Anish Saini Penthalia: From Ambernath to Hollywood – lighting the path to success

June 25, 2024 - 6:18 PM IST

Anish Saini Penthalia, originally from Ambernath, Thane, Maharashtra, India, is making waves in the film industry with his remarkable journey from a small town in India to the bustling streets of Hollywood. Anish's career as a gaffer has been characterized by dedication, creativity, and an unyielding passion for filmmaking. His journey, marked by significant milestones and achievements, serves as an inspiring story for aspiring filmmakers worldwide.

Anish Saini Penthalia: From Ambernath to Hollywood – lighting the path to success

Anish's love for films began in his childhood, nurtured by his father, who introduced him to a world of cinematic wonder. Initially aspiring to be an actor, his interest shifted behind the camera as he delved into the intricate processes of filmmaking. This passion led him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Mass Media from CHM College, where his interest in cinema deepened.

In 2019, Anish took a significant step towards his dream by moving to Los Angeles to pursue an MFA in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. It was during his time at the academy that he discovered his true calling – lighting. The art of shaping scenes with light captivated him, and he decided to specialize as a gaffer. Over the past seven years, Anish has honed his skills, working on a variety of projects that showcase his ability to create visually stunning and emotionally resonant scenes.

Anish's career trajectory includes working on notable projects such as Rift (feature film), Voler - Love, Loss and Moving on, Retrieval (short film), and many more. These projects have garnered several awards and have been officially selected for numerous prestigious film festivals, including the Golden State Film Festival, The British Short Film Awards, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival, just to name a few. Anish has also been a very crucial part of the globally successful music videos ‘Lover’, ‘Black and White’ by the famous artist Diljit Dosanjh. His contributions to these films have not only demonstrated his technical prowess but also his ability to enhance storytelling through lighting.

Currently, Anish is a valued member of Dhar Mann Studios, where he continues to apply his expertise in lighting to create impactful short films addressing social issues. The studio's impressive reach, with over 99 million subscribers and more than 2 billion views across platforms like YouTube and Facebook, speaks volumes about the resonance of their content.

Reflecting on his journey, Anish acknowledges the significant challenges he faced, from moving to a new country to breaking into a competitive industry. However, his dedication and passion, coupled with unwavering support from his family, have been instrumental in his success. "My parents have worked tirelessly to give me the ability to dream big and fulfill those dreams," says Anish. "Their support and sacrifices are the foundation of my success."

Looking ahead, Anish is preparing for an exciting project set to begin in November, which falls within the action-adventure genre – a genre that has always fascinated him. Though details are under wraps, Anish is eager for the audience to experience this new venture.

Anish's journey from Ambernath to Hollywood is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and family support. His story is not just about personal success but also about inspiring others to pursue their passions, regardless of societal expectations. "I hope my journey inspires other aspiring filmmakers in India to follow their dreams," he shares.

As Anish Saini continues to light up the film industry with his talent and dedication, his future in cinema looks exceptionally bright. In the next five years, Anish envisions working on some of the biggest movies, contributing to the ever-expanding landscape of cinema, and mentoring young filmmakers to navigate their paths in this dynamic industry.