Meet Mehula Singh | Production designer

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

Hi Mehula, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I was born in Meerut, a small city in India, and was brought up in Mumbai, a bustling metropolis. My early childhood was spent on a cargo ship. Until I was ten years old, I lived on a cargo ship, traveling from one side of the world to the other. This unusual lifestyle was due to my father being a marine engineer, and our family sailed with him wherever his work took him. Being home-schooled by my mother during this time allowed me to cultivate a deep love for arts and crafts, a hobby that started at a very young age. Since we were literally in the middle of the ocean, there WAS a lot of reading involved, a habit that I have not let go off, and I truly believe it is what has helped shaped my career as a production deisgner.
Another aspect of that whole phase was watching global cartoon shows. As we changed shores, the languages of these shows would change too—Arabic while crossing the Red Sea, Japanese when we were in Japan—but the stories remained the same.
This experience taught me that despite cultural differences, human stories and emotions are universal.
Growing up in such a dynamic and multicultural environment has profoundly shaped who I am today. It has given me a broad worldview, a keen interest in diverse cultures, and a deep appreciation for storytelling and creativity. These experiences continue to influence my work and the way I engage with the world around me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a production designer for film, which means I get to design the sets / the world ! I also indulge in theatre design from time to time because I absolutely love theatre. My journey into production design began during my undergraduate studies in product design. A chance opportunity arose when friends in film school asked for my help with props. This led me to discover the art department in film, and I was immediately captivated by the idea of creating worlds that didn’t have to function but just needed to look like they did, communicating stories and emotions through design. Growing up, I always had vivid visuals in my head while reading books or listening to stories. My family’s tradition of going to the movie theatre at least once a week further fueled my love for film, though I didn’t realize it at the time. Transitioning my hobby into a career has been a fulfilling yet challenging journey. It’s difficult to find a work-life balance when your passion becomes your profession, and it’s easy to constantly think about work.
After completing my undergrad, I started as a prop runner in Mumbai. This job involved scouring the markets for props, often in harsh weather conditions, such as navigating through knee-deep water during notorious Mumbai rains. I then progressed to a set dresser for Bollywood feature films, working with larger budgets and decorating elaborate sets. Eventually, I moved up to roles like art director and construction coordinator, where I was responsible for ensuring everything was built on time, within budget, and according to the design. This role brought its own set of pressures and responsibilities. It was surreal to go from being the smallest person on the film set to a role where my work could impact the entire production.
The Covid-19 pandemic halted all my projects in India, prompting me to pursue further education. With a continued interest in theatre, I applied to NYU for design for stage and film. Upon completing my MFA, I began taking on independent projects as a production designer, enjoying the creative ownership and collaboration with directors, DPs, actors, and producers. Filmmaking is a team sport, and I believe that collaboration can result in extraordinary outcomes on screen.
Recently, I wrapped a feature film called Major Barbara, directed by Jay Craven and produced by Kingdom County Productions, where I served as the production designer. We were pre-producing and filming in Nantucket from February to mid-May. Filming on an island can be tricky, to say the least, but the local community was wonderful and really helped our production. I am particularly excited and proud of that project!
Currently, I am working as an assistant scenic designer with Jason Ardizzone-West, a Tony Award-winning set designer, collaborating on some theatre shows and a very exciting 4D immersive experience on Broadway. Throughout my journey, I’ve learned the importance of treating people with kindness and communicating effectively, especially in the high-pressure environment of a film set. Everyone in this industry loves film or theatre and works long hours, giving their all, so it’s crucial to be kind and patient. Another lesson is to enjoy the process, have fun, and make friends and memories along the way. These relationships and experiences serve as support during tough times.
As for what sets my work apart, I believe that a person’s experiences and perspectives is what makes their work unique. I anchor my creativity in scripts and stories, finding elements that resonate with me. I seek out humor, lightness, and joy in the stories I work on, aiming to create designs that bring a bit of levity to the audience. I also have a love for colors and light, never shying away from bright hues and patterns. My designs tend to be vibrant.
What I want to communicate to the world is to find what you love, hone it, respect your collaborators, and approach your work with a sense of light-heartedness. Have fun doing what you do, easier said than done, but it can change the way you go about things.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let me start by saying I love, love, love hosting people and showing them around the city. I fell in love with New York the moment I stepped onto this land. The first thing we’d do is grab coffee at MUD Coffee at Astor Place—seriously the best coffee in the city. Then, we’d pick up some delicious bagels from Tompkins Square Bagels. For lunch, we’d hit ATLA in NoHo for incredible Mexican food, especially their guacamole and mezcal margaritas. Dinner would be at the beautiful Moroccan restaurant Cafe Mogador (THE BEST HUMMUS – PITA, EVER). We’d catch a nice indie movie at the cute little, historic East Village Cinema and laugh the night away at the Comedy Cellar in the West Village, where comedy legends perform every evening. We’d lounge in Washington Square Park, soaking in the sun and enjoying the live music. In Brooklyn, we’d visit Fiction Bar in Williamsburg for free jazz and comedy shows. One of the days, we’d take a scenic ferry ride to Rockaways Beach, enjoying the sun and sea. You can bring your own booze and just sit on the deck, on the ferry journey. A visit to the MET Museum to obsess over Van Gogh’s works is a must. We’d explore neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Soho, and Chelsea, ending with a sunset walk along the High Line.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
It is literally an army of people that have supported me throughout my life. First and foremost, my parents deserve immense credit. My mom and dad have been my pillars of strength, motivating me even in my lowest moments. They have always encouraged me to take risks and have provided unwavering support. Another significant influence in my life has been my time at NYU. The school itself has provided a rich learning environment, but it’s the people who made the most difference.
My colleagues and professors have taught me so much, but I owe a special shoutout to David Stein, my mentor. David has not only imparted invaluable knowledge but also played a crucial role in shaping me into the designer I am today. His dedication, patience towards our growth and his efforts to make us strong young professionals have been truly transformative.
Lastly, I must recognize my friends. They have been there for me during the toughest times, sometimes literally holding my hand and walking me through challenges. Their support, love, and encouragement have been indispensable, and I am deeply grateful for each one of them.

Website: https://mehulasingh.myportfolio.com/work

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mehula.singh/

Linkedin: https://in.linkedin.com/in/mehula-singh-0142a6b4?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mehula.singh/

Image Credits
Image by Mariano Russo