Meet pauleen chakravorty

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pauleen Chakravorty. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pauleen below.

Hi Pauleen, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience stems from a combination of personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the challenges I’ve faced throughout my journey from India to the USA. Growing up in India, I was surrounded by a rich tapestry of stories and traditions that emphasized perseverance and adaptability. The vibrant culture and diverse array of people taught me the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

Photography has always been a passion of mine, but turning it into a career involved overcoming numerous obstacles. From navigating the competitive landscape of the art world to adjusting to a new country with its own set of challenges, every step required determination and a willingness to push through difficulties.

My strong will has been a significant source of strength. The unwavering support from myself and my strong belief in my dreams have given me the courage to pursue my passion, no matter the hurdles. Additionally, the stories of other photographers and artists who have overcome their own struggles have been incredibly inspiring. They remind me that every setback is an opportunity for growth and every challenge is a chance to prove my dedication to my craft.

Lastly, I believe that resilience is about maintaining a positive mindset and an unrelenting drive to keep moving forward. The experiences I’ve gathered, both in India and the USA, have taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship; it’s about learning from it and emerging stronger and more determined.

This journey has been long and hard, but it’s also been immensely rewarding. Each challenge has shaped me into the photographer I am today, and I carry those lessons with me in every shot I take.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a photographer, and in my earlier life in India, I had the privilege of working with actors and launching new faces in the movie industry. I aim to continue this journey in the USA. As a photographer, my ultimate goal is to capture the raw emotions of any living being. My company, House of Kala By Pauleen ( “Kala” meaning “art” in Sanskrit), is a safe space for any color, race, or shape to be photographed and potentially launched into theaters or movies.

I aspire to be many things, and I believe there’s nothing wrong with that—life is too short to follow just one passion. Hahaha, I might be a bit weird like that. But yes, I am a photographer who dreams of making a mark in the Hollywood industry, either as a photographer or a casting director. The idea behind House of Kala is to launch new faces and talents through the power of photography.

I’m excited about the unique opportunity to blend my cultural heritage with my professional aspirations, creating a platform that celebrates diversity and creativity.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been being a good person, having a strong will, and maintaining a focused mindset.

Firstly, being a good human is crucial. It’s essential to live without ego and to have an open mind. This allows you to connect genuinely with others and create meaningful relationships. Always be willing to learn because learning is a lifelong process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek work; there’s no shame in wanting to grow and become more knowledgeable.

Secondly, having a strong will has been vital. It’s important to stay determined and persistent, especially when facing challenges. This inner strength helps you push through difficulties and stay committed to your goals.

Lastly, maintaining focus is key. Staying concentrated on your objectives helps you navigate the various distractions and obstacles that come your way. It ensures you are continually moving towards your aspirations.

For those starting their journey, my advice is to be kind and humble, never stop learning, and remain persistent and focused. If you want to be a photographer, education can be incredibly beneficial. While I didn’t have the privilege of formal schooling, many find that it makes their journey easier. Remember, no matter how tough it gets, don’t give up. If I can do it, anyone can.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Absolutely, I am very much interested in collaborating with movie production teams, particularly as a behind-the-scenes photographer or for creating their movie posters. I’m especially eager to work with productions that have compelling stories but are working with limited budgets. I believe in the power of collaboration and growing together, and I am passionate about helping such projects come to life.

My main focus is on partnering with production houses that need assistance with casting, pre-production, or post-production. If you have the talent but lack a platform, I am here to help launch you into the industry. I am looking for individuals and teams who are dedicated, creative, and eager to make a mark in the film industry.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: curiouspauleen