When I was in school, I had a film camera that I used to take everywhere. A little before school was about to end, I even purchased a second-hand professional camera from a local photographer at a very low monthly EMI. I had to think about a sustainable career path. I knew that the best option was right there in front of my eyes, but photography was not taken seriously as a career back then.
So, I got enrolled in Hospitality Management in Kerala and graduated to become a Commis III Chef at a renowned international 5-star property. Yet, I felt disconnected with my profession. There was nothing wrong about the job or the hotel; it was me who wanted something else. So, I left the job and went back to square one.
My heart was still into photography, so I used to go out on photo walks, clicking pictures on the streets to keep myself calm and away from the stress of not having a “real job”. The pictures I took also got published on several platforms too.
In 2015, there was a financial crisis at home, so I had to get a “real job”. I continued to volunteer at several events in photography school. That was the time I heard about Grofers (later Blinkit), a new startup that was hiring customer service folks. I signed up immediately. I enjoyed my job and the whole day used to go by in a blink. My camera would always be on my desk. I would click pictures of office events.
After working in the customer service department for a year, I learnt that there was an opening for a product photographer in the Content team. It was a perfect opportunity. Long story short, I was given my first project and I put my 120% into it (“fod diya” types). My manager and teammates loved my work, and for the first time, I felt I was in the right place.
I began to develop many skills, from product photography to designing digital packaging mockups and product catalogs. I implemented a lot of those in our app for improving the user experience. I also started using my weekends to attend video editing workshops and an online course on motion graphics.
By 2019, I was an assistant art director on a pilot project, a new app meant for a different user segment. Later, I became a part of the Growth team and played a part in our rebranding to Blinkit.
I am glad I had the opportunity to follow my passion. It's been a picture-perfect experience for me as a blinker, and I hope to continue learning and growing here.
I was born in Delhi to a disadvantaged family. Later, my father left us when I was 15. He was a stonemason and with his departure, I couldn’t concentrate on my studies. I ended up flunking my 12th exams.
I was born and brought up in Chandigarh. Blessed with a flawless childhood, I enjoyed a lovely family, the finest of education and a sound social life. In school, I excelled in studies as well as extracurricular activities.
Before I share my story, I want us to remember that India largely resides in its villages and towns. There are a lot of people in our country who have a lot of potential, but they seldom get the opportunity to prove their worth.