The world of film and television is often filled with stories of perseverance, passion, and determination. One such remarkable story is that of Shailesh Prajapati, an editor, director, and actor originally from India, who now resides in Aotearoa New Zealand. His journey in the entertainment industry is both inspirational and motivational, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized with patience and a “go with the flow” attitude.
Shailesh Prajapati: Humble Beginnings in India
Shailesh’s journey in the performing arts was not something meticulously planned, but rather a series of serendipitous events that led him toward his passion. Born and raised in Ahmedabad, India, Shailesh Prajapati had an innate love for dancing. His enthusiasm for dance led him to Darpana Academy, where he intended to learn Bharat Natyam, an ancient form of Indian classical dance.
However, the evening of October 28, 1982, would change his life forever. Instead of becoming a dancer, he found himself stepping into the world of theatre as an actor. It was the beginning of an unexpected, yet thrilling, career in the entertainment world.
From 1982 to 1989, Shailesh Prajapati worked tirelessly in theatre, television, and film in India. During this period, Shailesh Prajapati received the opportunity to attend the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi, but due to family responsibilities, he had to put his acting career on hold. It was a moment of sacrifice that would resonate in his heart for years.
Building a Career in Film Production
In 1989, Shailesh Prajapati took a turn towards a different facet of the entertainment industry, accepting a position at Doordarshan Kendra, the state broadcaster of India, as a production assistant. It was here that he honed his skills in editing, directing, and producing television programs in his native Gujarati language. His time at Doordarshan was an intense period of learning and growth, enhanced by additional training at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune. The skills he acquired here laid the foundation for his later success.
By 1993, Shailesh Prajapati had accumulated enough experience to venture into the world of independent filmmaking. He left his government job and launched Bermuda Telefilms, a production company through which he produced, directed, edited, and acted in numerous stage plays, TV programs, and films. His work in the Gujarati entertainment industry during this period was prolific and established him as a respected figure in the field.
Migration to New Zealand: A New Beginning
In 2003, Shailesh Prajapati made the bold decision to move to Aotearoa New Zealand with his wife and daughter, seeking better opportunities for their family. While this shift provided hope for a new life, it also came with its own set of challenges. For five years, Shailesh Prajapati faced numerous obstacles in breaking into the New Zealand film and television industry. Language barriers, racial biases, and a lack of recognition made it difficult for him to find work. Despite these challenges, Shailesh never lost hope.
His perseverance eventually paid off when he was introduced to Dr. Shuchi Kothari, an old friend from India who guided him toward pursuing a post-graduate diploma in screen production from the University of Auckland. This qualification not only opened doors for him but also provided him with a comprehensive understanding of New Zealand’s film and television landscape.
Shailesh’s first breakthrough in New Zealand came when he was hired as an assistant editor for The Walt Disney Company on the fantasy drama series The Legend of the Seeker, working under the guidance of Vanessa Alexander and Zane Holmes. This marked the beginning of his successful career in the New Zealand film and television industry.
Award-Winning Work and Return to India
Although Shailesh Prajapati found work as an editor and actor in New Zealand, he initially held back from directing or producing, mainly due to language insecurities and the industry’s racial barriers. However, his passion for storytelling and love for his native language never faded. In 2018, he returned to India to participate in a series of exciting projects.
His role in the Gujarati feature film Hellaro was a major milestone, as the film went on to win the 66th National Film Award for Best Feature Film. Shailesh Prajapati also directed the critically acclaimed Gujarati feature film Saheb, which was released in 2019 and is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime. These accomplishments highlighted Shailesh’s ability to seamlessly transition between different roles—whether acting, editing, or directing—and his profound contribution to regional cinema.
Resilience Amidst Challenges
Shailesh’s story is a testament to resilience. His ability to bounce back, time and again, through life’s challenges is deeply inspiring. After the success of his projects in India, he returned to New Zealand in 2021, only to face the global challenges of the pandemic, which brought its own set of disruptions. However, Shailesh once again adapted, diving back into post-production work and preparing for new projects in the future.
Shailesh Prajapati’s personal life also faced an emotional setback with the loss of his father in June 2022. Even in times of grief, Shailesh continues to find strength and purpose, holding on to his life mantra of “Go with the flow”.
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