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

Hi Radhika, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always found comfort and happiness in films. Growing up, it was my introduction to the world and I have learnt a lot of movies, it has defined how I interact with the world. Getting lost in a film and forgetting about everything else is what has always kept me going. So I think the ultimate goal is to be able to make a movie that one day makes some else feel the same way my favourite movies make me feel. For the message to resonate with them, the characters to provide a friendly hug or the plot to show them that they are not alone in the world. I just want to make someone’s favourite film or TV show and for me to be remembered by my work. The most rewarding moment is when you share your story or your film with someone outside of your team and they get excited about it. The experience of audience members validating your work and your belief in your work is a boost of motivation. That is what makes me keep pushing to the tell the stories I want to tell and to share them with the rest of the world. Films and filmmaking is my way of communicating with the world.

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 came to Los Angeles to study at New York Film Academy, and I felt like I belonged and had found what I wanted to do – beyond a doubt. Leaving the security of home and the comfort of your own country is never easy – especially to try something new. Before I came here, I had never worked in the film/TV industry, and I was just following my gut instinct. I was a little insecure if I will be good enough and worried about making the right choice. But things have a way of working out, and those feelings did not last very wrong. I found a support system here, and with that the encouragement that I am cut out for this. I think I’ve been extremely lucky to get this opportunity to study film. Being here has taught me a lot and given me a newfound confidence in myself. I have always enjoyed line producing which includes scheduling, budgeting, and other logistics for a film. I have had many opportunities to apply my skills in those areas. I am currently working in that capacity on multiple projects. Recently however, I have discovered a new skill set and found myself liking the process of developing a project and an inclination towards creative producing as well. It is hard for me to say what sets me apart, but my friends tell me that I have an eye for detail, let it be in line producing when preparing a budget or in creative producing when discussing characters. I would like to think that I have a good understanding of audiences and the current trends in cinema, which helps me make more informed decisions about story ideas.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am fairly new to LA and always looking for recommendations myself! When my friend visited from Atlanta, a top priority thing for us was to go to The Prince in Koreatown since that is the bar from the TV show New Girl. Since then I have managed to discover LA a little bit more and found my favourite places. I am just listing out a few below:

Food: Le Pain Quotidien for breakfast, Bavel, Bacari, Baar Baar, UOVO, Arth Cafe and Kopań Ramen for a late night ramen with a cold beer.
Drinks: West Hollywood’s bars, namely TomTom because I love its steampunk vibe and any of the many rooftop bars LA has to offer.
Places to visit: The Getty, Broad Museum followed by the Angels Flight to Grand Central Market and of course the Griffith Observatory for the views.

However my favourite place spend time is the Americana at Brand in Glendale. I love the cafes and restaurants nearby and to just walk around the area with scoop of ice cream or a cup of coffee.

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 think all the credit goes to my family. I am from north India – the land of Bollywood – and I’ve grown up living and breathing Hindi cinema. My father is the biggest movie buff that I have ever met, so I grew up going to the theater and watching movies on TV with him, and I absolutely loved it. I never could have imagined that one day I will be making a career out of it. Like many other Indians, I tried my hand in engineering and later psychology, but no matter what I did, my heart was never in it. I think my friends and family realized that I’m meant to be in films before I ever let it be a reality for myself. During the pandemic, I found the courage to pursue something I’ve always wanted to but never said out loud because I never thought it to be possible. They were very supportive when I decided that this is the path I am going to take and encouraged me to pursue a masters degree in filmmaking so that I can have a solid foundation before stepping into a new industry.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/producedby_radhika?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Other: IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm13887388/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.