Meet Rishabh Thakkar | Filmmaker

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

Hi Rishabh, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a child, I was good at mathematics and Painting, but as I grew up, I went further away from Mathematics and grew closer to Painting. I guess that was because the education system was such that Mathematics was all about equations, and there was no creativity you could bring to the subject. Now I know there is a lot you can do with the subject, but I never had that exposure back then. So, I was getting more interested in Painting and slowly photography which grew into telling stories through short films. The only reason being I could bring something from inside me to the art form and create something unique each time. When I think of it, If I had been exposed to the creative or practical side of Mathematics or Engineering, I might have never come to Films. I guess that was a happy accident because right now, I enjoy what I do. I am just starting, so I have a lot to learn, but learning is the most fun part of the process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I have just started. I have made a few films by now, but I am still trying to look for my voice in those films. I have many ideas, but the challenge is putting them out there in a way the world can understand what I want to convey. This has been a constant struggle may it be painting, photography, or films. Creating something to convey the message or the feeling you want to convey is the hardest thing. Trying to find that medium and style. The learning has just started, but I have learned that let the ideas flow and make sure you can see your personal growth in the process. Also, take criticism as much as you can, share it with people and let them tell you it’s bad so you can improve upon it and not make that mistake again. But also, know when you are wrong and when the other person is wrong.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I am picking them up from LAX then the first stop I would make is at the In-Out. Then take them to show Venice Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Malibu. Eat some amazing Mexican food in Long Beach – Taqueria La Mexicana. Get a cup of Vietnamese Coffee Icecream at Afters. Then show them the essential Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, Disney, Griffith, and other such spots. But will not miss the drive on Route 1.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to start with my family. Except for one of my uncles, there is no one in the creative field in my family. But from childhood, my family – all businessmen/women always supported me to go and explore what I loved. They have been one of my biggest cheerleaders. When I started winning awards for my short films, they were happier than I was. My uncle was a constant mentor through this process. He is an artist, poet, and teacher, and he constantly pushed me to achieve better and exposed me to different art forms. I also learned a lot from my team, who have been helping me bring my visions to life, and the experience they bring to the projects is immense. I have learned more from them by just watching them work than I learned in classes.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thakkarish/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishabh-thakkar-1067a8172/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_rb8h2Zx_3YLFHTyDo-eA