What's my jam, you ask?
It's helping New Zealand businesses look and sound their best, whether that’s through a slick promo video, a podcast that actually gets listeners, or a website that makes people say “ooh, fancy.”
With over 15 years of international experience (India, the US, and now beautiful Aotearoa), I’ve worked on everything from AR projects and 3D printed robots to digital signage campaigns and interactive installations at museums. I live for finding that sweet spot where creativity meets tech.
Studio R is my playground for all things content—photography, video, podcasts, digital marketing, you name it. I’m hands-on from brainstorm to launch, and I love collaborating with clients who want their story to stand out. Outside of work, you’ll find me taking photos, nerding out over new gear, or plotting the next big podcast episode.
If you’re looking for someone who can turn your ideas into engaging, memorable content (with a side of witty banter), let’s chat.
My Story
I grew up in Madurai, a dusty little town, steeped in history, in the deep south of Tamilnadu, India.
I was a really curious kid. Having a dad who taught English poetry, meant I got comic books instead of toys and was immersed in stories from the time I started speaking my first words! My best friends were Phantom, Tarzan and Mandrake. In the summer time, you would have found me climbing trees and sliding down hay stacks in my grandparents farm. Back then, I really hated it but looking back, I was blessed with the most unconventional childhood!
The Start of a Portfolio Career
Honestly, I never set out to have what people now call a “portfolio career.” It wasn’t a badge of honour—it was just me chasing variety while everyone else seemed to worship stability. My dad still thinks I’m a bit mad for it! I’ll never forget showing up to a campus interview in a tie-dye tee, sticking out like a sore thumb. My first real gig was as a research exec at a market research firm, and man, did I struggle to fit in. Expressing myself felt like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. But that uphill battle? It taught me a lot about who I am and what I value.
Rajeev was part of the team which set up the Chennai office. It was real tough going to get to being the most profitable and the fastest growing office in spite of being in the smallest market and no running start. Rajeev showed intellect, curiosity, enthusiasm and a huge ability to stick-with-it. A sense of humour and a creative bent of mind add a rare finish to the package. And you can also discuss TS Eliot with him ! - Muder Chiba: my first boss!
I quit market research & became an animator!
I took the leap and enrolled in animation school—and instantly, it just clicked. For the first time, I felt like I’d found my tribe. The sheer variety, the freedom to create, the chance to finally let my ideas breathe—it was all there. That’s really where the journey began for me.
Here is an early animation that I did using Cinema 4D. :) I loved every minute I spent working as a demo artist for Cinema 4D in those early days.
From Chennai to Atlanta
Life is certainly a roller coaster ride. One of the twists that happened was my journey to Atlanta, entering the world of expos and trade shows—juggling interactive way-finders, when the global financial crisis unfolded around me. That’s where I first stumbled into the universe of digital out-of-home. I found myself crafting content for 3D screens, wrangling networked digital signage, and working shoulder-to-shoulder with installers. Those early days? They laid the foundation for everything I do now.
Next stop on my international career was a journey back to India. To the sunny beaches of Goa. Synapse was more than just a workplace; it was where I truly found my groove, blending all sorts of creative elements into one seamless solution. Whether it was business videos, interactive content, or building 3D printed robots to bring events to life, that place let me flex every creative muscle. It was a turning point—a time that changed how I see collaboration, creativity, and what’s possible when you bring the right pieces together.
I cherish the farewell video that my mates did when I left Goa. It was a truly memorable experience - a place that I will always call home. Certainly, my Greenwell years!
I met the camera at the end of the world
Around the middle of 2016, my wife and I landed in stunning Aotearoa, camera in hand—almost as if it chose me. The moment I pressed that shutter, something shifted. New Zealand has been a masterclass in living with intention. Here, I discovered that my passion could actually pay the bills, and that balancing creative freedom with work isn’t just possible—it’s a privilege. The ability to experiment, to play with different media while still keeping the lights on, is something I don’t take for granted.
There’s a line from Kaniyan Poongundranar, the Sangam Era poet, that’s always resonated with me:
யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளிர்; தீதும் நன்றும் பிறர்தர வாரா
Every city is your city. Everyone is your kin.
We are responsible for our own success or failure, not others!
That spirit inspires me to dig in, connect with my community, and try to make a difference—however small, however imperfect. It’s about showing up, being present, and letting creativity ripple outward.
I’ll leave you with a grainy photo from my childhood—a little time capsule that always makes me pause. I look at that kid and wonder what was running through his mind. Did he have any inkling of the wild, winding path ahead? In many ways, he’s still here, tucked inside me, eyes wide open, still marvelling at the world and all its possibilities.