Meet Rohit Relan

We recently connected with Rohit Relan and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Rohit with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I get my work ethic from my parents. They moved away from their families in New Delhi to build a life in Mumbai. I never saw them take a day off. They were always up before I left for school, and I wouldn’t see them again until dinner. They used to say they were doing it to provide, and they meant it. We didn’t come from wealth, but over time, I saw how their discipline paid off. They climbed the social ladder and made sure we had access to the best education possible. Watching that transformation up close made a deep impression on me. Without ever saying it outright, they taught me that hard work brings results. And that’s something I carry with me to this day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a film director and writer from Mumbai, India. I take pride in my ability to work across genres and formats, whether it’s short films, features, commercials, or music videos. That said, I’m most excited when telling stories about hope, either its presence or its absence. My characters often cling to a small glimmer of hope, something that keeps them going even when the world seems to be against them.

My work frequently explores themes like class, gender, and the resilience of individuals navigating harsh, isolating systems. When I address these issues, I find myself creating hope for myself too. Talking about the world’s ugliness helps me recognize its beauty, and that fills me with optimism. Filmmaking is a form of therapy for me.

This personal and thematic approach has led to festival recognition. My film Patakha was recently selected for the Giffoni Film Festival, the world’s largest youth film festival, as well as Dances With Films and Kinolub. My previous short Bathroom Mein Barish won a Gold Remi Award at WorldFest Houston. Another short, Binge, was accepted into the Hawai’i International Film Festival, LA Shorts, Uppsala Short Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, and Conquest Film Festival.

Many of my films are a way to open up about chapters of my life I haven’t been able to share otherwise. My upcoming feature, The Obsessive Moth and the Fireball, is about a man searching for a mythical fireball in the Himalayas in an attempt to find purpose and meaning after being abandoned by his lover. It’s ultimately a story about hope. I’m currently developing it at the Storylines Lab by Cine Qua Non Lab.

My upcoming short film, Bhool Chook, follows a son who returns home to care for his estranged father, a man he’s had a rocky relationship with all his life. The film recently completed a successful crowdfunding campaign and is part of Gold House’s AAPI Rally on Seed and Spark. We’re shooting in August and September.

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

Adaptability is number one for me. The industry is constantly evolving. New technologies, platforms, and ways of telling stories keep showing up. I’ve seen that the ones who last are the ones who adapt. Instead of trying to change the system, learning to change ourselves to serve it better is what helps us stay in the flow. Flexibility isn’t a compromise. It’s a strength.

Self care is essential. This is a demanding field, both emotionally and physically, and it’s easy to burn out if you don’t prioritize your well being. For me, that means taking time to rest, reflect, and reconnect with why I’m doing this in the first place. Creativity doesn’t survive when you’re running on empty. Knowing your limits and setting boundaries doesn’t make you less driven. It makes you sustainable.

The third is exploration. Especially of other art forms. I constantly find myself drawing from painting, literature, dance, architecture, even cooking. Engaging with other mediums gives you new perspectives, new rhythms, and deepens your sensitivity to life. It makes your work more textured and personal.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always looking to collaborate, especially with people who come from very different backgrounds than mine. I’m drawn to voices that challenge me, expand my perspective, or bring stories I wouldn’t normally have access to. I love working with people who have something personal to say, and I’m excited by the chance to bring my own take to a story that doesn’t originate from me.

Whether it’s writers, producers, cinematographers, or other creatives, if you’re bringing honesty, curiosity, and a bit of madness to the table, I’m interested. I like projects that feel risky and human.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rohitrelan/