Akshay Parvatkar is a talented filmmaker from Goa who has garnered acclaim for his work. Born in the village of Karmali, he spent his formative years in Porvorim. After completing his education in Electronics and Telecommunication at the Goa College of Engineering, Akshay worked at the Museum of Goa in Pilerne under the guidance of Dr. Subodh Kerkar. His time at the museum exposed him to various forms of art and pushed him to pursue filmmaking more seriously.
Seeking to pursue his passion further, Akshay moved to Pune to study screenwriting at the prestigious Film & Television Institute of India (FTII). Following his graduation, he relocated to Mumbai in January 2019 to pursue a full-fledged career in filmmaking. He started his journey in Mumbai by working as a researcher and writer at Bharatbala Pictures, where he had the opportunity to assist acclaimed ad filmmaker and director Bharatbala. During his two-year tenure, Akshay worked on multiple projects, including feature films, web series, and a short docu-drama called “Grandmother’s School” for the series “Virtual Bharat.” He also served as an assistant director on another film titled “Ramnami” for Virtual Bharat.
Over the years, Akshay has worked on diverse projects, both for production houses and independently. He has written and directed short films that have been showcased at numerous film festivals worldwide. One of his notable works, “The First Wedding,” received critical acclaim and won several accolades, including the prestigious Filmfare award. Currently, Akshay is in the final stages of production for his latest directorial project, “Hanging By A Thread,” which will soon embark on its festival run. Additionally, he has contributed as a writer and assistant in various documentaries, exploring topics such as transgender clinics and housing for children seeking cancer treatment in Mumbai.
Reflecting on his journey, Akshay emphasizes his desire to do something unconventional and different. Initially drawn to photography, he started an Instagram page called “camera_wala” and eventually found his way into filmmaking when he was asked to shoot a film for an inter-department competition during his engineering studies. He learned the craft through trial and error, watching YouTube videos, and actively engaging in the process of shooting and editing. Akshay’s exposure to different art forms while working at the Museum of Goa further fueled his passion for storytelling, leading him to pursue screenwriting at FTII.
Throughout his career, Akshay has been fortunate to collaborate with renowned filmmakers, writers, and producers, including Tigmanshu Dhulia, Bharatbala, Pubali Chowdhury, Tushar Paranjape, Umesh Kulkarni, Shazia Iqbal and Mrunmayee Lagoo.
But he believes that the real joy of being a writer-director is in meeting people from different walks of life – the grandmothers of Fangane, the transgender doctors, the resilient young cancer patients and their parents.
He also acknowledges the emerging wave of young Goan filmmakers who are making significant contributions to the industry and expressing their artistic vision. Akshay believes that Goa holds a wealth of untold stories, and he aspires to put the state on the world map by sharing narratives about Goan people, culture, history, and traditions. However, he also aims to expand his horizons beyond Goa and delve into diverse subjects and experiences through his films.
Apart from his filmmaking endeavors, Akshay has a strong interest in education. He recognizes that Goa can be a conservative society, and he envisions creating a space where young individuals can explore various possibilities for their future. Akshay aims to inspire and guide children by showcasing different avenues and encouraging them to dream big. He believes that the internet has opened up countless opportunities for learning and growth, and he encourages aspiring individuals to stay authentic, true to themselves, and to never settle for mediocrity.
In conclusion, Akshay Parvatkar’s journey from Goa to Mumbai as a filmmaker has been characterized by passion, dedication, and a commitment to storytelling. With his unique perspective, he aims to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences and make a positive impact. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, practical thinking, and creating opportunities for oneself. Akshay’s ultimate goal is to take Goan stories to every corner of the world and if possible, inspire and help youngsters in achieving their goals.
