Lifestyle

From a Small Town in Gujarat to Hollywood: The Inspirational Journey of Writer – Director Kashyap Bhadani

Published

2 years ago

October 25, 2023

Kashyap Bhadani, a name synonymous with creativity and resilience, has emerged as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers worldwide. Hailing from the quaint town of Vapi in Gujarat, India, Bhadani’s path to success in Hollywood has been nothing short of extraordinary. In an exclusive interview, the multifaceted artist shared insights into his remarkable journey, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the milestones he achieved along the way.

Born and raised in Vapi, Bhadani’s fascination with the world of cinema ignited at a young age, thanks to his father’s passion for films. “I grew up watching films with my dad, who was a big film enthusiast,” recalls Bhadani. “His love for cinema instilled in me a deep-seated desire to pursue a career in the creative arts.”

Despite his inherent passion for filmmaking, Bhadani’s journey to Hollywood was paved with obstacles. After completing his Bachelor’s in Marketing, he found himself at a crossroads, torn between societal expectations and his true calling. “I worked for an NGO for six months, but I wasn’t content with what I was doing,” shares Bhadani. “My heart yearned for the world of film, but the path ahead seemed daunting.”

Undeterred by the challenges, Bhadani took a leap of faith and applied to prestigious film schools both in India and abroad. To his astonishment, he received acceptance from The New York Film Academy, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in his life. “When I received the acceptance letter, it was like a dream come true,” reminisces Bhadani. “Leaving behind the familiar comforts of home, I embarked on a journey to pursue my passion in the heart of Hollywood.”

The transition from the serene landscapes of Vapi to the bustling streets of Los Angeles presented its own set of challenges for Bhadani. “Life in Los Angeles was a complete paradigm shift from what I was accustomed to in India,” reflects Bhadani. “Navigating through a new culture and industry dynamics was both exhilarating and overwhelming.”

However, Bhadani’s indomitable spirit and unwavering determination propelled him forward, as he immersed himself in the vibrant tapestry of Hollywood. Over the years, he honed his skills as a 1st Assistant Director, Writer, and Director, garnering invaluable experiences working alongside renowned artists and influencers. “These past four years have been a roller coaster ride for me,” admits Bhadani. “From grappling with the challenges of COVID-19 to collaborating with artists I admired in my teens, every moment has been surreal.”

Despite the miles that separate him from his roots, Bhadani remains deeply connected to his Indian heritage. “As an Indian from a small town in Gujarat, making a mark in a city like Los Angeles fills me with immense pride,” asserts Bhadani. “It’s a testament to the power of dreams and the resilience of the human spirit.”

Bhadani’s journey is not merely a tale of personal triumph but also a testament to the transformative power of art. Through his collaborations with renowned brands and artists, he has seamlessly melded cultural influences to create captivating narratives that resonate with audiences globally. “Collaborating with artists like Diljit Dosanjh and renowned production houses has enriched my artistic expression,” explains Bhadani. “It’s about finding a common ground where the director’s vision harmonizes with the artist’s creative vision.”

Looking ahead, Bhadani envisions a future where his films transcend geographical boundaries and spark meaningful conversations. “In the next ten years, I see myself directing films that resonate with audiences on a universal level,” shares Bhadani. “Whether in the USA or India, my aim is to create cinema that not only entertains but also provokes thought and ignites change.”

As the curtain rises on Kashyap Bhadani’s burgeoning career, his journey serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream. From the narrow lanes of Vapi to the glitzy streets of Hollywood, Bhadani’s story is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, passion, and unwavering belief in oneself.

Lifestyle

Confronting Propaganda: Street Smart Documents Honest Reactions to Gaza Indoctrination Footage

Published

5 days ago

November 6, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: Street Smart

Byline: Michelle Langton

In a recent project, the Street Smart team gathered 20 strangers and presented them with propaganda footage from Gaza that has circulated widely online but remains largely unfamiliar to many audiences. The aim wasn’t to provoke outrage or test media literacy in a classroom setting. It was to capture raw, unfiltered emotional reactions to material that reveals how narratives are formed at the source. The resulting video offers a candid look at how people process shocking content and how their perceptions shift when they see what is rarely shown on mainstream platforms.

The Structure of the Experiment

The format was simple. Participants were seated and shown a series of clips from Gaza, including children’s programming and broadcasts containing intense ideological messaging. No background information was provided, and viewers were not instructed on how to interpret what they were seeing. After watching, they were asked for immediate reactions.

The footage elicited a wide range of emotions. Some viewers were stunned by the content, admitting they had never seen anything like it before. Others expressed disbelief, questioning why this kind of material isn’t more widely discussed. A few were visibly shaken, saying the experience fundamentally altered their understanding of the situation.

By presenting the footage without narration or added commentary, Street Smart allowed participants’ genuine responses to emerge. The experiment revealed how propaganda can affect an entire generation. It can shock, unsettle, and force people to reconsider their assumptions.

Why This Project Matters

Sage Fox and Dorani aligned the purpose of this experiment with Street Smart’s broader mission of challenging prevailing narratives and encouraging critical thought among younger audiences. In an environment where footage spreads rapidly across digital platforms, propaganda can shape public opinion long before context catches up.

By showing the Gaza Indoctrination footage in a controlled setting and recording uncoached responses, the team aimed to expose the emotional and cognitive impact of this type of content.

“The first reaction is often the most revealing, because it shows how powerful images can be without context.”

The Range of Reactions

While each participant brought their own perspective, several themes emerged. Some expressed sympathy with the imagery itself, saying it was emotionally powerful.

One participant said, “It makes me question what I see online every day. How much of it is shaped this way?”

Their comments highlight how propaganda resonates differently depending on prior knowledge and exposure. Many viewers have simply never encountered such footage directly.

Street Smart’s Approach

This project continues a pattern established by Sage Fox & Dorani’s earlier videos. Rather than relying on experts or lengthy analysis, Street Smart focuses on real people and their honest reactions. The approach is simple but effective. Present potent material, listen to what people say, and share those moments with a wider audience.

The Gaza Indoctrination footage experiment fits this model. It doesn’t attempt to draw final conclusions or offer political commentary. Instead, it documents how people respond when they’re exposed to narratives that are usually filtered through intermediaries.

Implications for Media Literacy

Beyond its viral potential, the video raises broader questions about how people interact with powerful imagery online. Propaganda operates on emotional reflexes. As this experiment shows, those reflexes are often unexamined until they’re brought to the surface.

Sage Fox & Dorani hope that projects like this push audiences to think more critically about what they see and share.

“The purpose is not to tell people what to believe. It is to remind them that every image comes from somewhere, and that source matters,” they said.

Next Steps for Street Smart

As Street Smart’s platform grows, Sage Fox & Dorani plan to conduct similar experiments in different contexts. They intend to use their direct, street-level approach to highlight how people react when presented with challenging material.

The Gaza footage project is one piece of a larger mission. The team uses simple methods to shed light on complex issues. By focusing on authentic reactions, they continue to build a unique space in online media that blends cultural investigation with raw human response.

A Window into Unfiltered Thought

“We showed 20 strangers real propaganda footage from Gaza — and filmed their unfiltered reactions” is not a dramatic exposé or academic study. It is a clear, unmediated record of how individuals respond when confronted with material designed to persuade. In that restraint lies its strength.

By documenting these moments, Street Smart shows how awareness can begin with a pause. A brief space between seeing and believing.