Meet Niharika Pushkarna | Filmmaker

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

Hi Niharika, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
“I grew up in Gurugram, a bustling city known for its tech industry and mix of cultures. I was always involved in school activities, but for a while, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take. Luckily, my parents were incredibly supportive and helped me find a direction that made me happy after high school. They’ve always been there for me, no matter what. Now, I’m always up for a challenge and love finding creative ways to approach my work. That’s why I’m drawn to roles that push me to think outside the box.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My films are drawn to exploring how people connect in surprising ways, even in unlikely places. I love creating visually stunning stories that really draw viewers in. I often try to use long, thoughtful shots and unique camera angles to put the audience right there with the characters and feeling their emotions. Color and lighting are also really important to me, because they can completely transform a scene and create a truly immersive experience. “My short film, ‘Ties of Darkness,’ is a project I hold very close to my heart. It tells the story of a woman grappling with the lasting effects of a traumatic experience from her past. The film explores how these scars can shape our lives, even years later. ‘Ties of Darkness’ have became a platform for me to delve into the power of nonverbal communication and how emotions can transcend language barriers. It is also an opportunity to explore human resilience in the face of trauma, while weaving in a personal touch. The film emphasizes that everyone experiences trauma differently, highlighting the unique ways we cope with such challenges.”
Breaking into filmmaking is definitely tough. It takes a lot of hard work and commitment, especially in the beginning. Funding can be a major hurdle for new independent filmmakers like myself. But I’ve learned to get creative, finding solutions like collaboration has been key. Surrounding myself with other passionate filmmakers has been a huge help. We learn from each other and share resources, which makes achieving our visions so much easier.
Being a filmmaker can be tough, but it’s taught me some valuable lessons. Resilience, honesty, and the ability to adapt have become essential tools in this competitive field. The challenges I’ve faced have actually made me even more passionate about storytelling. My ultimate goal is to create films that go beyond entertainment. I want to spark conversations, make people think, and leave a lasting impact on audiences.

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.
There’s no place like LA for me. One of my favorite things to do here is pack up some amazing food and drinks, hit the road with a close friend, and just keep driving past rolling hills. The best part is finding a hidden beach, completely deserted. We can just relax and listen to the sounds of the ocean breeze, watch the sunset paint the sky, and feel completely at peace.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“I’m fortunate to have a very supportive family who have played a big role in shaping who I am. My mom is my closest confidante, always there for me and offering guidance. My dad instilled a strong sense of self-belief in me, which has helped me tackle challenges head-on. Their unwavering love and support have made even difficult times feel manageable. I also have a wonderful brother, Mayank. We have a close, playful relationship where we challenge each other but always have each other’s backs.” Now “Moving to a new city can be challenging, but I was fortunate to connect with some people who truly understood me. This helped me feel supported and adjust more quickly.
“There’s no success in my life that wouldn’t be incomplete without acknowledging Aayush Yadav. When I felt like giving up, he was there to pick me up. He helped me rediscover my own strength and has always been a true gentleman. He’s someone I can always count on, no matter what.”
“There’s no way I can forget to mention the incredible man who’s always been there for me. He’s like a brother to me – Ajay Mohamed. We talk about everything, from serious debates to silly jokes. His kindness and genuine desire to see everyone succeed make him someone I completely trust.”Aj is a huge source of motivation and inspiration in my life. Even though he might scold me sometimes, but I know it always comes from a good place. He truly wants me to be happy and succeed.
“Now, there’s Apoorva Kale, the most incredible woman in my life. She has this amazing ability to understand my emotions perfectly, whenever I need someone who truly gets me. Our friendship is built on pure love and support, with no jealousy or competition, just a deep connection that makes me happy.”

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nihariikaaa_?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Picture credit : Smit Patel, Aj Mohamed, Apoorva Kale