The project was a music video for Akshaya Patra Foundation, an NGO run by ISKCON. Akshaya Patra is a strategic, free mid-day meal programme to address the challenges of hunger and education, as mid-day meals served in schools are known to be the most powerful incentive to attract underprivileged children to schools.

The five minute music video was made to generate funds for Akshaya Patra and to be shown as a promotion film to corporate houses or individuals who’d be interested in the work done.

When the work for pre-production began, composing the music was the most important part. Selecting locations, crew and casting for actors was also done simultaneously. With a rough idea of the music in place, the shots were timed with reference to the storyboard and shooting began soon after. The toughest part was the editing, as the complete music was put in place only after the shoot. This is relevant because timing is a crucial factor in a music video.

As the director of the film, I felt a sense of contentment and immense learning at the end of the project. Along with a personal goal, I now have a vision of providing a home to women and children who need it, and to help them become more self-sufficient. For myself, I walk now with the hope that I won’t fall and that if I do, then I will have the strength to get up and walk again.