We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karishma Bhandari. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karishma below.
Karishma, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
You know, my generosity comes from a blend of experiences that have shaped me. Growing up, I didn’t have all the fancy stuff compared to others. But I was always taught to appreciate everything, even the little things. I realized that compared to some folks out there, I was actually doing pretty well. I had a roof over my head, food on the table and some amazing friends—which is priceless! That feeling of having enough, but also seeing others who had even less, that’s what got the generosity ball rolling for me and I always offered help where I could.
And when you truly help someone and they give you a sincere “thank you,” it’s like this little spark of happiness. That “thank you” shows you that you’re making a difference in their life, being there when they need it. It’s like a reminder that your actions matter, and it’s enough to keep you motivated to keep spreading the kindness.
And then there’s my mum. She’s a nurse, and let me tell you, she’s got a heart of gold. Her caring and accommodating nature isn’t just a work thing—it’s a life thing! Whether she was taking care of patients or looking after our family, she was always ready to lend a hand. I guess you could say I picked up a thing or two from her.
So, my generosity comes from this mix of appreciating what I’ve got and learning from my mum’s example. I mean, watching her go out of her way to help others, it’s like a masterclass in kindness. It’s like she’s got this superpower of making people feel better, and I wanted to be part of that in my own way.
When you think about it, generosity isn’t about having a ton to give—it’s about having a ton of heart. It’s about understanding that the little things we do can add up to something big. So, my generosity journey is like this ongoing project inspired by where I come from and the awesome people who’ve shown me what it means to be selfless.
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’m a storyteller and it’s like diving headfirst into a whirlwind of excitement every single time. The magic of my gig is that I get to craft stories, to weave characters and their adventures.
I once had this chance to be a part of a fight scene. We trained under these badass instructors, learning all the moves and stunts. It was like being part of a secret society of stunt performers, and I soaked up every bit of it. Fast forward to when that scene hit the screen, with the sound effects and music all blended in perfectly, it was a masterpiece! I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride, like I was a piece of the puzzle that made that epic moment come alive.
Oh, and green screens! Those things are like portals to another dimension. I mean, you stand in front of this bright green canvas, and then voila, you’re suddenly in the heart of a bustling city or a mystical forest. It’s movie magic at its finest, and being a part of that wizardry is beyond incredible.
But you know what truly sets my heart racing? It’s the fact that I get to breathe life into stories. I’m the architect of emotions, the curator of dreams. Every character becomes a friend, every plot twist a surprise. I step into their shoes, live their highs and lows, and it’s a journey that’s never the same twice.
So, if you’re wondering what makes my gig the most exciting thing ever, it’s the thrill of the unknown, the rush of bringing tales to life, and the wonder of being a part of the movie magic that makes hearts race and imaginations soar.
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?
Ah, looking back on the journey, there are three things that really stood out as game-changers.
First up, it’s curiosity. I’m talking about that itch to know, to learn, to explore. Curiosity is like a compass that guides you toward new ideas, new skills, and new horizons. So, my advice? Embrace that inner Sherlock Holmes! Ask questions, read widely, and dive into things that pique your interest. The more curious you are, the more doors you’ll open.
Second, let’s talk about resilience. Life’s like a roller coaster – it has ups, downs, twists, and turns. Being able to bounce back from setbacks is a superpower. Trust me, there were moments when things didn’t go as planned, but that’s where resilience kicks in. It’s like having a “never give up” attitude. So, when you stumble, dust yourself off and keep going. Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
Last but not least, connections. Building relationships, networking, and connecting with others in your field can make a huge difference. It’s not just about who you know, but also about sharing ideas, collaborating, and learning from each other. So, reach out, be genuine, and build a tribe that supports and uplifts you.
Now, if you’re just starting out, my advice is simple: nurture your curiosity, embrace challenges with resilience, and don’t shy away from forging connections. These qualities are like tools in your toolkit, and they’ll serve you well no matter where your journey takes you. Remember, it’s not about having all the answers – it’s about having the right attitude to navigate the adventure ahead. You’ve got this!
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
You know, when I reflect on my journey and consider the most impactful thing my mother ever did for me, it’s not about any material possession or specific lesson she taught me. It was something much deeper, something that resonates in my heart.
Being her only child, I stayed by her side well into my 20s. We shared countless moments of joy, laughter, and even the occasional disagreement. Our connection was strong, and the thought of leaving her side was both thrilling and daunting. Yet, one day, that moment arrived when I stood there with my bags packed, ready to embark on a journey that would take me thousands of miles away to an entirely different country.
The most impactful thing my mother did was simply allowing me to go.
Her unconditional love and support were like a safety net. She could have held on tightly, fearing the distance, the unfamiliarity, and the uncertainties that lay ahead. But instead, she encouraged me to take that leap, to explore, to grow. She saw the determination in my eyes, the spark to spread my wings and chase my dreams.
Her act of letting me go was a profound display of trust. She believed in me, in my potential, in my aspirations. She recognized that this was my opportunity to pursue my dreams and see where life would take me. And that kind of unwavering faith, that ability to step back and allow me to carve my path, it’s something that touched me on a soul-deep level.
Her support wasn’t just a physical distance away. It was the bedrock that allowed me to find myself, to stumble, to learn, and to flourish. Her belief in me gave me the courage to confront challenges and embrace achievements.
In hindsight, that act of allowing me to go wasn’t solely about geographical distance. It was about giving me the room to blossom into my own person, to shape my own narrative. It was about nurturing independence and growth.
And you know what’s really incredible? My mother left India at the age of 15 years old and came to the United Kingdom to pursue her dream. So maybe she saw herself in me, recognizing that same drive and ambition. Maybe, in letting me go, she was reliving a part of her journey through mine, letting me experience the growth she once did.
So, the most impactful thing my mother did for me was to have faith in my journey, to let me spread my wings across oceans and continents, and to remind me that regardless of the miles, her love and encouragement would always be my companion. And for that, I will be eternally grateful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @karishmab_
Image Credits
Aria Askari
