Meet Kartikay D Pawar | Film Director, Producer, and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kartikay D Pawar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kartikay, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

In every decision, from the small to the monumental, I’ve always been presented with the option of safety or taking the riskier path. It might sound counterintuitive, but more often than not, I’ve chosen the path of risk because I believe it’s these challenging journeys that often lead to the most remarkable outcomes. I’m a firm believer that we only have one life to live, and in my case, it’s Kartikay D Pawar. While I may be a different person in my next life with different or potentially better skill sets, I’m committed to making the most of the opportunities I have right now.

Leaving behind the safety nets that come with my hometown (Jodhpur) or home country (India) was a significant decision for me. I knew that to achieve the kind of life I aspired to, I had to take a leap of faith. No matter where I went, I always kept the values of my Culturally Rich hometown of Jodhpur. It’s been a journey filled with sacrifices and countless moments where I put my life on the line. But without these risks, I wouldn’t have made it to where I am today, in a position to have this interview here in LA.

Every risk I’ve taken, no matter how daunting it seemed at the time, has been a stepping stone towards personal growth and success. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, but it’s these very challenges that have honed my character and provided me with the experiences and skills that I bring to the table today. I believe that embracing risk is an essential part of living life to the fullest and achieving one’s true potential, and that’s a perspective that has guided my every decision.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My approach to my art is rooted in a fundamental question: how can I make my work unique and bring a fresh perspective to the table? This guiding principle has shaped my creative projects and led to some of the most fulfilling and challenging experiences of my career.

As a Writer and Director, my proudest work is undoubtedly my short film ‘Transit.’ This project held deep personal significance for me as it served as a tribute to my childhood best friend, who left us too soon. ‘Transit’ was not only a technical and logistical challenge, but it also delved into the realm of raw emotions. Creating it was a cathartic journey, and I’m immensely proud of the way it turned out.

As a Producer, ‘Collision Theory’ by Vanessa Lavoie stands out as a project I’m particularly proud of. Managing a production with almost 80 cast, crew, and extras in a tight timeframe was no small feat. The scale of the story, the diverse locations, and the overall project complexity made it an exciting yet formidable challenge.

In the realm of editing, one project that has left a lasting impact on me is the documentary feature film Exposé.’ This film bravely tackles the heavy and often overlooked subject of abusive relationships. Through editing this film, I realized it’s one thing to read about something or someone and another to hear first-hand experiences. It was tougher to edit than I expected, given the sensitive subject it deals with. I certainly have been transformed by the film as now I am so aware and have a more empathetic perspective towards this subject.

My journey in the film industry began as a self-taught filmmaker, driven by a desire to understand every facet of the craft. I firmly believed that to be a better director, I needed to immerse myself in all aspects of filmmaking. This unconventional approach has enriched my perspective and given me a deeper understanding of the art form.

Overcoming challenges has been a constant in my career, and I’ve learned to embrace failure as a vital part of the process. Whether within filmmaking or in life beyond it, these experiences have been instrumental in shaping me as a filmmaker. Knowing when to persist and when to let go has been a key lesson. I’ve never compromised on my artistic vision, but I’ve always remained adaptable and flexible in my approach, which has been crucial in navigating the intricate world of filmmaking.

My hope is to pour my utmost commitment, passion, and dedication into each project I do. I want to provide unique perspectives and rays of life (in all forms) to the world. If my storytelling helps even a single person in some way in their life, then it’s a success for me.

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’d want to show them the best time ever and ensure they experience this city’s vibrant and diverse culture.

Day 1 – Beverly Hills and West Hollywood:
– We’d start our journey in Beverly Hills, taking a leisurely walk down Rodeo Drive to soak in the luxury and high-end shopping.
– For lunch, we’d head to a trendy spot like The Ivy or Urth Caffé.
– In the afternoon, we’d explore West Hollywood, known for its fantastic nightlife and the iconic Sunset Strip.
– We’d grab a cocktail at the famous Chateau Marmont and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Day 2 – Hollywood:
– A visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where we’d see the stars of our favorite celebrities.
– The Hollywood Museum and The Academy Museum to explore the entertainment industry’s history.
– Dinner at Musso & Frank Grill, a historic restaurant frequented by Hollywood legends.

Day 3 – Santa Monica:
– We’d spend the day at Santa Monica Beach, enjoying the sun and the ocean.
– A ride on the Santa Monica Pier’s Ferris wheel for stunning views.
– Dinner at True Food Kitchen with a lively energy of Santa Monica

Day 4 – Malibu:
– A scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu.
– A visit to Malibu’s famous beaches like Zuma Beach or El Matador Beach.
– Lunch at Malibu Farm, known for its organic and fresh cuisine.

Day 5 – Downtown LA:
– A trip to the Arts District, known for its vibrant street art and galleries.
– A visit to The Broad, a contemporary art museum.
– Dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in DTLA, such as Bestia or Perch.

Day 6 – Universal Studios:
– A day of thrills and entertainment at Universal Studios Hollywood.
– Exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and enjoying the various attractions.

Day 7 – Culver City and Farewell:
– We’d wrap up the trip with a visit to Culver City, known for its cool art scene.
– Lunch at Platform, an upscale shopping and dining destination.
– In the evening, we’d have a farewell dinner at a cozy Indian restaurant.

During this week, we’d also explore the local music scene, catching live shows at iconic venues like The Troubadour or the Hollywood Bowl, and perhaps even attend a film screening to get a taste of the entertainment industry in LA. LA is not just about the places but also the diverse and exciting people you meet, making every visit truly unique and memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I’m delighted to dedicate my shoutout to my two most influential people: my parents. Their unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been the cornerstone of my journey, and I owe much of my success to their tireless efforts in shaping me into the person I am today.

Growing up in a society that often held conservative values and amidst the narrow-mindedness that sometimes surrounded me, my parents stood out as beacons of hope and progressive thinking. In her nurturing role, my mother instilled in me through her words when I was very young, ‘Love is the foundation of this world.’ I never forgot those words, and I carry them with me in everything I do.

On the other hand, my father provided me with an invaluable gift—unwavering focus and determination to pursue the seemingly impossible. He showed me that no dream is too audacious, no goal too distant, and no obstacle too daunting if you have the resolve to chase it, no matter how long it takes or how many sacrifices are required.

I’m beyond grateful for the foundation they’ve provided and the lessons they’ve imparted. Without them, I wouldn’t be in the position I find myself in today, and I’m fully aware that their blessings will continue to guide me on my path to even greater heights. This shoutout is not just a recognition of their pivotal role in my life but also a testament to the belief they instilled in me—reaching for the moon, regardless of where I came from, and always striving to be the best version of myself.

Website: kartikaydpawar.com

Instagram: kartikaydpawar

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7558011/