Sanatan Kadakia shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Sanatan, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I don’t follow a traditional daily schedule, but if I were to design a 90-minute routine, it would be quite simple.
I try not to use technology right away in the morning because I believe that reaching for our phones or laptops as soon as we wake up invites anxiety and chaos into our lives.
As soon as I wake up, I hydrate with at least 20 ounces of water. Then, I engage in light exercise for the first 30 minutes of the day, which could include yoga, stretching, walking, or simply jumping on the treadmill.
After my workout, I spend the next 30 minutes meditating. Once I finish my meditation session, I have a healthy breakfast, usually consisting of eggs or oatmeal, which takes about 15 minutes. Last 15 minutes, I review my priorities for the day and identify the top three tasks I want to accomplish.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this interview! I currently reside in Houston, Texas, a city I consider one of the finest in the United States, known for its vibrant culture and thriving industries. My educational journey began with an initial pursuit of engineering from, India, but after some reflection, I found myself drawn to the field of Information Technology (IT). This decision ultimately took me across the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, where I earned a Master’s degree in IT from a reputable institution.
During my time in the UK, I discovered a newfound passion for cinema. I had the unique experience of working as a projectionist at one of the world’s largest cinema chains, which not only deepened my appreciation for film but also allowed me to see the intricate processes involved in bringing stories to the big screen.
Upon arriving to the United States after my studies, I embarked on a professional career in IT. Over the years, I have developed my skills and expertise, culminating in my current role as a Program Manager within the IT sector. This position has enabled me to manage projects effectively and oversee teams, all while ensuring the successful delivery of complex IT solutions.
My foray into the entertainment industry began in earnest in 2013, when my passion for filmmaking prompted me to connect with a local production company in Houston. Eager to learn more about the behind-the-scenes workings of film production, I volunteered my time as a production assistant on various corporate and commercial projects. This hands-on experience provided me with invaluable insights into the industry and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in film.
Over the next five years, I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could through a variety of seminars, workshops, and networking events. Each opportunity allowed me to refine my skills and expand my understanding of filmmaking. Eventually, driven by a desire to make my mark in the industry, I made the significant decision to establish my own production company.
In 2018, I founded Hidden Ridge Productions, where I focus on investing in independent feature films and documentaries. This venture allows me to combine my technical background in IT with my creative passions, and I strive to support compelling stories that deserve to be told.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
During my time as a projectionist, I discovered the immense power that film holds in shaping global culture and influencing social perceptions. I witnessed firsthand how the flickering images on the screen could evoke a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts, ultimately transforming the way individuals view the world around them.
Film is a unique and unparalleled medium for fostering empathy. It invites viewers to step into the shoes of characters living vastly different lives, allowing us to experience their struggles, joys, and dreams. This immersive journey broadens our understanding of diverse cultures, belief systems, and the complex social realities that exist beyond our own familiar surroundings.
This profound realization ignited a passion within me to be a part of the film industry. I felt a compelling urge to contribute to its evolution and to help create stories that would resonate with audiences across the globe.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When I first thought about entering the film industry, I felt a lot of anxiety about my chances of success and how others might react if I stumbled. With no connections in the industry and no clear path to follow, I often felt lost. I worried about being seen as inadequate or foolish.
However, over time, I committed myself to my passion and focused on what truly mattered to me. I built resilience by developing self-trust, understanding my values, and accepting that not everyone has to like me—and that’s perfectly okay.
I no longer seek validation from others; instead, I rely on my own judgment and intuition. I fully embrace my journey, trust in my worth, and feel capable of achieving my dreams.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
I believe that a core value we must all protect at all costs is the right to speak, create, question, and even criticize—without any fear of censorship.
Freedom of expression is the foundation of art, journalism, innovation, democracy, and social progress. We must safeguard it, as it creates a space for diverse ideas, uncomfortable conversations, and societal growth.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that the stories people tell about me after I’m gone will extend far beyond the number of movies I produced, the awards I received, or the box office numbers.
I aimed to inspire people to dream, to question, and to reflect on themselves more honestly.
I would like to believe that I lifted others up—not just on screen, but in real life. I listened and helped filmmakers create stories that often go unheard. My work wasn’t just about me; it became part of something larger than myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sanatankadakia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanatankadakia/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanatankadakia/
- Twitter: https://x.com/sanatankadakia1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanatankadakia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sanatankadakia1233
- Other: https://imdb.me/sanatankadakia
