Garima’s Lens
A Glimpse into the World of a Creative Researcher
Tell us about your role at Gubbara and what you do here.
I’m a creative researcher at Gubbara. My primary role involves finding and pitching stories and narratives that are lesser known/talked about, and translating them into something palatable for the visual medium. I also try to dabble into the other aspects of filmmaking and help wherever I can.
Share a bit about your journey before joining the team — what brought you here, and what excites you most about your work now?
I’ve been a journalist for the past five years, working with media houses such as The Indian Express and The Quint. An all-encompassing love for films brought me to Gubbara and what excites me the most about this place is that it’s always open to ideas and brainstorming about where a simple thought can take a story.
What’s a project you feel especially proud of so far?
As a journalist, I worked on a series about student suicides in Kota — speaking to students, parents, grieving families, and every stakeholder possible in the system — to understand what is pushing so many kids there to take their lives, and where society needs to intervene. That is some work I’m proud of.
Is there a skill or perspective you bring to the team that people might not expect?
I bring a sharp editorial sense, an ear to the ground, and a basket full of ideas to the table. Along with unnecessary trivia about pop culture, the internet, and Reddit gossip.
What’s something about your job that people often misunderstand or overlook?
That there’s always an abundance of stories around us, the hard part is deciding what makes the cut.
When was the first time you knew you wanted to be part of filmmaking?
I don’t think there was one specific moment. I just loved this world too much to not be a part of it.
What’s your first memory of watching a film?
Unsure, but it’s either Harry Potter in the school library or watching an Amitabh Bachchan film on TV with my family.
Which were your childhood go-to movies, cartoons, or shows?
Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
If you could collaborate with anyone in the world — living or dead — who would it be?
Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan
Which movie characters do you personally resonate with or relate to the most?
Anshuman from Jab We Met
What’s your guilty pleasure movie?
I unapologetically love Hindi cinema, no guilty pleasure movies
Was there a movie that drastically changed the way you think?
Gangs of Wasseypur
What are the kinds of stories you feel should be told more often?
Stories that speak truth to power, that show a mirror to society, and stories that are entertaining
And finally, in your eyes, what is the future of cinema?
Intersectional, women, and queer-led stories