Bhavna Pathania Exclusive Interview with The Holistic Pine | Ankush Bharti

Bhavna Pathania, a talented web developer and content creator from Himachal Pradesh, has become an inspirational figure for many aspiring artists. Growing up in a small town and village, Bhavna faced numerous challenges in pursuing her passion. Despite societal pressures and limited resources, she has successfully carved a niche for herself, creating content that resonates with thousands.

While talking to Bhavna I could relate a lot as I myself belong to a village in Himachal. When I spoke to her she continuously emphasized on the fact that women are equal to men and how she feels that she deserves bigger platforms for live performance.On behalf of The Holistic Pine I wish her best of luck. She is definitely an inspiration for many. Bhavna's journey from a small-town background to becoming a recognized content creator is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. Her short film "Khidki," which poignantly explores the challenges faced by women in balancing their dreams with societal expectations, has touched the hearts of over 30,000 viewers. Bhavna draws inspiration from the women around her and her own life experiences, crafting stories that are both authentic and impactful. Her story encourages young people from small towns to pursue their dreams, reminding them that with passion and persistence, nothing is impossible.

Here is an exclusive conversation with her.

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

My name is Bhavna Pathania, a web developer working in Chandigarh. I was born and raised in Himachal Pradesh. My family consists of five members: my father, a self-employed refrigeration and AC technician; my mother, a homemaker; and my brother and his wife, who both work in the IT sector.

I completed my Master's in Computer Applications in Chandigarh and my Bachelor's in Computer Applications in Nadaun, HP. During school and college , I was involved in extracurricular activities, which fostered my interest in acting.

2. What are some of your hobbies outside of content creation?

Outside of content creation, I love singing, dancing, and writing. Singing allows me to express myself creatively and unwind. Dancing keeps me active and is a fun way to stay fit. Writing helps me articulate my thoughts and explore new ideas. These activities bring balance and joy to my life and often inspire my content creation.

3. Coming from a small town, what challenges did you face when you started creating content?

Coming from a small town and spending most of my life in a village, creating content was a new experience for me and those around me. Initially, I struggled with people's opinions and judgments. Many thought I was doing something wrong before even seeing my videos. This led me to start and stop multiple times. Over time, I learned to create quality content and gradually changed everyone's mindset. Convincing people to work with me was also challenging; some stayed, while others left. However, perseverance paid off, and I overcame these obstacles.

4. Who have been your biggest supporters throughout your journey?

My biggest supporters throughout my journey have been my family, especially my mother. She married at the young age of 18 and only studied up to the 11th grade. Despite these challenges, she has been incredibly inspiring. Moving to another district, Kangra, she faced cultural changes and many hardships but fought against the odds to raise us. I see in her eyes the dreams she couldn't pursue because of her responsibilities towards us. This motivates me to achieve great things, knowing it's her dream too.

My father has also been a pillar of support. He raised us equally and never let me feel weak or limited because I am a girl. His encouragement has always empowered me to pursue my goals without hesitation.

My brother has been instrumental as well, always helping me with new devices and ensuring my content is of high quality.

Additionally, the positive comments and messages from my audience and fans are a great source of inspiration. Their support and motivation encourage me to keep creating and striving for excellence.

5. Where do you find inspiration for your content?

I find inspiration for my content in my surroundings, especially by observing the women around me. I see their sacrifices and the ways they support their families. Their stories and struggles deeply affect me and drive me to understand and address their challenges. This emotional connection motivates me to create content that teaches and inspires others. I aim to offer something valuable and positive to everyone who watches my content.

6. I recently saw your short film "Khidki," and it was amazing. Can you tell our readers more about it?

Thank you! I love creating real and impactful content, and "Khidki" is a reflection of that. The film tells the story of a woman who never liked her birthplace, its culture, or the people around her. She always dreamed of leaving the mountains behind to live in the city. However, once she experiences city life, she realizes it isn't meant for her. Although we could have given it a happy ending, the reality is that many women are called back home for marriage and have to sacrifice their dreams.

The inspiration for "Khidki" came from my own experience of moving to the city. I felt the same emotions and challenges portrayed in the story, and I realized that many others who live in the city might face the same feelings. The film has been appreciated by more than 30,000 people and continues to resonate with audiences, which I never expected.

One of the biggest challenges in making the film was working with children and managing non-actors to keep the film as real as possible. Additionally, I had to juggle acting and directing at the same time, which was quite demanding.

Despite these challenges, creating "Khidki" has been a rewarding experience, and I'm thrilled that it has touched so many people.

7. Do you have any plans to pursue acting in Bollywood?

Yes, I would love to pursue acting in Bollywood if I get the chance. It would be an amazing opportunity to reach a wider audience and continue creating impactful content.

8. What are your future aspirations?

I aim to continue creating meaningful and impactful content through both filmmaking and acting. I hope to tell stories that resonate with audiences and bring attention to important social issues. Additionally, I would love to expand my work to larger platforms, such as Bollywood, and collaborate with talented individuals.

9. What advice would you give to young people who are just starting out?

Keep true to yourself and your dreams. Ask yourself if it's really your dream or if you're influenced by others. If you truly want something, you'll find a way to achieve it, even without the best equipment or guidance. It may take time, but if it's meant to be, it will happen. Nothing is impossible. On the other hand, if your decision is influenced by others, you may lose interest or make excuses. Stay focused on your own dreams and don't get sidetracked by trying to follow someone else's path.

Photos Courtesy: Abhinav Joshi