Meet Shambhavi Borkar

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shambhavi Borkar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Shambhavi, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I’ve grown up through many versions of myself, as most of us do. Some versions were blissfully naïve, some carefree, and others just plain insecure. As kids, we believe in a lot of idealized notions, only to grow up and realize how complicated life and people can be. The innocence of childhood fades as we strap on for adulthood, but I smuggled a little hope along for the ride. Hope keeps me going. None of us know what the future holds, but hoping that everything will work out is like having a friend beside you as you struggle and push forward. It’s a bit like manifesting—thinking good, doing good, and receiving good. But without a pinch of salt, life can be bland, so I believe in embracing the tougher, “salty” moments with a side of hope and a snack.

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?

Throughout my school and college years, I explored a lot of different paths, even though, deep down, I always knew that films were what I wanted to learn, make, and immerse myself in. I guess the uncertainty of stability in some areas of the creative world made me push that thought aside for a while. But somehow, I kept circling back to it. I’ve just finished film school in LA, and it’s been the most incredible chapter of my life so far. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to create things that come from a deeper part of myself and put them out there in the world. It’s a vulnerable place to be, honestly, and I often wonder why we filmmakers willingly put ourselves through that—but it’s such a rush. There’s something thrilling and even a little addictive about being part of the process.
One thing I’ve realized though, is that while there’s an abundance of talent, ideas, and passion in people who want to tell stories, there aren’t always enough resources to bring those ideas to life. Making a film isn’t easy—I’ve been there myself. That’s why I started my own production company, Sweven Studios. It’s a space where anyone with an idea and the drive to create can come, and we’ll support them through the process. Whether you have a half-baked script, raw footage with no editor, or a completed film in need of packaging—we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you pick up from wherever you feel stuck and get you to the finish line. There is a lot of struggle that comes with all of this, and I am going through the thick of it, but we can make it easier by struggling “together”.

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?

Patience—that’s the first thing that comes to mind. In the world of film, patience is invaluable. This industry will test you at every step, whether you’re coming up with an idea, planning a schedule, working long hours on set, editing for days, or watching your film receive a lukewarm response. If you can stay patient through it all, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress and energy, which you can channel into your next project. It also ties into another critical quality: effective delegation. A film set is a collaborative space, and knowing when and how to trust your team with responsibilities is key to keeping things running smoothly.
Equally important is thorough preparation. Quality prep time can save you countless headaches later, whether it’s fine-tuning the script, storyboarding, or organizing a realistic schedule. Preparation creates a foundation that allows for flexibility when the unexpected inevitably arises and when in doubt, just trust yourself, rely on your preparation, and lean on your team.
These skills and qualities can all be developed. The best way? Spend time on set, observing and absorbing everything around you. Practice makes progress, and in this industry, every experience helps you grow.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Finishing film school this past year was a wild mix of excitement and stress. I’d been working on my film for nearly a year before graduating with it, and every writing session, crew meeting, and every moment of self-doubt added to the anxiety. It was overwhelming, to say the least. And of course, personal life doesn’t just pause when things get intense—in fact, it has a funny way of piling on just when you’re already at your limit.
I tend to be private about my struggles, but I saw some of my friends going through similar challenges. We all had moments where we felt completely alone and lost, yet we still managed to push each other forward while picking ourselves up. And honestly, I think that’s what matters most. This past year taught me the importance of letting people in, sharing your vulnerability, and being there for others while also letting them be there for you.
As we grow older, we start to see life in 8K, and keeping a healthy mind through all of life’s inevitable hurdles is key to handling the strain. There’s a quote I read somewhere that said, “Don’t worry, take that step because this time you won’t be starting from scratch but from experience.” It deeply resonated with me during my most challenging moments, rekindling the spark of hope I had tucked away.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shambhaviborkar/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shambhavi-borkar-7b3156a3/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/sweven.studios/