Never stop trying..

"It's not what you achieve, it's what you overcome. That's what defines your career." - Carlton Fisk

You have to love what you do, to give your best. Work pressure arises only when you don’t enjoy your work. And working for television commercials is no different.

I am reflecting upon the wealth of moments during my food styling shoots last month, and being thankful to people around, who support and make me feel good at work.

Working with high-profile clients and national brands are different from working with smaller brands. You need to interact with more decision heads of every department. From client’s team, director, choreographer, producer, ad agency, art director, editor, DOP, to light men and so on.

There is a constant pressure to be fast, precise and still be at your creative best from the word go.

1.? Zomato ?TVC – It was a beautiful set design and excellent storyboard. The brilliant team of directors made sure that everything went as per plan for this television shoot.

As the shoot progressed there were a few confusions as to which props to select for the required shots. Should we go for white ceramic, metal or earthenware. Somehow this hurdle was resolved quickly. What with my assistant rushing to the market to find the exact earthen pot the client were looking for.

And then came another bomb...“Ma'am, there is a small change in the storyboard schedule, the cake sequence is preponed and we need all 6 frosted cakes in an hours’ time." informed the assistant director.

I went out of the studio, took a deep breath and quickly sprung into action. I took help from art department to make a few dummy cakes and got them frosted for trial shots before the actual cakes were done.

Midnight 2.30 am pack up shot…And one another assignment ended on a happy note.

2. Sundaram Finance ?Ad shoot – “Where does food fit in for a shoot for a finance company?” the question asked by many as soon as I accepted this project.

It was a beautifully conceptualized advertising shoot wherein I had to make gajar halwa and fake ice-creams. The final Ad is yet to get published.

3.?Stills for Butterfly brand of product – Another exciting still shoot at home for dosa making machine. The machine is an interesting innovation and is yet to hit the market.

4. Cardia oil - Fortunately every television shoot of mine ends up bringing in a fresh outlook on life and work.

This one taught me to forget your age and remember your dream. The shoot was with an octogenarian celebrity actor/director/producer and several national film award holder Mr. Bharathiraja sir.

The shoot went on till midnight and the entire crew was completely exhausted. But as we approached the last shot, he asked for another take, as he wasn't convinced with his expressions, proving once again that age is just a number when it comes to dedication towards your work.

Yes, you need undying love for your passion, laser-sharp determination for the success formula to work.

However, not forgetting to thank those stubborn Pooris for staying fluffy and the head strong drumstick & curry leaves to stay afloat on sambhar till pack-up :)

Lesson learnt - Don't give into panic. Because as they say, Life is 10% of what you experience and 90% how you respond to it.

Oh yes, am just holding on to #NeverSayQuit ..a little more tighter.