K. Sasidharan Nair

K. Sasidharan Nair, also known as Malayalabhumi Sasidharan Nair, is a multifaceted individual, has made significant contributions to the fields of literature, education, and filmmaking. His passion for cinema led him to pursued intensive training at esteemed institutions.

He embarked on his cinematic journey by enrolling in a short-term filmmaking course at the New York Film Academy. This renowned institution equipped him with a comprehensive understanding in the fundamentals of filmmaking, including story developing, scriptwriting, direction, cinematography, and editing.

Building upon this foundation, Sasidharan Nair further advanced his knowledge through the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Over a period of several years, he undertook intensive coursework, completing specialised courses in film appreciation, acting, direction, sound design, scriptwriting, dialogue writing, editing, photography and light painting and cinematography with short breaks in between.

To refine his craft, Sasidharan Nair worked closely with Professor Samar Nakhate, former Dean of FTII, Pune, completing a short term comprehensive filmmaking course.

To enhance his technical expertise, Sasidharan Nair participated in an advanced cinematography workshop conducted by National Award-winning Cinematographer Vishal Sangwai. This workshop provided him with invaluable insights into the art of capturing visuals, light, and composition.

K. Sasidharan Nair continually updates his skills to further enhance his filmmaking expertise and teaching acumen. He completed a short-term course in Photography and Light Painting at the prominent Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), under the guidance of acclaimed Course Directors Hitesh Advani and Shobit Tiwari.

Hitesh Advani, a renowned photographer, is driven by his passion for preserving nature, wildlife, architecture, and diverse forms of life. His impressive credentials include conducting workshops for the United Nations and the Government of India, as well as producing the award-winning film “Sheenkhalal – the blue skin.”

Shobit Tiwari, a specialist in low-light imagery, is known for his expertise in “light painting.” He holds a Guinness World Record for capturing 900 light orbs in a single photograph, showcasing his exceptional skill and creativity.

To complement his cinematic education, Sasidharan Nair achieved a distinguished Certification in Film Editing from the acclaimed Pune Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, under the guidance and training of doyen Dr. Milind Damle assisted by FTII Editing alumni and well-experienced editor Nilesh Meena Rasal.

The versatile Dr. Milind Damle is writer, scriptwriter, editor, music director, producer and a good faculty to teach any branches of cinema. In fact he is an all-rounder who currently teaches editing, scriptwriting, basic course in film appreciation, basic course in television appreciation, basic course in appreciating songs in Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt films and basic course in Digital Film Production for children between the ages of 11 and 17 at FTII. Dr. Milind Damle is an alumni of FTII Pune in Film and TV Editing from 2004 batch. At present he is an associate professor at FTII, Pune. His diploma film Dwijaa (2004), which he had written and edited at FTII won the National Award in 2005 for ‘Best Non Feature Film on Social Issues’. Adwait Sangeet (2010) written and produced by him was the opening film of Indian Panorama in 2011 at IFFI, Goa. Pandhara Chivda (2019) written, edited and produced by him was in Indian Panorama in 2021 at IFFI, Goa. In 2023 he produced the short film Guntata Hriday He in Marathi which received many accolades and awards. The Story, screenplay, dialogues and music was rendered by him.

Nilesh Meena Rasal was a student of Dr. Milind Damle and associated with him and many of a FTII projects as editor. He worked in different roles as assistant editor, associate editor with many Hindi and Marathi short films, blockbuster films and web series. Presently he is working as a freelance editor and at times when called for assisting with editing workshops and training classes at FTII.

This comprehensive editing program equipped Sasidharan Nair with expertise in crafting compelling narratives through editing, colour correction, and Digital Intermediate (DI) techniques. Notably, he developed proficiency in integrating visual effects, including Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) characters, into live-action footage using DI.

Nilesh Meena Rasal, a student of Dr. Milind Damle, assisted in the editing program. With experience in various roles, including assistant editor and associate editor, Rasal has worked on several Hindi and Marathi short films, blockbuster films, and web series. He currently works as a freelance editor and assists with editing workshops and training classes at FTII.

Key Takeaways

This comprehensive editing program equipped Sasidharan Nair with:

To stay at the forefront of technological advancements and modern techniques in Digital Cinematography, Sasidharan Nair undertook an additional course at the venerated Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune. Under the guidance of Rakesh Bhilare, a seasoned expert award-winning cinematographer and tutor who worked closely with veteran Prof. Bharat Nerkar, former Digital Cinematography faculty at FTII, Sasidharan Nair honed his visual storytelling skills through an intensive, specially designed short-term residential Digital Cinematography course. This all-inclusive programme covered the latest technology and developments in Digital Cinematography, with extensive hands-on training and long hours of practical sessions.

Rakesh Bhilare is a freelancer cinematographer with work experience more than 12 years in Hindi and Marathi film industry. He is a post graduate from Dept. of communication studies (University of Pune) Specialization in Video production. He specialized in electronic cinematography from FTII T.V batch (Year 2008-09). His Marathi feature film ‘Y’ (2022) and Web series Athaang (2022) as a cinematographer has received numerous awards including best cinematography. He has shot documentary episode ‘Raah Sangharsh ki’ from web series ‘Lovestoriyaan’ (2024) currently showing on Amazon Prime. Rakesh Bhilare was part of a camera team in Hindi Project Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Rajjo, Baaghi and many more. He is experienced in taking camera workshop and practicals. He has conducted short term electronic cinematography courses in FTII with Prof. Bharat Nerkar.

Sasidharan Nair demonstrated his innate writing talent from a young age, publishing stories, articles, and a novel in various publications. Over several years, he refined his skills as a sub-editor, assistant editor, editor, and columnist for Malayalam and English literary magazines, news magazines, and newspapers. Through observation, self-study, and a passion for cinema, he gained substantial knowledge in film and screenwriting. Notably, he compiled a Marathi-Malayalam-English Dictionary three decades ago.

Learning from a Master

Sasidharan later formalized his learning, enrolling in a Foundation Course in Scriptwriting at FTII, Pune, under Sudipto Acharyya’s guidance. Sudipto Acharyya is a seasoned filmmaker and educator with expertise in Direction and Screenplay Writing from FTII, Pune, and an MA in Film Studies from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. His notable works include:

Academic Contributions

Sudipto has published academic papers on cinema and presented at global conferences. He has led workshops on film appreciation, documentary history, and screenplay writing.

Recent Engagements

Sudipto served as Head of Jury at the Nepal International Film Festival and Jury-Chairman at the South Asian Short Film Festival. He is currently involved in an Artistic Research project exploring social interstices through cinematic practices.

Sasidharan Nair's Additional Trainings

Sasidharan Nair enhanced his skills by completing the Introduction to Multi-camera Technical Operations Course for TV Programme Production at FTII, Pune, under Prof. Sandeep Shahare’s guidance. This training, although focused on TV production, covered technical, operational, and production aspects relevant to multi-camera cinematography and cinema production. The Short Term Training Programme (STTP) was practical and application-oriented, allowing participants to operate equipment like cameras, vision mixers, and audio consoles. They gained insight into Technical Directors’ roles and produced a short TV program, gaining hands-on experience in multi-camera operations.

Key Takeaways

Prof. Sandeep Shahare is a seasoned educator with 29 years of experience. He’s been teaching multi-camera technical operations at FTII for 19 years and currently serves as Head of TV Engineering Department and Dean (TV). His credentials include:

Master's degree in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from Govt. College of Engineering, Pune
Life Member of The Indian Society for Technical Education (ISTE) since 2004
Former Assistant Professor at MIT Women Engineering College, Pune
National Coordinator of Skilling India in Film and Television (SKIFT) and Executive Head of Centre For Open Learning (CFOL)
Held additional charge of FTII Director from Nov 2021 to Aug 2024

Sasidharan Nair further enhanced his skills undertaking the following courses in the FTII under renowned industry experts:

Acting

Under the guidance of Joy Fernandes. Joy Fernandes is an actor and writer in Bollywood known for his exceptional ability in grooming new actors for TV and film industry. He has acted in some amazing movies like Jajantaram Mamantaram, No Smoking and Paanch.

With over 30 years of stage experience, both nationally and internationally, Joy Fernandes has been blessed with a diverse and enriching journey in the performing arts. His international stage experience includes notable productions such as “Merchants of Bollywood” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” where he played significant roles and toured extensively.

In “Merchants of Bollywood” (2014-2018), directed by Toby Gough and choreographed by Shruti Merchant, Joy Fernandes portrayed the principal character of Shantilal Merchant. This immensely popular play took him across various countries, including the UK, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, and China, captivating audiences around the world.

In another international assignment, Joy Fernandes had the privilege of playing the lead character of Nick Bottom in Shakespeare’s renowned comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (2006-2009), directed by Tim Supple. This production took him to over 250 shows in countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Verona, and India, allowing him to immerse himself in diverse cultural experiences.

Throughout his career, Joy Fernandes has had the opportunity to collaborate and workshop with esteemed theatre professionals from around the globe. He has learned from diction exponent Dame Cicely Berry from the UK, movement expert Catherine Dubois from France, and various physical and voice experts. Additionally, he has participated in workshops conducted by renowned artists such as Irshad Panjatan, a leading mime exponent, and D. Padmakumar, a contemporary dance guru, choreographer, and Kalaripayattu teacher.

Alongside his performances, Joy Fernandes has also conducted voice and drama workshops catering to all age groups and diverse personality profiles. These workshops have included a Shakespeare workshop for 4 to 6-year-olds in Stratford, UK, as well as voice training sessions for teachers and students from schools like Besant Montessori and Tridha, among others. He has conducted several acting workshops for Film and Television Institute of India in their Pune campus.

His extensive stage experience, international exposure, and passion for teaching and sharing knowledge have shaped Joy Fernandes into a seasoned performer and mentor in the performing arts realm. He continues to be driven by the transformative power of the stage, enriching lives through the magic of theatre.

Direction

Under Avinesh Roy and Jasmine Kaur Roy. Avinesh Roy and Jasmine Kaur Roy are National Award winning filmmakers, producing and directing short films and documentaries under their own banner Wanderlust Films. Both are FTII graduates and their final year diploma film ‘Saanjh’ (The Dusk) received the National Award in 2004 as did their documentary film ‘Amoli’ in 2018. Their focus area of work has been development communication and some of their films have received recognition at various national and international festivals. Both Jasmine and Avinash also work as freelance writers for the Indian television industry and have written screenplay and dialogues for various shows on popular mainstream television channels.

Jasmine was selected as a participant Director for Berlinale Talents 2015 and she has also served on the non-feature juries of the National Film Awards as well as the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Sound Design

Under Prof.Madhu Apsara, Associate Professor, Department of Sound Recording and Sound Design and Oscar Award winner Resul Pookutty was a guest lecturer in the course. Prof. Madhu Apsara is known for Sound Recording and Sound Design for Andhadhun (2018), Badlapur (2018), Dhoom 2 (2006) and other Dhoom series, Love Story 2050 (2008), Ab Tak Chappan, Ek Hasina Thi, Hazarok Khwaishen Aise, Arimpara (Malayalam in 2003)….are some of his many notable works. He is a national award winner. Not only ab ace industry professional, he is an inspiring and much loved teacher. At present Prof. Madhu Apsara is teaching sound in Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.

Dialogues for Scenes

Under Vikas Sharma. Vikas Sharma is a professional screenwriter, a freelance script consultant, and a full-time senior faculty member of Screenwriting at Whistling Woods International for the last six years. Prior to Whistling Woods, he spent five years teaching scriptwriting at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. He teaches screenwriting workshops in India and abroad for Film Schools, Media Colleges, Universities, Film Festivals, Skill India, and other organizations.

Vikas has also served as a mentor and chief advisor for several script labs and fellowships, including the Asia Society’s New Voices Fellowship for Screenwriters, the 100 Storyteller Programme, the Cinerise Screenwriting Programme, and the Cinestaan India Script Contest, to name a few.

Film Appreciation Course

Under core faculty Dr. Indranil Bhattacharya and esteemed eminent guest faculty members from FTII. The unique three-week programme was conducted in Pune at NFDC (NFAI) Auditorium, under the joint auspices of the National Film Development Corporation of India (National Film Archive of India) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). This intensive 11-hour daily course is meticulously designed to foster a profound understanding and deep insights into the nuances of cinema, as well as its interconnected forms and practices. These include recent developments like independent films, digital streaming and the OTT media. The course was primarily designed to meet the needs of teachers/scholars interested in introducing film study activities in educational institutions, media practitioners, film society organisers, researchers, government.officials handling films and serious cinéphiles.

The curriculum included theoretical study of the art and history of film and the development of cinema as a medium of art and communication. Conceptual areas of cinema such as time, space, mise-en-scene, genres, movements, image and sound aesthetics were featured prominently in the programme. Also there was a brief introduction to history and aesthetics of documentaries. A curated selection of Indian and international film classics, short fiction, and non-fiction works were shown daily for critical analysis and discussion.

Foundation Course in Filmmaking

Sasidharan Nair completed the Foundation Courses in Filmmaking under the guidance of renowned filmmakers and FTII faculties Avinesh Roy and Jasmine Kaur Roy.

This intensive residential course provides comprehensive training in filmmaking, covering theories and practicals in-depth. Participants gain a broad understanding of:

Key Features

Outcome

Upon completion, participants gain confidence, knowledge, and a solid grasp of filmmaking fundamentals, preparing them for hands-on filmmaking experiences.

Avinesh Roy and Jasmine Kaur Roy

They are National Award winning filmmakers, producing and directing short films and documentaries under their own banner Wanderlust Films. Both are FTII graduates and their final year diploma film ‘Savanah’ (The Dusk) received the National Award in 2004 as did their documentary film ‘Amoli’ in 2018.

Their focus area of work has been development communication and some of their films have received recognition at various national and international festivals. Both Jasmine and Avinesh also work as freelance writers for the Indian television industry and have written screenplay and dialogues for various shows on popular mainstream television channels.

With a comprehensive understanding of filmmaking, Sasidharan Nair is thriving himself in the Malayalam film industry. He delivers expert lectures on cinema and directs immersive workshops on filmmaking. He is currently engaged in the research, story development, writing and spearheads the production of a Malayalam film. The film he intended to make for the Malayalam Film and Television Chamber of Commerce (MFTC) that portraying the struggle and life experiences of the middleclass Malayali diaspora in Mumbai in its vividness from 1970s to 2025. Apart from direction, he is penning the story and script of the film which will roll on during fourth quarter of 2025 and planning to complete in by 2026.

Simultaneously Sasidharan Nair is developing now a ground-breaking child-centric project that tackles an unprecedented and imaginative theme, alongside other pressing contemporary issues. K. Sasidharan Nair is the Chairman and Managing Director of the Malayalam Film and Television Chamber of Commerce.

Sasidharan Nair has to his credit two novels, several short stories in Malayalam and numerous feature articles and essays on various subjects in Malayalam and English. He is a prolific writer and columnist. Before his marriage, Sasidharan Nair worked as a high school teacher for a year. Later, his two daughters went on to complete their high school education at the same institution. He is a postgraduate in English literature and has completed his MBA from Heriot-Watt University, U.K.

He is also a certified ISO Lead Auditor in four streams. He also holds a Project Management Professional Certificate (basic) accredited by Project Management Institute, USA. He is a qualified Trainer with experience in teaching management skills and soft skills. He has also undergone training under the British Council IELTS Train the Trainer programme. He has a certificate in Yoga, too. He spent approximately 14 years working in various management positions in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Bahrain, with intermittent intervals besides total 15 years’ experience in different management levels in Mumbai, India.

Sasidharan Nair’s interests are diverse and far-reaching, spanning human rights, law, justice, politics, current affairs, information technology, business management, strategic planning, literature, linguistics, human relationships, psychology, counselling, music, cinema, media, folk dance, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, sociology, sexology, print and electronic media, book publishing, and many more. He is also an ardent traveller.