Exclusive: "I Chose Filmmaking Over a Job in Malaysia" — How Gaganjeet Singh Turned Self-Doubt Into 'Mitti: Ek Nayi Pehchaan'

In the crowded lanes of Mumbai's filmmaking world, where dreams often collide with reality, Gaganjeet Singh stands out, not just for his craft, but for the quiet conviction that brought him here.

In a candid chat with us, the writer-director opens up about his unconventional journey from the bylanes of Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh to the sets of his latest web series, Mitti: Ek Nayi Pehchaan. 

Here’s a glimpse into his journey from self-doubt to storytelling with purpose.

Q.1 : How did it all start for You? The love for Writing and it ultimately becoming the profession?

I come from Sidhi, Madhya Pradesh, and my connection to storytelling was rooted in my upbringing, especially around farming and the struggles of agrarian life. I studied at IIT Bombay, and although I initially set out to be an engineer, I discovered my passion for drama and storytelling during college. I began writing plays because I didn’t fit into most roles, especially as a Sardar, and that’s how directing and writing organically happened. The turning point was seeing how real stories could find a platform—whether in college drama societies or later on YouTube. Writing was never a fallback—it was something I gravitated towards once I found the purpose in it.

Q.2 : How was Mumbai initially for You?

Mumbai was both a learning ground and a test of perseverance. I never left Bombay after college. Even though I got placed in an investment firm in Malaysia, I chose to stay and pursue filmmaking. Mumbai exposed me to the reality of content creation, networking, and hustle. It was overwhelming at first, but once I committed fully—whether by making short films or joining emotional pushes with friends—the city started to feel like home.

Q.3 : Was the primary dream and aim always to direct?

Not exactly. Initially, I just wanted to be part of stories. Directing came out of necessity—I’d write and direct just to create roles that I could perform. But over time, I realised I was more drawn to shaping the entire narrative rather than just performing. So, direction slowly but surely became the goal.

Q.4 : Who has been your inspiration in storytelling in his formative years?

The biggest inspiration was lived experiences—watching my father work as a PWD contractor, seeing the struggles of farmers, and understanding rural India firsthand. On a creative level, exposure to theatre at IIT Bombay and interacting with groups like QTP and Thespo shaped my voice. I’ve been inspired by filmmakers who ground their storytelling in reality while keeping it entertaining.

Q.5 : The journey of Mitti: from script level to day 1 on the set! How long was the wait and the casting process?

I was onboarded around March, and we started shooting by mid-August—so roughly four months of prep. I worked closely with director Alok Kumar Dwivedi to understand our synergy. We were clear that we wanted subtle, grounded performances. The casting was led by Taran Bajaj, and we found brilliant actors like Pranjal and Ishfaq. Ishfaq, in particular, was very invested in the character—he came alone to narrations, asked for scripts, and prepped thoroughly. It was refreshing.

Q.6 : Were there any roadblocks on the way? Be it shoot or approvals to get it green lit?

Yes, definitely. We initially considered shooting in Madhya Pradesh, but eventually went with UP for its scale and vast flat terrains. The weather was a big hurdle—rain caused delays and made shooting in fields difficult. Logistically, farming sequences were the hardest—we had to build polyhouses and show crop failure authentically, which needed intense planning.

Q.7 : What’s your one tip to all the budding writers?

Get a low-level job on a film set or in production. Don’t worry about starting at the bottom—be it costume, location, or production. The idea is to learn how a set works, how production happens. Also, make zero-budget short films. Don’t spend big money; instead, find talented people who want to work and just keep creating. Build self-worth by earning even a small paycheck. That confidence will carry you far.

Q.8 : If we go down the Memory lane, which project of yours made a mark and earned you that respect and validation which you were looking for?

I’ve been lucky to have had kind and honest people around me. But if I had to choose one, it would be Mitti. It’s the project I feel most satisfied with, both in terms of craft and the message it carries. It feels like all the hard work and experiences led to this one.

Q.9 : What’s next for you which you can talk about?

Nothing is locked yet, but a few projects are in the works. One is with a reputed production house. If all goes well, we might begin shooting by September. It’s completely different from Mitti—more edgy, fast-paced, and gritty. Let’s see where it goes!

About the Mitti: Ek Nayi Pehchaan Web Series

Mitti: Ek Nayi Pehchaan Co-directed by Alok Kumar Dwivedi is a deeply rooted story that follows a city-bred ad executive returning to his ancestral village and grappling with inheritance, identity, and agrarian realities. 

With subtle performances from actors like Ishfaq Singh and Pranjal Pateriya and a backdrop that pays homage to rural India's evolving landscape, the series has already struck a chord.