Life & Work with Sahej Singh Nandrajog of Los Angeles, CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sahej.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Sahej Singh Nandrajog. I’m a filmmaker, writer, and director from Mumbai, India, with a deep-rooted passion for cinema that has been with me for as long as I can remember. Initially, my love for films began with simply enjoying watching them. However, during my undergraduate years, I started experimenting with filmmaking, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that this was the path I wanted to pursue in life.
After university, I dedicated four years to honing my craft, during which I created two independent feature films: July, 2020 (2021) and Varun! Medha! Varun! (2023), both of which were showcased at various film festivals. This journey further fueled my desire to take my work in a more ambitious direction, prompting me to enroll at the American Film Institute Conservatory. With the knowledge and experience I gain there, I aim to direct Hollywood films in the future.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The saying, “There is no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone,” underscores the undeniable role of risk in both life and work. As a director, you’re constantly navigating risk. On any given set, there are numerous things that could go wrong—whether it’s actors struggling to deliver their best performances, a cinematographer unable to position the camera as envisioned, or shooting at a location where airplanes pass by every 90 seconds, making it impossible to capture clean sound. And all of this unfolds under the pressure of time and budget constraints.

A director’s true skill lies in their ability to remain calm and resourceful in such moments, finding creative solutions to unforeseen obstacles. Personally, I thrive in high-pressure, risk-laden environments like these. They push me to think quickly and often lead me to ideas I wouldn’t have conceived otherwise. Risks when they pay off, can be incredibly rewarding.

When I graduated from university, many of my classmates also aspired to become filmmakers. Most chose the conventional route in India—assisting on Bollywood film sets with the hope of eventually getting the opportunity to direct their own films. However, I was determined to start my filmmaking journey right away. I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to be a filmmaker. So, I took the biggest risk of my life.

I moved back in with my parents to save money on rent and food. I used the income from my freelance sound mixing work to fund my own films. This decision wasn’t without its challenges. The people who cared about me were understandably concerned for my future. To many, it seemed like I was taking a step backward rather than moving forward. I wasn’t working a full-time job; instead, I was spending my own money to create art, all while facing the societal judgment that comes with living with your parents in your 20s.

This phase of my life lasted nearly three years, but it proved to be incredibly transformative. By the end of it, I had made two feature films—while many of my university peers were still assisting on Bollywood sets, waiting for their chance to make their own films. Looking back, that time spent pursuing my passion, despite the setbacks and doubts, was crucial in shaping who I am as a filmmaker.

I will always view those years as a pivotal and highly instrumental part of my creative journey.

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 the kind of writer and director who is more fascinated by people than abstract ideas. I tend to create character-driven stories that explore the intricacies of human relationships, often delving into the theme of love. While romantic love is a central theme in many of my films, I also enjoy portraying love in its many unexpected forms—be it between people or found in the ordinary moments of life. I am drawn to uncovering drama in the mundane, revealing depth and meaning in the seemingly small things.
Very often, dialogue and spoken language is an important part of my work. I love words and find them extremely evocative. It is always my constant effort to ensure that the dialogues in my movies are the best that they can be.
I’m incredibly proud of my film, “Varun! Medha! Varun!”. It is a perfect showcase of both my skill as a filmmaker and my voice as an artist.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’ll be spending my upcoming year making my thesis film at the AFI Conservatory titled “North By Northridge – A Musical”. It’s the most ambitious project I have ever undertaken, and I am thoroughly excited for it. It’s a short contemporary musical rom-com, with the official premise: Before breaking up with her long-time boyfriend, Jess, Mae makes a frantic plan to find him a new girlfriend before she leaves. As her well-intentioned scheme spirals into chaos, both are forced to face the messy reality of love, independence, and the uncertain future ahead—all set to a catchy, original soundtrack in this lively musical comedy.
We are currently in the development phase of the project and looking for a variety of different collaborators, including choreographers, costume designers, singers, dancers, and actors with a musical background.
We are also currently running a fundraising campaign for the film in order not let resources come between us and our vision, and we welcome anyone who would like to contribute anything towards our project.
Prospect funders and collaborators can reach me simply through my email: snandrajog@afi.edu; or find us at northbynorthridge.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://northbynorthridge.com
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/_KbpVUYFgXI?