We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rohit Relan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rohit below.
Hi Rohit, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
I come from a culture that glorifies pushing yourself to the limit. If you’re not dedicating every second of the day to your work, you’re seen as not working hard enough. That was my motto in my early years, and I truly believed it. However, I watched my creativity diminish over time due to the extensive hours I put in, and I felt the burnout. I realized that rest is crucial for creating something great. Self-care reflects in your work.
I’ve embraced meditation and exercise. I start my day with meditation and wind down with guided meditations on YouTube. I exercise for 30 minutes every day, which helps calm my anxiety and keeps me grounded—essential when I’m writing or tackling creative tasks. I aim for eight hours of sleep each night. It’s challenging before shoots, but I’ve learned that the better rested I am, the better my work becomes. This routine not only boosts my productivity but also enhances my overall well-being, allowing me to approach my projects with a fresh and innovative perspective.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Rohit Relan, a film director and soon-to-be graduate of the American Film Institute. As a narrative filmmaker, I pour my heart and soul into each film, using it as a powerful medium to express my deepest thoughts and emotions. In social settings, I often struggle to open up, so my films become my voice, a way to communicate the complexities of the world that fascinate me.
Lately, my passion has centered on South Asian narratives, bringing stories from my home country, India, to the forefront. I believe our culture is a treasure trove of unique stories that deserve to be told on screen. I am committed to using my platform to share these vibrant and diverse perspectives with the world.
My journey began with a degree in computer engineering, graduating with distinction. Despite a promising IT career, I chose the uncertain but thrilling path of filmmaking. I started as an Assistant Director (AD) in Mumbai, which offered financial security and a clear path to becoming a director. But my heart yearned for more, leading me to the American Film Institute in Los Angeles.
I’ve taken significant risks, turning down high-profile gigs to focus on passion projects, often working for free to perfect my craft. My upcoming short film, “Patakha,” set for a festival release this winter, tells the poignant story of 11-year-old Radha, who faces the harsh realities of a firecracker factory after being withdrawn from school. Additionally, I’m working on another short film, tentatively named “Bhool-Chook,” which I aim to complete this summer.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Consistency, eagerness to learn, and staying true to yourself have been crucial in my journey. There’s no substitute for hard work. Yes, a bit of luck helps, but without effort, it’s hard to keep progressing. Consistency stems from love and passion for your work. Doing what you love fuels consistency, even when the work doesn’t love you back. During those times, it’s even more important to show up and complete the tasks at hand.
Being a lifelong student is vital. The one who adapts goes the furthest. Our industry constantly evolves, and we never know what the next revolution will be. I’ve seen people thrive who are willing to let go of old ways, embrace new norms, and stay in tune with current trends. They learn new perspectives and expectations to level up and keep pace with the times.
Self-awareness also makes a huge difference. At the end of the day, you are answerable to yourself. You know where you stand and if you’re putting in the work. Honesty with yourself is key. I don’t lie to myself, although sometimes I might be too hard on myself, which isn’t always great. It’s a balance of self-assessment and self-acceptance that drives genuine growth and resilience in my journey.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Listening to my body has been the most significant revelation for me recently. I realized that anxiety had become a dominant force in my life, often prompting me to act impulsively or out of panic without considering the consequences. This mindset made every aspect of filmmaking feel like a chore rather than a passion-driven pursuit. I had lost sight of my love for filmmaking amidst the pressure.
During shoots, anxiety would disrupt my eating and sleeping patterns, further diminishing my enjoyment of the creative process. Recognizing this, I prioritized self-care through exercise, diet, and meditation. These practices have been transformative. They’ve allowed me to regain a sense of balance and enjoyment during shoots, rekindling my passion for filmmaking. Now, after years of struggle, I find myself embracing the creative process once again with renewed enthusiasm and clarity. This journey of reconnecting with my passion has not only improved my well-being but also enriched the quality of my work, reaffirming my commitment to storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rohitrelan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rohitrelanfilms/
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