Explore, Enjoy and Extend
New Delhi, June 9 - Educated in film, history and commerce from the best schools in India, Vandana Kohli has won awards for excellence at each institute.
Kohli has scripted, directed and edited projects for clients that include The National Geographic Channel, The History Channel, Doordarshan (India's State Broadcasting National Network), various agencies of the United Nations and the Government of India.
Kohli is an accomplished photographer and musician and has recently released her second instrumental album.
She looks back fondly at her college years:
LSR is known for its verve and vibrancy. It also offers a unique blend of academics and extra curricular activities. It draws top students from across India and is in fact a microcosm, a little India. It is great place to grow up as a young woman.
In hindsight, what really helped me take the trajectory toward becoming a filmmaker is the fact that LSR allowed all of us to explore various opportunities and our abilities. For example, while holding a theatre festival, what would usually happen in a co-ed college is the women would be handed responsibilities like makeup and set design. Not so in LSR. We would handle everything from the conceptualisation to the marketing just everything. This is what I'm grateful for that LSR encourages participation and sets a standard.
Other skills I learnt at LSR that have helped me in my career as a filmmaker include communication, which in my profession is crucial.
Thinking back, I didn't always think I would go into filmmaking. In hindsight though, it was the experiences that I had at college that have helped shape this reality. Things such as evolving as a person, exploring music, testing out ideas and overall, having a richer experience in those formative years have all contributed. For instance, I never wrote till I was in my mid-20s but the urge to write arose during my college years.
My advice to people just entering college is to jump into it, extend yourself, participate in all you can and utilise all the opportunities that come their way. Go beyond yourself and don't limit yourself to small groups. Most importantly, have lots of fun. In simple words: explore, enjoy and extend yourself.
Author: Pankaj Mullick (HT Horizons)
Date: 11th June, 2010
For further details about related courses and colleges please click below:
