Throughout his journey, Jaswinder has always been deeply inspired by certain filmmakers, stories, and films that have shaped his understanding of what filmmaking truly means. The world of cinema, vast and varied, has provided him with a well of ideas and emotions to draw from, and these influences have helped him develop his own unique voice as a filmmaker.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!One of Jaswinder’s biggest influences was the legendary director Steven Spielberg. Spielberg’s ability to craft emotionally compelling stories, often with a sense of wonder and humanity, deeply resonated with him. Films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Schindler’s List showcased Spielberg’s mastery of storytelling, whether through the lens of a child’s innocence or the harrowing realities of history. What stood out to Jaswinder was Spielberg’s ability to balance technical excellence with deep emotional resonance. He learned from Spielberg that the best films were the ones that connected with the audience on a personal level.
Another major influence on Jaswinder was the work of Indian filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. Hirani’s films, such as 3 Idiots and PK, are known for their perfect blend of humor and social commentary. Hirani’s ability to tell stories that were both entertaining and thought-provoking inspired Jaswinder to incorporate humor into his own films, even when tackling serious subjects. He admired Hirani’s knack for weaving deep moral lessons into the fabric of everyday life, making complex social issues accessible through relatable characters and situations.
Additionally, Jaswinder was profoundly impacted by the visual storytelling of Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino’s unique style, characterized by sharp dialogue, nonlinear storytelling, and memorable characters, pushed Jaswinder to explore unconventional ways of telling a story. The way Tarantino weaves tension and drama through scenes, often blending elements of different genres, made Jaswinder realize that there were no rules when it came to creativity in filmmaking. It was a reminder that storytelling could be as experimental as the director’s imagination allowed.
Jaswinder also drew inspiration from the world of world cinema, particularly the works of directors like Hayao Miyazaki, whose animated films such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro create whimsical yet profound narratives. Miyazaki’s ability to craft visually stunning worlds that also held deep emotional resonance inspired Jaswinder to think about how visual aesthetics could tell a story without relying solely on dialogue. It was a lesson in creating immersive worlds that could transport audiences to new realms of thought and emotion.
Finally, Jaswinder was inspired by his roots in Cheema Khurd and the stories of rural India. Growing up in a small village gave him a deep appreciation for the power of simple, heartfelt storytelling. He found beauty in the stories of ordinary people living ordinary lives, finding extraordinary meaning in their everyday struggles. These narratives became the foundation for his own creative work, as he often drew on his personal experiences and the lives of people in rural India to fuel his stories.
