--- title: "Keyur Gaikwad: Why Leaving Your Ending Unscripted Can Sometimes Create Your Best Cinematography" url: "https://authoritymag.co/articles/keyur-gaikwad-why-leaving-your-ending-unscripted-can-sometimes-create-your-best-cinematography" publisher: "Authority Magazine" author: "Tavares Beverly" authorUrl: "https://authoritymag.co/authors/tavares-beverly" interviewee: "Keyur Gaikwad" category: "Pop Culture" datePublished: "2026-11-14T13:32:06.689Z" dateModified: "2026-11-14T13:38:06.836Z" tags: "Pop Culture" --- # Keyur Gaikwad: Why Leaving Your Ending Unscripted Can Sometimes Create Your Best Cinematography *Award-winning filmmaker Keyur Gaikwad shares how his multidisciplinary artistic background and unexpected on-set pivots shape his visually striking storytelling.* > My dad, on the other hand, introduced me to an incredible variety of films and music from different languages at a very young age. --- *As a part of our series called “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker”, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Keyur Gaikwad.* *Keyur Gaikwad is an award-winning filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, born and raised in India. His work moves across narrative film, music videos, photography, painting, animation, design, music, and writing. He is particularly drawn to visually driven, character-focused stories, work that feels personal and intimate while still leaving room for different interpretations.* *Alongside filmmaking, Keyur has been a dedicated painter, primarily working in surrealism, impressionism, and expressionism. Painting has deeply influenced his understanding of composition, light, color, texture, and emotional tone, while writing has shaped his relationship with character, atmosphere, and storytelling. He sees each medium as another way of observing and making sense of the world.* --- **Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit of the ‘backstory’ of how you grew up?** I grew up in a family that deeply appreciated art, so in many ways, it feels natural that I ended up where I am today. My mother is an avid reader, and she was the one who first introduced me to the world of literature. My dad, on the other hand, introduced me to an incredible variety of films and music from different languages at a very young age. My late grandfather shared that same love for books, music, and poetry. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of spending nights in my grandparents’ room, talking and listening to music on the radio. My grandmother and uncle are also passionate about music and introduced me to a variety of artists and genres. When I developed an interest in the arts at an early age, through drawing and painting and music, my family encouraged me to follow that curiosity and supported my art. **Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?** Honestly, it wasn’t one defining moment that brought me to this career, but rather a series of experiences and realizations that unfolded over the years and gradually led me to where I belong. Funnily enough, when I was 14, I wanted to become a software engineer. My father, a software engineer himself, sat me down one day and asked me why. I told him it was because everyone seemed to be doing it, and it paid well. He told me those were the wrong reasons to choose what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I still remember his exact words: “You are an artist at heart, and that is what you should pursue. Go create magical worlds.” He told me that I need to work hard in any profession and that I should chase my dreams and do what I love. I cannot stress enough how rare it is for an Indian parent to ask their kid to not pursue engineering and instead pursue the arts. In grades 11 and 12, I absolutely hated school. I opted for science out of my own free will, a decision I do not regret because even though I hated school, it gave me beautiful life-long friendships that I am eternally grateful for. But yes, I hated school. Even though I was always passionate about learning and academics, I wasn’t interested in the subjects taught at school. I was more interested in literature, history, philosophy, art, people and relationships, love, emotions, and dreams! By the time I had to apply for my bachelor’s, I was already practicing music, poetry, storytelling, painting and photography, and I was looking for more ways to create, and animation caught my eye. I pursued my bachelor’s degree in digital arts and animation where I acquired new technical and artistic skills, and more importantly an evolved love for storytelling through motion pictures. It was during this time that I discovered the true power of cinema, that beyond entertaining, it could connect people, heal, and inspire change, and I had already decided that I wanted to pursue my master’s degree in filmmaking, bringing together all the art forms I loved into one creative practice. **Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your filmmaking career?** Okay so this is something that happened during the filming of my film Mon Amour and it was one of the moments that solidified my belief in the story tells you what it needs. To give a brief overview of the film, it is a surrealist dark comedy that we shot as a 14-minute oner, and it essential follows a couple having a heated argument. And in a way the film is a tragedy because the protagonist is a horrible person who learns nothing. Anyway, the climax of the film is basically the protagonist’s wife deciding to end this abusive relationship and leaving him, and the way I had planned it was that we see her leave through the door and she’s gone. During pre-production, I was really detailed with my storyboards, I draw references from a lot of paintings, and when we were rehearsing the film, we hit all our references except for the closing image of the film. Due to technical reasons, I couldn’t have the actress storm out and just be out of the frame. So, I was just thinking of what we could do, and I told her that instead of being out of the frame, she should leave out the door and just sit on the stairs, and we’ll see what that looks like. And when I framed that shot, it just made the entire crew collectively gasp, because it turned out to be the perfect closing shot, both visually and symbolically. I have been in a toxic relationship so I could relate and maybe others can too, that even when you finally find the strength to walk away for good, there is still grief in letting go. In that moment of freedom and relief, you still mourn the person you loved, the memories you shared, and the future you once imagined together and that leaving doesn’t necessarily mean the love disappears overnight, but sometimes, it means choosing yourself despite the feelings that remain. Our amazingly talented actress Clelia De Laurentiis who plays Berenice in the film, captured this so well, in a simple act of sitting in the background, on the stairs with her head leaning against the wall, while Curtis (Played by the talented Scott Williams) unable to let go of his ego and failing to realize his loss stands in the foreground. This served as the perfect thematic ending to the film, and it was discovered on set, because we couldn’t shoot the original ending because of technical difficulties. So yeah, this was an interesting moment for sure where the story told me exactly what it needed, and it worked wonders. **Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?** I have met so many interesting people throughout my journey. These include some of my mentors and teachers, people who have stayed in my life, but I’ve also had a lot of passing encounters which have left a lasting impression. In 2017, I was out with my friend on a photo walk, and we ran into a sweet 70-year-old cyclist, who was also a photographer. We stood in the street talking for about an hour, where he shared his experiences and wisdom, and how he loved to capture candid photographs to immortalize people in unfiltered emotions. Last year, I ran into an unhoused man who was yelling unintelligibly into the night, but when he saw me, he stopped, had a brief but polite conversation with me, then resumed his activities. Interactions like these, no matter how brief, have been profound, and continue to influence and show up in my films. **None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?** My father is someone who has been instrumental in where I am today, I am honestly standing on his shoulders. Even after I started working professionally, there was a point when things became so difficult that I wanted to give up and retreat to what felt safe and familiar. He gave me the space to be frustrated, to doubt myself, and to feel everything I was going through without making me feel like I was failing. His assurance and support helped me keep chasing the life I wanted. The same of my mother and grandmother, two of the most amazing women in my life, who constantly encourage me to chase my dreams, celebrate my wins, and inspire me to keep being a better person. I am grateful towards my late grandfather, who was my best friend for 22 years of my life, for teaching me a lot of what I know today, for introducing me to cultures and poetry in life, and for being my biggest cheerleader. I am grateful towards my friends, who have seen countless versions of me, who have loved and supported me throughout my journey, and never hesitated to set me straight when I needed to hear the truth. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have some wonderful teachers and mentors throughout my life, from grade school all the way through my master’s, and their influence has gone far beyond academics. They’ve shaped the way I think, the way I see the world, and the person I’ve become. Some of them are still very much a part of my life today, both personally and professionally, and there is so much mutual love and respect. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my teachers. I am also grateful to everyone I have ever loved, and everyone who has loved me. **Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?** “Fall in love with the journey” is a quote that has had a significant impact on my life. I think we often get so caught up in chasing our goals and focusing on the outcome that we rob ourselves of the present. Learning to fall in love with the process has helped me appreciate each day for what it is, focus on doing what I love, and stop constantly worrying about whether I’m getting the results I want. I still have ambitions and goals I’m passionately working toward, but I’ve learned to trust the process a little more. As long as I’m showing up, doing the work, and growing along the way, I know I’m moving forward and that the results will follow. **What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?** I have some really amazing films lined up over the next few years as a Director of Photography and Colorist, and I am incredibly excited for those! I’m also currently writing a romantic drama that feels particularly close to my heart. It’s a deeply personal story, and I look forward to bringing it to life and cannot wait to share it with the world. And, of course, I continue to paint! **Which aspect of your work makes you most proud? Can you explain or give a story?** Honestly, I’m proud of every aspect of my work because it gives me a way to express myself and also connect with people from different backgrounds in the process. Through my films and my art, I get to be a part of something much much bigger than me and hopefully leave a lasting impact even after I’m gone. I’m being so calm about it right now, but that feeling is absolutely surreal to me. One recent experience that comes to mind is the selection of Onion, which is one of my experimental animated films. It was selected for the International Culture Journal Awards and as one part of the selection, the film is being shown in 100 Ukrainian schools, including communities near the frontlines, through the Cinema in Schools program. Isn’t that amazing? Something that I created is travelling beyond the festival circuit and reaching people, especially students, in a way I honestly never even anticipated. I am really both grateful for and proud of that! **Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.** **1. Your first few films are allowed to be bad** — I have now understood that bad art is better than no art, but a while back it was a different story. I used to look at my first few films and cringe. I was my worst critic, and I had put so much pressure on myself to create something extraordinary, that every mistake I made bothered me more than it should have. I have since understood that we need to allow ourselves to make mistakes and learn from them. If I now look back at some of my first films and cringe, I take it as a positive that my skills, taste and craft have now evolved, and I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t started out by making those bad films. **2. Learn to separate your self-worth from your work** — This is something I still struggle with at times, and I think it’s a universal experience for artists. I used to take it personally when someone didn’t connect with my work. I’d internalize that rejection and start questioning my abilities, wondering if I was good enough. Over time, I’ve learned that not everyone is going to connect with what I create, and that’s okay. I deal with rejection well now, as it is an unavoidable part of filmmaking, and life. All the approval and validation I need (and I do need a lot) comes from myself. Like I said, I still struggle with it from time to time, but my goal always is to be able to stand by my work and feel good about it, no matter how the world responds to it. **3. You don’t have to earn your rest through exhaustion** — This was probably one of the most significant lessons I have learned over time. As much as I love filmmaking and working in the creative field, I’ve come to accept that it can be unpredictable and, at times, extremely unsettling. I have had long stretches when nothing seemed to click, followed by brief periods when everything magically fell into place. But during those slower periods, I would get frustrated with myself and feel guilty for resting or seemingly “not doing anything.” I felt the need to compensate by working three or four times harder, and eventually, that constant pressure caught up with me and led to burnout. I learnt it the hard way that if you don’t listen to your mind and body, they will force you to, and that I don’t have to earn rest by pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion. Sometimes, slowing down is important. I never feel guilty for resting anymore. I practice my routines, look after my health, and take a day off if I’m too overwhelmed. **4. You don’t have to say Yes to every opportunity** — When I had just started out as a filmmaker, I used to sign on to every opportunity that came my way. It was tempting to gain experience or to have credits. But overtime I realized that not every opportunity was worth the cost. I am very selective about my projects now. Unless a project offers something truly meaningful, like fair compensation, creative fulfillment, or maybe the opportunity for a valuable collaboration or professional growth, I do not sign up. This helps me maintain my physical and mental health, have a good work-life balance, maintain professional boundaries, and most importantly, value my time and myself. **5. Always be willing to evolve and grow, even when the process is painful or uncomfortable** — This is something my father actually told me before I began my journey, but I still want to share it because it has been one of the most valuable pieces of both professional and personal advice I’ve ever received. I think this is important in any profession as well as in life. **When you create a film, which stakeholders have the greatest impact on the artistic and cinematic choices you make? Is it the viewers, the critics, the financiers, or your own personal artistic vision? Can you share a story with us or give an example about what you mean?** I definitely create my films for myself, but my reasoning for that has evolved significantly over the years. During my teens, I was this sort of an egotistical artist. My attitude was essentially, “I’m going to make art to express myself, and if you don’t like it, *expletive*,” Haha. But as I matured, and through learning from my mentors and many influential filmmakers and artists, I came to understand that the film is as much for the audience as it is for you. I still make films for myself, because I believe we create our worst art when we are doing it to please absolutely anyone else, but with my ego out of the equation, I make films that I want to see, not just the films I want to make, if that makes sense. And as I said before, I wholeheartedly believe that the story tells you exactly what it needs; you just have to listen. So essentially, you just become engrossed in this process of serving the story, and I think that brings out the best in you. Years back, I had come across an interview from Bjork where she said something along the lines of if you start pleasing five people, you won’t please anyone. But if you only please yourself, you might please ten people, and that really stuck with me. **You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.** That’s such a profound question, I have to think for a minute before I answer that. I think I’d love to start a movement that encourages people to create, without feeling the need to prove themselves or worrying about being judged. But just create for the love of it. One of my close friends loves to sing, but she thinks she’s a “terrible singer.” And I always tell her, even if that were true, so what? Sing your heart out because you love to and it makes you feel alive. You don’t have to be good at something for it to be worth doing. Sing, dance, write, crochet, paint, make a film, anything. You don’t have to show it to anyone if you don’t want to. But do it because it brings you joy! And always remember, “bad art” is so much better than no art. **We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this.** Phoebe Waller-Bridge is one of my biggest writing idols. I think she’s an extraordinary artist and one of the most significant voices of our generation. I am a huge fan! Getting the opportunity to have a conversation with her someday and to learn something from her would be wonderful! **How can our readers further follow you online?** I must admit that I am not too active on social media because I find it draining, but you can find me on Instagram @r.uyek or Linkedin @Keyur Gaikwad. **This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!** --- ***About The Interviewer:****Tavares Beverly (*[www.tavaresbeverly.com](http://www.tavaresbeverly.com)*) is the Founder and CEO of Beverly Boy Productions, a national video production company that has helped organizations tell their stories through video for more than two decades. Over the course of his career, he has worked with everyone from Fortune 500 executives and healthcare professionals to politicians, nonprofit leaders, educators, and artists, gaining a unique perspective on the role communication plays in leadership, business, and human connection. A frequent contributor on topics including communication, entrepreneurship, leadership, and personal development, Tavares believes that the ability to communicate effectively is one of the most valuable skills a person can develop. His work is driven by a passion for helping organizations connect with their audiences and helping individuals unlock their potential through mentorship, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. To learn more, connect with Tavares on LinkedIn or visit*[www.BeverlyBoy.com](http://www.BeverlyBoy.com)*. If you’re interested in using the power of storytelling and communication to grow your organization, strengthen your brand, or inspire your audience, he welcomes the opportunity to connect.* --- Source: https://authoritymag.co/articles/keyur-gaikwad-why-leaving-your-ending-unscripted-can-sometimes-create-your-best-cinematography (Authority Magazine, Pop Culture). Interviewee answers are first-person statements of the guest. 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