Amaira Gulati: The young golf star from Mhow is all set to play in the US
Written by: Amrita Priya
(December 3, 2022) At seven, Amaira Gulati is a golf star who has already played in 35 tournaments as a professional golfer. She first began playing at the age of four, after watching her parents play in their free time. “I was five when I started playing it professionally,” Amaira told Global Indian.
A grade-two student at Emerald Height International School, Mhow, Amaira registered a remarkable win in the recently held US Kids Tour Event held in Delhi. This win has culminated in her being selected for the US Kids world championship to be held next year in North Carolina, USA.
Amaira Gulati
Early start
When Amaira’s parents Colonel Baljeet Singh and Harpreet Kaur discovered their child had an unusual talent for the sport, they believed that with training from a young age, she could be a good golfer. “I was trained under Gyan Sir and Sharaf Sir. My Golf caddie, Ajay Bhaiya, also teaches me,” Amaira says.
Her father’s frequent job postings, in places like Shahjahanpur, Hissar and now Mhow near Indore, means Amaira’s training regimen is often disturbed. Still, her passion is so unwavering that she manages to keep pace with the game.
The first tournament abroad
The youngster has been a part of and won major under-8 tournaments in north India. She is the leading player of the Indian Golf Union’s north zone ‘E’ category, having won all its nine tournaments this year.
Whether it is the Delhi Golf Cup, Chandigarh Golf Cup, Albatross Golf Event, Shubhankar Sharma Invitational, or Hyundai National School Championship, the youngster has won in all the tournaments that she has played in 2022. However, winning in the US Kids Tour Event is special. The seven-year-old is all set to make her foreign debut and will play abroad for the first time at Pinehurst, also known as the ‘cradle of the American golf’.
Amaira competed with golf players of Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Korea and Japan to find the coveted spot at the event organised by US Kids Golf, the leading brand for junior golf equipment that conducts tournaments across all continents. The season winners of all continents have been invited to play at the annual world championship to be held in USA.
Fruit of hard work
Talking about one of her first tournaments, when she started playing professionally, Amaira recalls, “It was fun but when I didn’t get the trophy, I started crying and asked my father why I didn’t win.” The tournament was in Chandigarh. “My father said, if you want the trophy you will have to work harder. I did so and kept on winning after that,” she remarks.
Practice happens after school and the young golfer rarely misses a session. Nearly 10-days in a month are spent travelling across North India for tournaments and Amaira tries to make the most of this, too, learning as much as she can from the coaches she meets. She follows what she has been taught by the experts in those places, during her routine practice sessions back home.
Amaira Gulati with the prizes she has won so far
Amaira’s parents support her fully, as does her school, which helps her keep abreast of what she misses when she’s on tour. “When I come back from tournaments, my teachers support me in my school work and help me with what I do not understand.”
Going with the flow
In her free time, Amaira loves dancing, singing or swimming. She also adores maths. “I want to become a renowned professional golfer like Aditi Ashok. She is my role model,” says the rising golf star, about the trailblazer of women’s golf in India.
(June 18, 2024) She was just seven when a haunting image of a dead bird with its stomach full of plastic shook her. The shocking sight stirred something within Dubai-born and raised Kehkashan Basu, igniting a deep concern for the environment. Her passion grew even stronger after attending a lecture by environmentalist Robert Swan, who emphasised the urgent need for individual action in saving the planet. "He said something that just stuck. 'The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it'." Swan's words resonated with Kehkashan, leading her to realise that waiting for someone else to solve the world's environmental problems was not an option. So, when she turned eight the following year, she celebrated by planting a tree. This was the beginning of the making of an environmentalist who later founded the Green Hope Foundation (which operates in 28 countries) that aims to teach and implement the UN's sustainable development goals through events and grassroots action like tree planting. The work has earned her a spot in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, won her the 2016 International Children's Peace Prize and Meritorious Service Medal of Canada. Born on June 5 (World Environment
Born on June 5 (World Environment Day) in Dubai to immigrant parents who moved from Kolkata, Kehkashan was raised in a family that believes in the virtues of compassion and empathy. Growing up, she always wanted to help others, and it was her mother who instilled in her a sense of belief that it was her moral responsibility to give back to people and the planet. This prompted her to begin working at the ground level in the UAE through a no-plastic campaign wherein she visited businesses and homes to explain how to avoid plastic, and recycle and dispose of waste responsibly.
Her initiative started reaping fruits when she was elected as the UN Environmental Programme’s global coordinator for children and youth at the age of 12. While speaking at the Rio+20 Earth Summit, she realised that the sustainable development process was not inclusive of young people. "I was deeply concerned by the fact that we, children, were not a part of the dialogue. My future was being decided by someone else," she told Streets of Toronto. This pushed her to launch Green Hope in 2012 to "provide a platform for learning that turns into ground-level action."
The foundation's primary objective is to empower children and youth, especially those who are marginalized, by involving them actively in the sustainable development process through environment academies - where they use music, art, dance, drama, and sport to teach them about sustainable development. Kehkashan firmly believes that they possess the potential to drive positive change and make a significant impact on the world. "We have directly impacted more than 50,000 young people — Rohingya refugees, Syrian refugees, children of prisoners in Kenya and Nepal, HIV-positive children, orphans, and the homeless in India, Bangladesh, Suriname, and Indonesia," she added.
Guided by her unwavering commitment, Kehkashan's mission through the Green Hope Foundation is to create a "Life of Dignity for all." This encompasses not only addressing environmental challenges but also focusing on social equity and inclusivity. Kehkashan recognises that sustainable development cannot be achieved without considering the rights and needs of every individual, particularly those who are marginalized. By empowering children and youth, she aims to foster a generation that is not only environmentally conscious but also actively involved in building a more equitable and sustainable future.
For someone who started young, she calls age just a number as one can take action at any age. "I’ve always said that age has nothing to do with capability. Youngsters are often dismissed and told that they need to grow up to learn about the environment, and that's not true. If you instil an interest in sustainable development from a young age, just like you do for science or maths, youngsters can grow up with that knowledge and then expand on that." Her efforts paid off as within a decade Green Hope Foundation grew into a global social innovation enterprise, with over 2000 members working at a grassroots level in our 28 country chapters.
A sustainability advocate, Kehkashan moved to Canada in 2017 to bring her nonprofit to North America. "I thought, if I have to start my organization in North America, I want to start it in a place where I know that your differences will be accepted, where I would be able to make a difference with people who are also interested in similar things," she said in an interview. After graduating from the University of Toronto in 2022, she is currently pursuing MBA at Cornell University.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKxckiMIP0Q
Being a climate activist, Kehkashan believes in the power of bringing about change. "The first step is educating ourselves about the problems facing our local communities. If we don't have the knowledge, then we cannot take action. Once we have the awareness, then we can spread it and take concerted, localized action towards human and planetary wellbeing, whether that is growing our own food, switching to solar-powered cars, or planting mangroves, the list is endless," she said.
Kehkashan Basu's journey from witnessing the devastating effects of plastic pollution to becoming a globally recognized activist showcases the power of youth engagement and individual action in the pursuit of sustainable development. Through the Green Hope Foundation, she has successfully empowered marginalized children and youth, enabling them to become environmental advocates and champions of change in their communities and beyond. "Taking care of our planet is no longer a choice; it's a responsibility. And what I want everyone to know is that they must act now to do something for the planet," she added.
(May 12, 2024) Ever since she was little, R Vaishali found herself drawn to an 8x8 square grid with alternating dark and light squares - a chessboard. She would spend hours learning the game and coming up with strategies to oust her opponents. She harboured the dream of becoming a grandmaster someday, and that day finally arrived this month when R Vaishali was named India's 84th Grandmaster. "Achieving the title was a dream come true," said the 22-year-old chess player, who is the sister of Pragganandhaa, India's youngest Grandmaster. Vaishali achieved the necessary 2500 ELO points during the Llobregat Open tournament in Spain, making her the third Indian woman, following Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli, to attain the title of Grandmaster. Nevertheless, she received the title officially during the FIDE Council meeting at the Candidates Tournament in Toronto last month. "Yeah, it took some time to get it official, but I'm happy that the title is finally out. I was okay with it (the delay)," the Global Indian said. [caption id="attachment_37771" align="aligncenter" width="619"] R Vaishali is India's 84th Grandmaster[/caption] The long wait In 2018, she achieved the title of Woman Grandmaster after fulfilling her final norm at the Riga Technical
youth//wp-content/uploads/2024/05/vaish1-1024x683.jpg" alt="R Vaishali | Global Indian" width="619" height="413" /> R Vaishali is India's 84th Grandmaster[/caption]
The long wait
In 2018, she achieved the title of Woman Grandmaster after fulfilling her final norm at the Riga Technical University Open in Riga, Latvia. However, she had to wait for six long years to obtain the GM title, and those years filled her with doubt, especially after her ratings stagnated due to the lack of competition during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"In between, I could not play any tournament for two years due to the (Covid-19) pandemic. But I was working throughout, trying to improve my game. I completed my International Master (IM) cycle post-pandemic (in 2021)," she said, adding, "Although I was improving my game slowly, my rating became stagnant. There were some low moments when I felt I might not get the title, but people believed in me and helped me to attain it."
It was only a week before the Llobregat Open tournament in Spain that R Vaishali decided to participate as she was just short of three points to achieve the title of Grandmaster. "My only goal to participate in the tournament was to get the title, and I was glad that I achieved it in the first two rounds," said the Arjuna Awardee.
[caption id="attachment_37773" align="aligncenter" width="776"] R Vaishali receives Arjuna Award[/caption]
Hooked to the boardgame
Born in Chennai to a banker father and a homemaker mother, R Vaishali got interested in chess at a young age. At the age of 12 in 2013, she scored a victory against the future World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen during a simultaneous exhibition match that Carlsen conducted while visiting her hometown of Chennai for the World Chess Championship 2013. Three years later, she attained the title of Woman International Master (WIM), and by October of the same year, she held the second rank in India and was ranked as the 12th best U16 girl player globally. During this period, her Elo rating stood at 2300.
Two Grandmasters under one roof
Growing up, she played friendly matches with her brother R Pragganandhaa. Together they are the first brother-sister duo to become Grandmasters in chess history. Talking about her relationship with Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali stated, "We talk a lot about our games, which is natural since we have been playing together since our childhood." "He helps me a lot with my game. It's great to have such a strong player at home with whom I can discuss more about the game at any time."
[caption id="attachment_37772" align="aligncenter" width="689"] R Vaishali with mom Nagalakshmi and brother Pragganandhaa[/caption]
After getting the GM title, she is now looking up to the World Championship and "playing against some of the best women chess players in the world." Though she is currently pursuing a PG Diploma course in Human Resource Management, R Vaishali is keen to pursue chess as a career. "I am in the final year of my Human Resource Management course after having completed my B Com. But I don't have any academic aspirations. I just want to complete this PG and focus on playing chess full-time and professionally," says the girl who has found her support system in her parents. While her mother accompanies her to the tournaments on most occasions, her father takes care of the logistics, planning, and finances. "In fact, both of them take care of most of our needs, which indeed helps us focus more on our game. Really grateful to them," she added.
Making the right noise - globally
It was in 1988 that Vishwanathan Anand became India's first grandmaster and now R Vaishali is the 84th Grandmaster. Calling him an inspiration for chess players in India, she said, "It all started with one man - Anand sir, and it has reached where it is now. He has brought in many changes, and his Westbridge Anand Chess Academy, of which I am a part too, has helped us train with some of the top trainers. Moreover, he inspires us and encourages us."
The game of chess has been booming in India in a big way in the last few decades, and R Vaishali credits government support. "Moreover, a lot of sponsors are coming in, and tournaments happening in India which is helping the chess players shine. As we speak, there must be someone else who must be in the making of the 85th grandmaster title," says the girl who loves dosa, and that's the one thing she wants to gorge on as soon as she returns home from a tournament.
With many Indian names shining in the world of chess, R Vaishali is certain that the future looks bright. Moreover, she believes that Fishrandom chess, also known as Chess960, is the future of chess. "Going forward, we will have more Fishrandom tournaments."
India's 84th Grandmaster, R Vaishali, is happy that she is serving as an inspiration for many upcoming chess players. "I often meet a lot of kids during tournaments and I am happy that Chess is getting its due."
(July 26, 2024) A 23-year-old from Chandigarh, who is a rising star in Indian esports, has scripted history by becoming the first Indian to qualify for the FC Pro 24 World Championship. In a thrilling play-in match, Charanjot Singh emerged victorious with a 5-4 scoreline against “JP Sleator,” securing his place among the top 32 players in the world. This achievement followed his impressive third-place finish in Gathering D, solidifying his spot in the main competition. The FC Pro World Championship 24 stands as the pinnacle of eFIFA competition, hosted in Berlin, Germany, with an impressive $1,000,000 prize pool. Charanjot’s historic qualification marks a monumental moment for Indian esports, yet his journey is far from over. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Charanjot Singh (@charanjot12) His love for esports began with casual gaming at his friend’s place during weekends, while growing up in Chandigarh. “I did not have a console at that time. I used to play during my summer vacations or in weekends,” said the boy who loved Fortnite, Call of Duty among other games. But it was FIFA that he like the most owing to his love for football. He remembers watching 2010
His love for esports began with casual gaming at his friend’s place during weekends, while growing up in Chandigarh. “I did not have a console at that time. I used to play during my summer vacations or in weekends,” said the boy who loved Fortnite, Call of Duty among other games. But it was FIFA that he like the most owing to his love for football. He remembers watching 2010 FIFA World Cup as a seven year old, and was instantly hooked. However, things took a serious turn in 2019 when he participated in his first esports competition in Chandigarh. “That was the start of my competitive chapter in e-sports,” he said in an interview.
He cultivated his passion for FIFA through local tournaments, where his skill and dedication eventually propelled him to the forefront of Indian esports. “During the lockdown, I began playing professionally for the first time. In 2020, I signed my first eSports contract,” he added. Two years later, he represented Bengaluru FC at Indian Super League. But the big break came when he represented India at the 2022 Asian Games held in September 2023 in Hangzhou in China. It was in 2018 that esport was first introduced as a demonstration sport in 2018 in Jakarta and Palembang.
In a short span, Charanjot has become popular in the world of esports with even Korean players recognising him. “The pressure of being the favorite makes me perform better,” he had said.
However, it hasn’t been an easy journey for Charanjot who had a hard time finding sponsors since it’s esports and not sports. Since mobile games are quite popular in India, those esports tournaments gather much viewership than FIFA. “That’s because FIFA is a console game. Getting consoles in India is a costly affair. For mobile games you can get any mobile and start playing games but for console games you need to spend ₹40,000-50,000 at least. Then you have to buy games every year. You get sponsors… but you have to really convince them,” said Charanjot, who is BA Final year.
Charanjot, who plays three-four hours every day, focuses on enjoying the game rather than feeling the pressure. “If your opponent is sitting near of next to you, it gets intimidating. But the best players are those who are able to deal with the pressure,” he added.
The young player is glad that e-sports has now found international recognition, and wants more parents to support their kids who aspire to pursue esports. “It is not just being a gamer. You can also consider the content side. If you can create good content then you can sign with the e-sports teams. There is a lot of money in e-sports for sure. But I will not advise you to stop studies and just play e-sports. It is easy and hard money together. If you are winning tournaments then you feel making money is easy. But once you start struggling, it becomes difficult.”
But he does feel that presence of more tournaments such as ESL will have a positive impact as the popularity of FIFA and football has surged, especially with the recent rise of football in India. “However, the growth of the game is still in a learning stage, similar to the dormant stage, and the cost of the console is prohibitive. I believe that it is difficult for people to access FIFA in eSports due to the console’s cost, which is approximately ₹50,000.”
Charanjot will be seen playing it up at FC Pro 24 World Championship in July this year, and is keen to become the best FIFA gamer in the world. “I want to continue playing as long as my body allow me to do so … as one ages the reflexes get slower.” This prestigious event gathers top players worldwide for intense one-on-one virtual football competition. His participation not only highlights his talent on a global stage but also sets a benchmark for Indian esports, inspiring others to pursue international recognition.
“I know a lot of people say that kids are the future, but I want to spread the message that we are here now, and we can make a difference.” - 11-year-old Gitanjali Rao in 2017 Meet Indian American teen scientist and TIME’s First Kid of the Year, Gitanjali Rao. She is wise, confident, knowledgeable, self-assured and loves reading Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s websites. A chat with her is refreshing: Lucid thoughts flow almost as if scripted. It’s hard to fathom how a 4 foot something girl with sparkling eyes oozes such clarity. Picture a pre-teen walking into the Denver Water Treatment plant with a lab coat over gummies, and holding forte among science professionals. https://twitter.com/AttorneyCrump/status/1356357624376287233?s=20 In an exclusive interview with Global Indian, She radiates poise as she speaks on her first prototype in use – Tethys, which detects lead contamination in water and shares that information through Bluetooth. Her occasional giggles make this child scientist more endearing. Today, at 15, she has 11 innovations to her name, of which three are in the prototype stage with one released. Innovation-driven by empathy Gitanjali, named after Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s famous book of poems, has an altruistic sense of scientific purpose that takes one aback. In 3M’s Not the Science Type docuseries, she says: “All of us can make a difference. It’s just about finding that one thing
, She radiates poise as she speaks on her first prototype in use – Tethys, which detects lead contamination in water and shares that information through Bluetooth. Her occasional giggles make this child scientist more endearing. Today, at 15, she has 11 innovations to her name, of which three are in the prototype stage with one released.
Innovation-driven by empathy
Gitanjali, named after Nobel laureateRabindranath Tagore’s famous book of poems, has an altruistic sense of scientific purpose that takes one aback. In 3M’sNot the Science Typedocuseries, she says:
“All of us can make a difference. It’s just about finding that one thing you want to change, and changing it. I want to use science to inspire kindness. Find yourself with it.”
A weighty quest for science guides the toothy teen scientist. She is described as a Forbes 30 Under 30,America's Top Young Scientist,TEDx Speaker,STEM Promoter,TIME Top Young Innovator, author and student. Moreover, she is a proficient glider, pianist, classical dancer, fencer, and a (self-proclaimed) average cook. This quest started with her proclivity to ask questions. Years on, those very questions led her to solutions. First, she tackled water scarcity and contamination that led to the Tethys prototype at just 11.
[caption id="attachment_5592" align="aligncenter" width="426"] At the age of 15, Gitanjali Rao has 11 innovations to her name.[/caption]
The technology, Rao says, can be easily enhanced to other contaminants. “More students, especially in the recent Regeneron Science Talent Research, Stockholm Junior Water Prize, etc have taken the same technology and enhanced it for other contaminants or water purification with doped nanotubes. Arsenic, Mercury and Cadmium are a few,” she tells Global Indian in an exclusive interview. Further, she has provided some Brazilian students her solution for further research.
“I am in the process of working with American Water Works Association to explore influencing state and federal policies on water testing,” says Rao.
Rao became fixated with another question – how to address the opioid crisis - when a family friend was prescribed opioids after an accident. She developed Epione – a tool to diagnose prescription opioid addiction using an ELISA-based protein detection method. Epione works on a fluid sample and uses protein expression from the mu-opioid receptor gene to find out if a patient is at the onset of addiction. “The device uses standard colorimetry processes to identify addiction status. Results on a mobile app show the status of addiction, and includes a map of the nearest addiction centre,” Rao adds about this early-stage research.
[caption id="attachment_5611" align="alignnone" width="852"] Gitanjali Rao enjoys talking about science with kids.[/caption]
Parental guidance
Rao feels her upbringing - thinking, trying and ideating differently were encouraged - made problem-solving a habit. She probably inherited intellectual rigor from her parents - Rama and BharathiRao, who migrated from Mangalore to the US and have strong academic credentials. Her parents instilled the freedom to choose and that she says taught her to be resourceful and take risks.
“If I felt like learning to fly a glider, I had to earn it, find a scholarship. If I wanted to attend a space camp, I had to search for scholarships and apply. To learn more about a concept, they would help me search for an expert, article or professor. They ensured I was safe, and allowed me to take risks.”
Today, she has a student’s flying license and can fly a glider.
[caption id="attachment_5593" align="alignnone" width="1010"] Gitanjali Rao learning how to fly.[/caption]
The Raos knew they were raising a special kid very early on. As a 10-year-old, a parent can expect the kid to ask for a new video game or a toy but the Raos had to service a carbon nanotube request.
'Kindly' to prevent cyberbullying
Among the other technologies that Rao has developed is Kindly, where she started with the question of how to prevent cyber threats. Kindly is an anti-cyber-bullying app that detects words related to cyberbullying using machine learning and natural language processing. As trailblazers go, her meeting with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella helped guide her with the initial prototype for Kindly. In an awe-inspiring meeting, Nadella was “kind enough to meet a 13-year-old, listen to her ideas and support,” she says.
Kindly has a Beta standalone app and browser extension now, and she has partnered with UNICEF to roll this out as a product that can be used worldwide to measure the number of preventable cyberbullying events.
Promoting STEM education through innovation workshops
A three-time TEDx speaker and winner of the US President’s Environmental Youth Award, Rao is hoping to solicit new innovators to address the world’s problems through her innovation workshops. She has already reached about 50,000 students in 26 countries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBEPYDLD3vg
“I hope to reach out to 50,000 more by 2021-end in partnership with MJP Foundation for schools in Cambodia, Royal Academy of Engineering for students in the UK, Transformation Ghana, and individual schools in India,” says the girl, who is now working on parasitic water contamination detection using genetic engineering. The key is to inspire girls to be unafraid of science and technology and help them connect it to real impact. But challenges abound. A workshop for girls in Gaza was canceled due to security issues. In Afghanistan and Chile, her struggle was to help people understand her accent.
“In a refugee camp in Kenya, some students had to walk 45 minutes just to listen, and had to leave before dark.”
“Schools in India that reach out and facilitate are much easier, though I have to tune my message for kindness, empathy, and collaboration.”
The TIME accolade has amplified her voice to influence and introduce innovation into the early education system. Since April 2018, Gitanjali has been working with UNICEF and was recognized as one of America’s Top Youth volunteers by Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Sheeven donated to UNICEF’s India COVID-19 response.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_li_TNwOEk
A family girl
She is often teased by her family that she might be “Kid of the Year” but she still has to do her chores and clean her room. Her friends can’t fathom how America’s top kid scientist forgets adding key ingredients like melted butter while baking.
Her Indianness comes out in glimpses - eating hotbhajiyas on a rainy day. Or sipping on borrowed chai from her mom with a Parle G biscuit or rusk. Due to the pandemic, Gitanjali missed her yearly visits to India to see her maternal grandparents in Navi Mumbai and paternal grandfather in Hyderabad. But she’s thankful they are in the US now.
Mentored by icons
Having good mentors is an important crucible in any Global Indian’s journey. Rao speaks of being under the tutelage of Dr Kathleen Shafer from 3M (Tethys), Dr Selene Hernandez (Denver Water), and Dr Michael McMurray who guided her on genetic engineering concepts. Moving forward, her goal is to reach out to the US Department of Education to bring innovation into daily curriculum, which means innovations in education.
[caption id="attachment_4066" align="alignnone" width="425"] When Global Indians meet: Gitanjali Rao with 3M's chief science advocate Jayshree Seth in 2018[/caption]
Marvel’s hero project
Gitanjali was featured in the web series Marvel’s Hero ProjectasGenius Gitanjali for her valuable contributions to society.
“I think that being a scientist is like being a superhero, because superheroes save people, and want to do what is best for their society – scientists do the same exact thing,” she earlier told Google.
(Aug 13, 2023) Indian-origin filmmaker Bishal Dutta boasts an impressive creative repertoire spanning diverse mediums, including short films, digital series, music videos, and broadcast commercials. His short film 'Life in Colour' gained recognition as an official selection at the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. With his cinematic accomplishments celebrated at nearly two dozen international film festivals - including esteemed events in Italy, Austria, and France, Bishal has secured six Best Director awards for his proficiency in both narrative and documentary filmmaking. Adding another milestone to his career, the US-based filmmaker marked his debut feature film 'It Lives Inside' with a world premiere at SXSW 2023, receiving rave reviews and an audience award. The horror movie, set to hit theatres in September, has ignited intrigue with its trailer. In an interview, Bishal shared, "Horror is the most expressive of all the genres." [caption id="attachment_32523" align="aligncenter" width="566"] Bishal Dutta[/caption] As both the director and writer of the film, he draws inspiration from a blend of sources. The twenty-six-year-old has included elements of Indian folklore, a ghost story that he heard from his grandfather, and his own Indian American background, to shape the film's thematic essence. Making an Indian
piration from a blend of sources. The twenty-six-year-old has included elements of Indian folklore, a ghost story that he heard from his grandfather, and his own Indian American background, to shape the film's thematic essence.
Making an Indian horror film in America
'It Lives Inside' is not solely about ghosts but also a reflection of the Indian American experience. The narrative revolves around Sam, a young girl of Indian American descent, navigating the challenge of harmonising her cultural identity with the dynamics of her peers. The plot takes a darker turn when her close friend, Tamira, falls under the sway of a Pishach (a mythological demonic spirit). "Making this movie was a surreal experience. I was fortunate to have incredible collaborators and partners throughout the entire process," the Global Indian revealed in an interview.
The filmmaker artfully incorporates elements of his upbringing and cultural heritage, including the unique superstitions prevalent in Indian society, into his debut feature. Through the horror genre's prowess, he makes his film a medium to establish cultural connections while highlighting the distinctive aspects that set cultures apart.
Among the film’s cast are actors such as Megan Suri from 'Never Have I Ever,' Betty Gabriel, known for her breakout role in 'Get Out,' and Indian Canadian actress Neeru Bajwa.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5xUbuYHdi8
Inspired by his grandpa’s ghost story
In interviews, Bishal has credited the story idea to his grandfather, who used to narrate stories to him when he was a child. Many scenes of 'It Lives Inside' stem from his favourite ghost story, which was based on his grandfather's actual experiences. The tale involved encountering a young girl who carried a jar and appeared to converse with an unseen presence in it. Bishal reminisces, "This story was a favourite of mine growing up.”
The jar and other elements like eerie noises, the sound of a galloping horse, and other unsettling occurrences in the darkness of the night have all found a place in Bishal’s cinematic narrative.
As a filmmaker, he has used the concept of being influenced by an evil spirit to metaphorically depict inner turmoil. The Pishach embodies the inner conflict of Indian-origin teenagers growing up abroad. "They feel torn between their Indian culture and their new life in America," Bishal remarks.
The spirit symbolizes a hidden aspect of the protagonist Sam's identity that she conceals, mirroring her apprehension that being from a different culture might hinder her acceptance.
[caption id="attachment_32526" align="aligncenter" width="511"] Poster of 'It Lives Inside'[/caption]
Love for horror
“After I moved to North America from India at the age of four, a lot of my social education came from watching American horror films,” the filmmaker shared.
He watched his first horror movie ‘Terminator 1’ as a five-year-old. In it, I saw a guy’s heart getting ripped out in the first two minutes. That really stayed with me.” Later movies like ‘Alien’, ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’, ‘Poltergeist’ and ‘The Conjuring’ built his appetite for horror movies in his growing-up years.
Now as a horror filmmaker himself, Dutta even managed to scare his parents with his own film. “They watched the whole thing and now my dad doesn't go in the basement anymore when it's too dark. But it's a dual experience because while they're scared, this film in so many ways is so personal, and I think it meant a lot to them to see these moments that are really from our life.” Bishal shared adding, "It Lives Inside’ is a story about what happens when you change who you are to fit in. It makes you think while also giving you chills.”
The filmmaker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Media Studies from the University of California, Berkley.
R Vaishali receives Arjuna Award[/caption]
R Vaishali with mom Nagalakshmi and brother Pragganandhaa[/caption]
At the age of 15, Gitanjali Rao has 11 innovations to her name.[/caption]
Gitanjali Rao enjoys talking about science with kids.[/caption]
Gitanjali Rao learning how to fly.[/caption]
When Global Indians meet: Gitanjali Rao with 3M's chief science advocate Jayshree Seth in 2018[/caption]
Poster of 'It Lives Inside'[/caption]