Lifestyle

From India to Hollywood: Rishab Chandra’s cinematic brilliance is catching everyone’s attention

Published

2 years ago

March 10, 2023

Rishab Chandra’s path to becoming a renowned cinematographer is nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Bangalore, India, this young visionary has carved out a niche for himself in the world of filmmaking, working with prestigious brands and renowned artists across the globe. Chandra’s passion for the art of visual storytelling was ignited at a young age when his mother brought home a DSLR camera on a whim. From that moment on, he became inseparable from the device, exploring the depths of wildlife photography until the age of 16.

It was then that a chance encounter with a club promoter propelled Chandra into the world of event cinematography. His work quickly gained recognition, and he soon found himself collaborating with some of the biggest names in the electronic music industry, including Skrillex, Tiesto, KSHMR, and DJ Snake. Chandra’s talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, and by the age of 20, he had already begun touring with renowned artists such as Nikhil Chinappa, Lost Stories, Tyga, Alan Walker, Krewella, Bonobo, and Troyboi, capturing the energy and excitement of music festivals like Sunburn, DGTL, and Ultra.

One of Chandra’s most significant achievements came when he became one of the few Indian filmmakers to have a music video released on Spinnin’ Records, a global record label signed with some of the biggest DJs in the world. The video, “Mantra” by Mariana Bo, showcased Chandra’s ability to seamlessly blend his cinematic vision with the pulsating rhythms of electronic music. But Chandra’s ambitions didn’t stop there. At the age of 23, he ventured into the world of luxury automotive brands, establishing himself as one of the youngest cinematographers in the country to work with prestigious names like Porsche and Lamborghini.

“Chandra’s work with these iconic brands has been a testament to his exceptional skills and creative vision,” says industry experts. “His ability to capture the essence of these luxury vehicles, from their sleek lines to their raw power, is truly remarkable.” Chandra’s journey then took him to Los Angeles, where he spent a year studying at the prestigious New York Film Academy. It was during this time that he began working on numerous short and feature films as a Director of Photography, gaffer, and camera operator.

As Chandra’s journey continues to unfold, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and cinematographers around the world. With a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep passion for his craft, this remarkable young talent from Bangalore has truly made his mark on the global stage.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

23 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.