Meet Aishwarya Haldankar | Filmmaker, Writer/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aishwarya Haldankar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aishwarya, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I’m from Mumbai, India. Growing up in an education driven country, I always believed the conventional method of learning was not really my cup of tea. I was inclined more towards being athletic, playing soccer and basketball from an early age and even taking part in track events at my school. Advancing further into high school, I learned a lot about myself going through an existential crisis of sorts, became more and more sure about where I would want to see myself in the future. I’ve always thought of myself to be the main character of my own story, not really fitting into any stereotypical cliques.

Having a family with a background in arts, definitely encouraged me to steer away from the 9-5 job routine. I’ve had an early interest in storytelling and conceptualizing ideas in my mind, that needed a little bit of channeling. Enrolling in film school definitely provided the structure I needed to create these extravagant universes in my ‘mind world’, as I like to call it and give it a more visual medium.

Coming to Los Angeles was definitely in the books as being in the heart of Hollywood where there’s content being created at every corner, just brings the right inspiration to ignite that passion I have for making movies. I am a filmmaker in the whole essence of being hands on with every part of the process of making a film.

When I’m not making my own films, Im working on gaining experience as a producer and an AD, grasping the business aspect of making movies as I go. I aspire to make a commercial feature of my own in the near future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey to where I am right now definitely has had its ups and downs. From the early stages of having to convince my parents to let me take filmmaking as my career path and then coming to Los Angeles, living on my own for the first time, had its challenges.

Im first and foremost a filmmaker, in the whole and soul. I specialize mainly in writing and directing, having filmed four of my own short films.

Being a film enthusiast, I not only watch the film as an audience but also look at various aspects that go into making just a scene. My mind has questions like, ‘how did they film that?’, ‘what angles did they use in that scene?’, ‘how did they manage the continuity of that action scene?’ and so on. Some I manage to find answers for but the others intrigue me to learn more about film everyday.

From the Indian Film Industry to Hollywood, from the best academy award winning films to the best romantic comedies, I have watched almost all the genres of film which has given me the ability to come up with concepts that haven’t been created before and allow me to incorporate unique twists to seemingly normal concepts.

Aside from making my own movies, I have worked in production teams in various capacities and as an Assistant Director on multiple films, some of which are having their festival runs at the moment while others are in the process of getting there.

Im most proud of having the ability to think on my feet at any given situation pertaining to film and being able to problem solve my way out of any obstacle; it gives me an indescribable adrenaline rush that no other career would entice within me.

Being an Indian, I have experienced major cultural shifts within the country adapting to them as I’ve grown up. I’ve had the interest in learning new languages and traditional values wherever I go. It helps me actively adapt towards becoming a global citizen, a long term goal of mine. Its given me the ability to accept socio-cultural changes happening around me including having friends of varying backgrounds and constantly learning from their experiences and incorporating their values to align with mine. Especially while living in a diverse city like Los Angeles, every person has their own story to share and being a filmmaker, I’m a sucker for good stories which makes me a great listener and an even better friend. I believe thats what sets me apart.

I personally thrive off taking risks. I enjoy the comfort that comes with being stuck to a routine but after a while, there’s an urge in my gut to make calculated impulsive decisions. It makes and keeps my life interesting to say the least.

Having chosen film as a career path itself, I have to push myself to back the risk I have taken which is encouraging most of the time but comes with high expectations I’ve set for myself. I love living in the moment and living life as it comes but when i’ve made a choice, I believe it has to be backed up with strong will power to withhold the risk value before it comes crashing down on you and then you’re back to where you started; a very big fear of mine.

I started taking small risks from diving head first on high steep water slides to making it a point of not living in the same apartment for more than a year and even being a stranger in the world where everyone knows everyone. The adrenaline and exploring the unknown of it all is what makes it worth in the end.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely start off by driving away from the airport traffic, a quick stop at In&Out, grabbing a double double with a shake, and proceeding to show my best friend the view of the entire city from Mulholland Drive. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city, just driving around the twisty roads surrounded by the finest houses and greenery all around leading up to the breathtaking view of the sparkly city and the DTLA skyline, especially at night.

Then the next day, I would proceed to take them to one of the studio tours like Universal or Warner Bros just because coming to LA and not being able to see the iconic sets of films and tv shows, doesn’t make sense to me. After which, I would drive down to Malibu for a beach day or start off at Santa Monica pier and end up at Venice for its boardwalk/ Manhattan beach for its proximity to land and soak up the California sun while catching some waves. Another one of my favorite beaches is Dockweiler Beach for its fire pits and being able to hang with your friends in the cold, windy weather. I would also grab some street food at the beach, especially the tajin covered fruits.

On another day, I would take them to Hollywood Blvd so they can be touristy around that area with the walk of fame at their feet and Ripley’s, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dave & Buster’s among other iconic spots right around the corner while sipping on Philz coffee. I was introduced to the best taco spot in LA, Leo’s Taco truck and that would be a must visit for me.

For all the shopping needs and just a good people watching spot, I’d take them to the Grove, catch a movie at the new AMC there (or the one at the Universal Citywalk), walk around the water fountains, hopping from stores to the farmer’s market for the worldly cuisine that it offers. Or probably take them to Rodeo Drive, if my friend wants to go on a luxury shopping spree.

A trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without taking a hike up the hills engulfing the city. So I’d start off by going to the Griffith Observatory and then eventually taking the trail head right off the parking lot to be staring at the Hollywood sign in an hour, another bucket list item to cross off any person’s list. For a shorter hike, I’d take them to the Wisdom tree, another one of my memorable spots in LA.

I’d end the week-long visit by driving around some of the other areas, like Glendale and trying the Halal guys there, even grabbing some baked goods from 85°. Go thrift shopping on Melrose Ave., especially on a Sunday, and then end up in Koreatown, for boba while awaiting in line to consume some delicious Korean BBQ at Hae Jang Chon, followed by karaoke and possibly a visit to one of the speakeasies or clubs, whichever is accessible before 2am.

If there’s any time left, I’d take my friend to Echo Park, and then just drive around DTLA, the hills, valley looking at palm trees and doing mini photoshoots around iconic locations like LACMA, all whilst the setting sun in the background makes the sky into an indescribable painting of red, orange, pink and blue hues. You just have to be there to experience it firsthand.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To start right off, my parents get the biggest shoutout there is, for putting up with my crazy dream of becoming a successful filmmaker and supporting me every step of the way. Secondly, to my brother who encourages me to be the best version of myself and be one of my harshest critics about every aspect of my well being. I wouldn’t have survived being by myself in a whole new city if it weren’t for my childhood best friends always motivating me and grounding me whenever needed over multiple Facetime calls.

Additionally all the people, friends, mentors, acquaintances whom I met along my journey of settling into the city. Starting off with my relatives in San Diego who had a big hand in making me feel comfortable in a whole new country. Going to the New York Film Academy and being surrounded by talented individuals from all around the world, some of whom are my best friends till date; my mentors there, especially my directing instructors who saw the potential in me and encouraged me to follow my passion and make the stories I needed to share into films.

I believe your course of life is filled with different experiences and interactions with people & places, be it big or small, that shape you into the individual you become and the values that you believe in. Being in LA for the past three years has me feeling like I am living through numerous tumultuous seasons of a tv show with me as the main character and new characters, some regulars, some recurring or even guest appearances, making their way into my life and leaving when their time comes. I enjoy every aspect of it with the support I receive from my friends and the experiences that come with them, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Website: vimeo.com/ashaldi

Instagram: ashaldi97

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-haldankar

IMdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12070072/

Image Credits
Fatima Alshamsi, Diane Devilers