We were lucky to catch up with Nikhilesh Singh recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nikhilesh, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding one’s purpose often begins in unexpected places, and for me, it started in the living rooms of Tanzania, where Hindi cinema served as more than just entertainment – it was my bridge to India, my heritage, and ultimately, my future.
As an Indian expatriate growing up in East Africa, my connection to my homeland could have faded into a distant concept. However, Hindi movies became my cultural compass, painting vivid pictures of a land that, despite the geographical distance, never felt foreign to me. When I visited India during summer vacations as a child, the streets of Mumbai or Delhi didn’t feel alien – they felt like places I had already lived in through countless stories on screen. This seamless cultural connection wasn’t just coincidence; it was nurtured by my family’s deep appreciation for cinema. Our household breathed films, and this early exposure laid the foundation for understanding the power of storytelling.
Life, however, had different plans initially. As a Commerce student in Mumbai, I found myself walking a path that felt increasingly disconnected from my “calling”. During these moments of doubt and uncertainty, I again found myself turning to movies – not just for escape, but for inspiration and clarity. It was in these moments of reflection that I began to recognize my natural inclination toward storytelling. So I set out on the path as a filmmaker.
After interning on a few different film sets, the turning point came during my work as a Production Manager on Aditya Kripalani’s “Not Today” in Mumbai. Despite the grueling production schedule – or perhaps because of it – something clicked into place. Standing there, amidst the organized chaos of a film set, I experienced a sense of belonging. The demanding nature of managing production work didn’t deter me; instead, it confirmed that I had found my place. This wasn’t just a job or a career path – it was a calling that perfectly aligned with my lifelong connection to cinema.
Looking back, my journey to finding purpose wasn’t a straight line, but rather a series of connections that had always been there, waiting to be recognized. From those early days of watching films with my family in East Africa to my current role as a producer, cinema has been the constant thread weaving through my life’s narrative. It began as my cultural anchor, evolved into my source of inspiration, and finally emerged as my professional purpose. So I’ve never looked back – because when you find your true purpose, moving forward is the only natural direction.
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?
As a producer and production manager in film and television, I thrive on balancing creative vision with logistical execution. While I’ve worked across genres – from horror thrillers to sci-fi and romantic melodramas – comedy holds a special place in my heart. Growing up on a diet of Jim Carrey, Indian comedies, and shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien, I developed a deep appreciation for the craft of humor. Judd Apatow’s career as a producer-director who constantly works with unique talent while creating iconic comedies particularly inspires my approach.
What makes production work fascinating is its dynamic nature. Every day brings new challenges, whether it’s allocating budgets, coordinating locations and crew, or ensuring smooth operation during filming. It’s like conducting an orchestra where each section needs to play perfectly, but the sheet music keeps changing. This combination of creative problem-solving and practical execution, all in service of storytelling, makes each project uniquely rewarding.
I’m currently developing my own project – a coming-of-age comedy set in a small-town Indian boarding school. The film blends personal experiences with absurdist humor, and I’m in the final stages of script development before moving into the investment and crew assembly phase. While they say there are only seven basic plots in storytelling, I believe the magic lies in perspective and execution. This project represents my belief that familiar stories can still offer fresh, unexpected moments when told through an authentic lens.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three key elements were crucial to my development.
First, cultural adaptability. Having lived between East Africa and India, then pursuing an MFA in Filmmaking in the US and making movies there, I’ve learned to see stories from multiple perspectives. This skill is invaluable in production, where we’re constantly bridging different viewpoints – from directors to financiers, from creative teams to technical crews. For those starting out, I’d encourage embracing diverse cultural experiences and viewing them as learning opportunities rather than challenges. Watch films from different cultures, engage with varied storytelling styles, and remain open to perspectives different from your own.
Second, problem-solving versatility. Production requires handling both micro and macro challenges simultaneously – from budget allocation to on-set crisis management. This skill developed gradually through hands-on experience, starting from my realization that my commerce background, though not my passion, gave me valuable organizational tools. My advice? Start small but take on diverse responsibilities. Volunteer for different roles in student films or local productions. Understanding various aspects of filmmaking makes you a more effective producer and storyteller.
Third, persistent curiosity about storytelling. My early love for comedy and different genres of cinema evolved into a deeper understanding of narrative structure and audience engagement. For newcomers, I’d recommend studying not just films but also their making – read about production challenges, watch behind-the-scenes documentaries, and analyze what makes certain stories resonate. Being a producer isn’t just about logistics; it’s about recognizing and nurturing compelling stories.
The most important thing to remember is that these skills build over time. Every experience, even those that seem unrelated, can contribute to your growth in unexpected ways. Stay patient, remain observant, and never stop learning from each project, success, or setback.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Trevor Noah’s “Born A Crime” has been a profound influence on my development as a storyteller and filmmaker. The memoir masterfully demonstrates how to weave humor into serious narratives while tackling complex themes of identity, belonging, and cultural displacement – elements that deeply resonate with my approach to filmmaking.
Three key insights from the book particularly impacted me. First, Noah’s ability to use comedy as a bridge between different worlds is remarkable. He tackles profound subjects like apartheid, racism, and poverty, yet makes them accessible through his distinctive humorous lens without ever undermining their significance. This has influenced how I approach my own projects, especially in understanding how comedy can be used to address serious themes while keeping audiences engaged.
Second, the book demonstrates the power of personal perspective in universal stories. Noah’s unique lens on apartheid South Africa – told through intimate, often funny personal anecdotes – taught me that the most impactful stories are often deeply personal yet universally relatable. His way of crafting scenes, like the incident where he’s literally “dropped” by his mother to escape danger, or his hilarious misadventures in trying to ask a girl out while navigating language barriers, shows how specific moments can illuminate universal truths.
Finally, Noah’s portrayal of his mother is a masterclass in character development through specific, well-chosen moments rather than broad explanations. As a producer, this has influenced how I evaluate scripts and work with writers, always pushing for more nuanced, authentic character development through action and specific detail rather than exposition.
These lessons continue to influence my approach to both producing and developing original content, reminding me that the most powerful stories come from finding the universal in the specific, and that humor can be a powerful tool for addressing complex themes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikhileshsingh.com
- Instagram: @nikhilesh_singh
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilesh-singh/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12388239/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1
Image Credits
Jon Webb, Pranav Mehta
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