Today we’d like to introduce you to Harsh Mahadeshwar
Hi Harsh, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
“I’m Harsh Mahadeshwar. Originally drawn to America for cancer research, I found my calling in the world of filmmaking. Departing Mumbai for Lubbock, Texas, I delved into Texas Tech University’s halls, unraveling genomic signatures across mammalian species.
2 months ago, i with my partner Priyadarsini Rajendran started an Indian Restaurant named Chingaari where we bring sizzling blend of Indian flavors, from the rich traditions of the North to the vibrant spices of the South. The idea started from the fact that we were missing traditional and authentic indian flavors in our city and we wanted to bring it to our community in Houston and pearland area. These are nostalgic food we used to eat growing up in our cities back in india. So far we are over whelmed by the love we are getting for the food across the town with 4.9 stars / 5 already.
Raised in a modest Indian household, where ambitions often took a backseat, I rediscovered my passion while in Lubbock, crafting student films. Realizing the necessity of visual storytelling, I immersed myself in photography because films are nothing but moving pictures.
My journey led me to Harvard Medical School, where I tread the scientific path while clandestinely nurturing my cinematic aspirations. I even took a film course from MIT while working at Harvard Medical School as a scientist.
From production assistant to gaffer grip, cinematographer to producer, I explored every facet of filmmaking, culminating in my venture as a writer-director. Venturing further, I established my own film equipment rental company, eventually working as a cinematographer for a Telugu feature film “Naathicharami,” shot entirely in Virginia, USA, which is currently under post-production.
With over 50 short films and music videos under my belt, my works garnered accolades, including Best Film at esteemed festivals like the Dallas Southasian film festival, World fest houston International film festival, India Film Project, Indianapolis 48 hour film festival and the Houston 48 Hour Film Project.
While science initially beckoned me, it was the influence of my best friend, Harshal, that ignited my passion for filmmaking during college days. Relocating to Boston for work, the allure of cinema persisted. This led me to Houston, where I balanced filmmaking with personal tribulations, including the loss of my mother to cancer.
The transition from a hobbyist to a full-time filmmaker was punctuated by sacrifices and perseverance. Armed with a green card, I plunged into full-time filmmaking, dedicating myself entirely to the craft. Despite financial uncertainties, I seized opportunities, invested in top-notch cinema cameras and lenses, and used them to hone my skills as a cinematographer and director.
The pandemic brought new challenges. I shifted more towards Cinematography Writing & Direction and worked on producing ads with a marketing firm for stability. My personal struggles humbled me, but eventually, I found extraordinary projects like “Such is Life,” a feature film I wrote over the past two years based on the true story of an immigrant family who came to the USA to save the life of their child.
I mostly tell stories about immigrants, which isn’t shown much in other movies. I want to change how South Asian stories are told, focusing on real stories that everyone can relate to.
My journey shows how I never gave up on my dreams, even when things were tough. I hope to inspire others as I keep making films. Each project is a chance to share immigrant experiences and bring people together through movies.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it hasnt been a smooth road. neither for restaurant or filmmaking. every single day there is challenge failure , uncertainities and no guarantee that things will work. I sleep less than 5 hours for past so many years not that i am proud of it but it keeps me utilize my day better. Nothing has come easy for me and each step needs hours and days of work but the journey is sweet and it pays for itself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Writer Director Cinematographer and a Restaurant owner. I am really proud of all these skills as i am an outsider to both film and restaurant business and learnt it from scratch.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Success is very subjective. I felt i got my maturity to define success way later in my life. Sure you have to pay your bills. But success is not defined by the amount of money you make. There are certain skills certain learning you have from your failures which will eventually lead you to immense positive results. You just have to trust the procedure and be honest with your craft.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescientistfilmmaker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harsh.dna/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescientistfilmmaker554
- IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7572833/
- Other: https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/chingaari-pearland
