After nearly three decades in the United States, legendary actress Meenakshi Seshadri has returned to India with renewed energy and a clear artistic vision. Known for unforgettable performances in films like Damini, Painter Babu, and Shahenshah, she is now ready to explore acting, dance, singing, and speaking opportunities across film, stage, OTT, and commercials.

Childhood Dreams: From Acting to Direction

Avinash Nanda’s love affair with films began in Odisha, where he and his elder brother would sneak into theaters and later discuss every scene on the ride home. Born into a journalist family, stories and conversations shaped his worldview.

As a schoolboy, he was selected by Doordarshan as a child actor, earning small stipends for serials and stage roles. One day, while working on a TV series, he became fascinated by the director who guided actors with authority, creativity, and vision.

“Everyone was running behind the director, not the actors. I realized the director is the captain of the ship. That day I decided I wanted to be a director.” – Avinash Nanda

This decision transformed his path from acting to direction, a role he describes as both leadership and artistry.

Lessons from Legends: Amrish Puri and Beyond

One of Avinash’s most memorable experiences came while directing Amrish Puri in commercials for Luminous Inverters and Action Shoes. He recalls asking Puri to hold a shoe and say the line “Sampoorna Bharatiya” with a smile. Standing in front of him, Avinash didn’t see the smile — but when they reviewed the monitor, the smile was there, captured perfectly by the camera.

“Amrish ji told me, ‘For 30 years I have studied my face. I know how much to move so that the camera captures my smile, even when you don’t see it in person.’ That was a magical lesson I’ll never forget.” – Avinash Nanda

This story highlights the craftsmanship of great actors and the director’s responsibility to capture moments invisible to the naked eye.

Over decades, Avinash has directed icons across generations, from Sachin Tendulkar in Action commercials to Bhagyashree and Tiger Shroff in modern brand campaigns. Each project taught him that filmmaking is a continuous cycle of learning, unlearning, and adapting.

Auditions Then vs Now: A Changing Industry

Avinash reminisces about his first audition in 1974 for an Odia film, where he was asked, as a child, to kiss an actress in a red sari without warning. That was considered a “test of courage.” Today, auditions are structured and technical — but the essence remains the same: testing an actor’s ability to adapt in the moment.

On nepotism, Avinash is candid:

“If you’re a real actor, it doesn’t matter whose son or daughter you are. I can tell in one second whether you are an actor or not. Background doesn’t matter — only talent does.” – Avinash Nanda

He stresses that while star kids may have access, sustained success only comes from skill, preparation, and presence.

Ad Films vs Feature Films: Which Is Harder?

Many assume directing feature films is harder than advertising, but Avinash disagrees.

Ad films, he says, demand perfection in 30–60 seconds. A five-year feature film can be condensed into a two-minute trailer, but a commercial must tell a compelling story instantly. From food styling (fake ice cream and acrylic ice cubes) to creating emotions around everyday products, ad filmmaking is a high-pressure art form.

“Ad films are harder than movies. You have only seconds to make the audience feel, believe, and remember the brand.” – Avinash Nanda

This discipline, he believes, is what made him a sharper storyteller when working on short films like Silver Gandhi (winner of 31 awards including Dadasaheb Phalke Award) and feature projects like To Dear Amma.

The Social Media & Influencer Era

The rise of social media has transformed casting. Earlier, auditions required studios, cameras, and long processes. Today, Avinash often selects actors based on their Instagram reels, reach, and performance.

For brands, influencers with millions of followers bring instant visibility. But for Avinash, talent still comes first:

“Even if someone has only 500 followers, if they can act and elevate the brand, I’ll choose them. Followers can grow, but real talent is rare.” – Avinash Nanda

Social media has made entry easier for actors, but it has also intensified competition, requiring a balance of authentic craft and digital presence.

AI and the Future of Filmmaking

Avinash is among the few veteran directors openly embracing AI. From storyboarding to visualizing concepts, he sees AI as an assistant rather than a threat.

“Writers and filmmakers shouldn’t fear AI. Treat it like your assistant. The better your prompts, the better your output. Learn to command it.” – Avinash Nanda

He predicts that future filmmakers must master AI tools, digital platforms, and fast content cycles, alongside traditional skills of acting, direction, and production.

A Personal Philosophy: Giving, Manifestation, and Spirituality

Beyond filmmaking, Avinash credits his spiritual practices for his success. Each morning, he thanks his late parents, meditates for a few minutes, and sets intentions for the day.

He believes deeply in manifestation — visualizing actors with brands and then bringing them together in campaigns. For him, giving is more important than receiving:

“I believe in giving, not taking. If you give wholeheartedly, the universe always returns more.” – Avinash Nanda

This mindset, he says, has kept him grounded despite decades in a highly competitive industry.

Advice for Aspiring Actors and Directors

For the thousands who arrive in Mumbai each year with dreams of acting or filmmaking, Avinash offers practical advice:

• Come prepared. Learn basic camera grammar, acting techniques, and how to use props.
• Give yourself three months. If you don’t land work within that time, return, re-strategize, and come back stronger. Don’t get trapped in endless struggle.
• Observe shoots. Practical on-set knowledge is more valuable than expensive degrees.
• Network wisely. Meet real directors and casting directors, not just middlemen.
• Stay authentic. Don’t compromise your values for shortcuts — your craft and character are your real assets.

Closing: A Life of Stories and Teaching Ahead

After directing over a thousand commercials and earning countless awards, Avinash’s next dream is to create an academy for ad filmmaking, where young filmmakers can learn scriptwriting, production design, lighting, editing, and the nuances of commercials — a discipline rarely taught formally.

His journey from a curious boy in Odisha to a director shaping India’s advertising landscape is a reminder that dreams manifest when paired with discipline, learning, and resilience.

You can catch the full conversation with Meenakshi Seshadri on the Kabir Vani Podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Prime Music.