Making Reel Life Look Real

When Snigdha Karmahe gave up her 9 to 5 job to follow her heart, she had no idea she was setting the stage for a very satisfying career in production design.

What drew you to the arts?

SK: My entire family was into theater, dance and music. As a child I was interested in painting and theater too but never realized that one could make a career out of them. I was studying Information Technology at NIT Raipur when I realized one should work in a field closer to their heart. That was my biggest learning! And since then I only do a thing if I enjoy it – not just for money, name or fame.

I went on to do a PG in Information and Digital Design from National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. NID brought about a lot of changes in me. I think I would be a different person if I had not gone to NID. I think almost every day I apply what I learnt there. My IT background allows me to think art and technology together - which is very exciting. I also do art installation projects and in some of them I have combined art with some interactive technology.

What took you to production design for Bollywood?

SK: It was not a planned thing. After NID I was working as a story visualizer for Times of India in Mumbai. I also did some theater during this time. Soon I realized that I did not enjoy sitting in front of the computer the whole day - I loved interacting with real people and real spaces - so I quit my job. My parents were concerned and started questioning me about my career goals. They wanted me to have a 9 to 5 ‘settled’ job, but all I wanted was to follow my heart. They were unhappy and gave me the option to either stay with them and live according to their wishes or leave home. I decided to leave home and live on my own terms.