Born in Santa Monica, California, to immigrant parents (one from India, the other from France), they didn’t stay long before relocating to Toronto, Canada. His father was an avid film buff, introducing him to classics like Terminator and Pan’s Labyrinth at a young age. In hindsight, maybe not the most age-appropriate choices, but they certainly left an impression.
Despite this, he originally considered a future in computer science, a field that offered structure and security. But everything changed in high school when he took his first film class; the moment he stepped behind a camera, there was no going back. This led him to explore other creative programs at his school, and in his final year, he took on an ambitious project—writing and staging a play. Crafting the narrative from scratch, developing characters, and guiding actors through performances was exhilarating. Seeing his words come to life on stage reinforced his passion for storytelling and deepened his appreciation for collaboration. Working closely with the actors and stage managers gave him firsthand experience with how much work is involved in bringing a creative vision to life.
Determined to hone his craft, he attended York University, pursuing a degree in Film Production and Media Studies. His time at York was transformative, studying cinematography, screenwriting, and documentary filmmaking with other like-minded people. Over the course of his studies, he directed three shorts, interviewing subjects on topics of culture, religion, and gender. In his final year, he won both Best Documentary and Best Cinematography at Finish Line, York’s student showcase.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, another obsession took root: basketball. With the world at a standstill, he derived endless enjoyment from it. Catching up on the league both past and present, and of course, cheering for the Toronto Raptors, whom he genuinely believes to be the greatest team of all time. Basketball became more than just entertainment; it was a reminder of resilience, strategy, and community, themes that often found their way into his work.
Since graduating, he has embraced a multifaceted career. His passion for cinema led him to work with the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS), where he was a photographer. Capturing the magic of open-air screenings with the vibrant community that gathers for them, highlighting the films being screened as well as the audience’s engagement, serving as a visual record of Toronto’s film culture, showcasing a deep appreciation for live events and audience interaction, using photography to tell a story beyond the screen.
Aside from his work in film and photography, he also contributed to The Immigrant Library, an initiative aimed at helping newcomers to Canada find valuable resources and information. Drawing from his own family’s immigrant experience, he assisted in the creation of accessible and informative content for those navigating life in a new country. With topics ranging from housing to healthcare and employment, he sought to provide clear and concise information to ease the transition for new arrivals.
Currently, he’s the social media lead for Trilok, in charge of managing digital campaigns and curating content that highlights the organization’s work. Blending visually appealing content with compelling narratives to bolster their online presence, drawing in new audiences and increasing engagement.
He strives to tell stories that inform and inspire, driven by a deep appreciation for storytelling in all forms, from the immersive power of cinema to the immediacy of social media. When he’s not working, he enjoys watching a good movie. You can find him on X (formerly Twitter), where he’s currently attempting to review one every day. As he continues to evolve as a creator, his goal remains the same: to create meaningful work that leaves a lasting impact.