—they’ve shaped who I am today and the stories I’m excited to tell tomorrow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sinema Inc. is more than just a production company—it’s a creative playground where storytelling comes to life. Founded in the heart of Los Angeles, we specialize in crafting captivating narratives through short films, feature films, commercials, and music videos. What sets us apart is our approach: we believe in the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when diverse voices come together to create something extraordinary.

What truly makes us unique is our commitment to storytelling that resonates. We’re not just about creating pretty visuals; we aim to craft stories that linger, make you think, and maybe even make you laugh or cry. Whether it’s a quirky, memorable dentist commercial (yes, we can make oral hygiene cinematic!) or an impactful brand video, our work is fueled by passion and purpose.

At Sinema Inc., we’re known for valuing the input of every creative we work with. Filmmaking, to us, is like growing a garden. The story is the seed, but the collaboration, creativity, and hard work of the entire team are the sunlight, water, and soil that help it bloom. We don’t just encourage fresh ideas—we thrive on them, making sure every project is a collective effort.

What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the heart we bring to everything we do. Sinema Inc. isn’t just about delivering a final product; it’s about creating experiences—for the audience and for the people behind the camera. Every film, commercial, or video we produce is a labor of love, built with the belief that great stories come from a place of authenticity and connection.

To anyone reading this, here’s what I want you to know about Sinema Inc.: we’re a team of passionate dreamers and doers ready to tackle any project with creativity and dedication. Whether you’re looking to create a powerful narrative, a viral ad, or a cinematic masterpiece, we’re here to bring your vision to life. Let’s tell stories that matter—stories that leave a mark.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is the ability to create something that resonates—to take a thought, a feeling, or a story and shape it into a piece of art that might just touch someone, even if only for a moment. Creation, for me, is not just about expressing myself; it’s about building a bridge between my imagination and someone else’s reality.

I love the idea that something I make—a scene, a story, or even a single frame—could bring a little joy to someone having a rough day or make them forget their worries, even briefly. Knowing that my work could make someone smile, laugh, or feel understood is what keeps me going. It’s like sending a little message out into the universe, hoping it lands where it’s needed most.

Filmmaking isn’t just about entertaining; it’s about connecting. Whether it’s through a heartfelt narrative or a quirky commercial, my goal is to remind people of the beauty in small moments. That’s what matters to me—creating and connecting, one story at a time. If even one person walks away with a lighter heart because of something I made, then I know I’m doing what I was meant to do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sinemainc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sinemainc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sinemainc

Image Credits
Kushagra Jain