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

Hi Rajvardhan, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Cinema inspires me because it’s a testament to human creativity and perseverance. When I see a film, I’m not just watching a story, I’m witnessing the culmination of countless hours of hard work, dedication and passion from a team of individuals who poured their hearts into bringing that vision to life. It’s the human spirit that drives me to create something meaningful, just like the people who make cinema.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as a filmmaker began with a singular passion to tell stories that showcase the beauty and richness of my native India. After graduating in filmmaking, I embarked on a quest to find the perfect subject for my debut film. It was then that I stumbled upon the vibrant festival of Rangapanchami, a celebration of colours in my hometown of Yeola. The city’s historic significance and the festivals are always inspired me and I knew I had found my story.

I chose the documentary genre to capture the essence of Rangapanchami, and soon, my lens turned to another iconic aspect of Yeola, the traditional Paithani saree. My documentary “Jarikath” on this ancient craft not only resonated with the locals but also garnered attention beyond. The overwhelming support and love from the people of Yeola fueled my creative fire.

A highlight of my journey was when my documentary was selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival. Being shortlisted among the top hundred was a dream come true and I’m eagerly awaiting the final results.

This experience bolstered my confidence and I took the next step by joining the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. The rigorous training and hands on experience at NYFA refined my craft and I began working on numerous short films, music videos and projects as a director, DOP and cinematographer. Every set, every project and every collaboration taught me something new.

For me, filmmaking is more than just an art form, it’s a symphony of creative minds coming together to craft something extraordinary. The thrill of bringing a project to life, the satisfaction of a perfect shot and the joy of sharing it with the world is what drives me.

What I want the world to know is that filmmaking is a beautiful, collaborative art that requires dedication, passion and perseverance. It’s a journey of discovery, innovation and storytelling that has the power to touch hearts, inspire minds and leave a lasting impact.

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.
After coming to the United States, I made lots of friends from different countries. None of them had visited India before, so I’d love to take them on a trip to showcase the best of India. I’ll introduce them to India’s stunning architecture, which is a major part of its fame. We’ll indulge in delicious food, including Mughlai cuisine, known for its ancient recipes and authentic Maharashtrian dishes from my hometown. We’ll also go on a scenic hike to one of the beautiful forts and I’m sure they’ll love it the most.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, who have been my pillars of strength throughout my journey. Growing up in a small village in India called Meshi, where filmmaking wasn’t a common career path, I was driven by my passion for cinema. My father Mr. Hitendrarao Pagar and my all uncles Mr. Hemantrao Pagar, Mr. Dineshrao Pagar and Mr. Dadasaheb Pagar in particular, played a significant role in nurturing my creativity, encouraging me to pursue photography and filmmaking despite the risks. What’s remarkable is that filmmaking is uncharted territory for people from my region, making it a riskier career choice. Yet, my whole family trusted me and supported my decision to pursue photography and filmmaking. His unwavering support and trust in me allowed me to take the leap and pursue my dreams. I’m grateful for their love, encouragement and belief in me, which has enabled me to carve out a unique path in the film industry.

Website: https://rajvardhanpagarcine.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rajvardhanpagar.cine?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajvardhan-pagar-907655298?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rajvardhanpagar_cine?si=pQjp8Y8n49_cBMeZ

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