(March 22, 2025) Under the glistening lights of Florida’s South Asian International Film Festival 2025, independent filmmaker Sanjay Arora stood humbled yet proud as his film 2 Khet (Two Farms) won the Best Director Award in the Short Film category. Directed by Jagat Joon, 2 Khet’s award was a personal triumph for Sanjay, the film’s executive producer. It marked the culmination of years of relentless dedication, immense grit, and an unyielding passion for storytelling—so much so that he left behind a corporate career spanning IBM, JP Morgan, and US Bank to pursue filmmaking full-time. “I left my job last year, and my focus is entirely on my passion,” Sanjay tells Global Indian.
Apart from donning the producer’s hat, Sanjay has also directed short films and has even acted in one. His narratives bridge cultures, intertwining the lives of people across the East and the West. Although Sanjay resides in Georgia, USA, his heart remains deeply rooted in the culture and authentic stories of his homeland, India, while also embracing the voices of different nationalities.
Sanjay Arora at the South Asian International Film Festival, Florida
The past few years have been particularly rewarding for him. Another acclaimed film of his as an executive producer, Once Upon a Time in Lahore, has swept multiple awards globally. It won awards for Best Short Film and Best Actor at the India International Film Festival of Boston in 2024, and Best Director, Best Post-Production, and Best Ensemble Cast at the FFTG Awards in New York (2023). It has also secured a coveted place at the 2025 Cannes Short Film Corner, which is a place for the short filmmakers to celebrate their storytelling format, network, sell their films and launch new projects.
Allured by storytelling since young
Born in Kurukshetra in Haryana, Sanjay Arora’s early life was enriched by the cinematic magic of Hindi films and lively performances in skits and plays. Later initial creative sparks were lit during his tenure at All India Radio, where he hosted engaging programs targeting Indian youth.
However, in his middle-class household, entertainment was not considered a viable career option. As a result, he pursued academics, earning a degree in Electronics Engineering from DCR University of Science and Technology, Haryana, followed by a postgraduate degree in Export Marketing and Management from Kurukshetra University. But despite his burgeoning career as a software engineer in Detroit, Michigan where he relocated from India in 1999, the allure of storytelling never faded.
Sanjay Arora
With experience spanning radio hosting, comedy skits, stage plays, mimes, and television serials, the filmmaker had honed his versatility in writing, directing, and performing, and was determined to work in the area of his interest.
From engineering to filmmaking
The transition from corporate life to filmmaking had its own twists and turns. Sanjay channeled money that he made in his engineering career to cultivate his filmmaking skills, enrolling in the New York Film Academy for a Diploma in Filmmaking, supplemented by advanced digital editing training at Detroit Film School. Further elevating his craft, he studied acting under renowned acting coach Roshan Taneja at the India Today Acting School in Toronto.
These trainings not only enriched his technical proficiency but also reinforced his passion for cinematic storytelling, and he gradually started traversing the path of filmmaking, balancing a corporate career and creative pursuits. After more than two decades of juggling both he was able to finally say goodbye to his corporate job and focus solely on filmmaking as an independent filmmaker.
Sanjay Arora at work
However, being an independent filmmaker demands not just passion and talent but also determination in the face of obstacles. “Raising funds is one of the biggest struggles. Without studio backing, as an independent filmmaker, I rely on crowdfunding, personal savings, or individual investors,” says the producer-director, who thrives on the thrill of problem-solving on the fly. “Improvising on set and making the most of limited resources strengthens adaptability and drives innovative ideas,” he remarks.
Offering thought-provoking stories
Blending emotion with insight, Sanjay crafts narratives that leave a lasting impression. One of his early significant works, Butterfly Wings, arose from an encounter at a social gathering in Delhi. Reflecting on that moment, Sanjay recounts: “A few years ago, at a gathering in Delhi, I met a physically challenged woman with impaired speech and mobility issues. Her story was powerful. She lived a normal life until an accident altered her path drastically. Yet, her courage and unwavering spirit to overcome tragedy without seeking sympathy deeply inspired me to create Butterfly Wings.”
This inspiring film garnered significant acclaim, screened widely at the We Care Film Festival and various international forums, including Calgary’s Picture This Film Festival (PTFF), and other events across the United States.
The filmmaker’s philosophical depth shines profoundly in his film Once Again (Phir Vehi), inspired by Buddhist teachings. Speaking passionately about the film’s core theme, he says, “In reality, Death is the ‘Truth of Life’. If we are aware of death in every moment, our lives will overflow with compassion. Awareness, not fear, transforms life—making it fearless, meaningful, and full of love. Everyone has to go someday; why postpone courageous decisions or harbour negativity? Through Once Again, I wanted audiences to experience this transformative realization.”
His creative breadth is evident in films like Expression, which explores love beyond linguistic boundaries through an evocative story between an American-born Indian and a Russian bartender. Expression was filmed in Detroit and captivated audiences at ICE Short Film Festival in Pune and the World Music & Independent Film Festival in 2012.
Sanjay Arora’s Chase further exemplifies his insightful storytelling, exploring a young man’s relentless pursuit of elusive happiness amidst New York City’s vibrant backdrop. These projects transcend cultural and geographical divides.
His latest film 2 Khet that fetched the Best Director in Short Film Award at the South Asian International Film Festival, Florida is about how two brothers’ peaceful life takes a dramatic turn when a wealthy property dealer presents them with a lucrative yet suspicious offer.
Presenting universally appealing cinema
Sanjay Arora’s production company, Online Production reflects his global yet deeply Indian identity. The production company prides itself on delivering stories that resonate universally, creating meaningful cinema featuring international casts. From Russian bartenders in Moscow to American-born Indians navigating cross-cultural love, his films encapsulate humanity’s universal emotional truths.
Sanjay’s upcoming film, Vapsi, currently in pre-production, delves into profound emotional and social themes surrounding aging parents in India whose only son resides overseas. This compelling narrative questions conventional definitions of success, challenging whether true accomplishment lies in career achievements or nurturing personal relationships.
Philosophy in cinema
Throughout his films, Sanjay consistently advocates for compassion, resilience, and self-awareness. His work encourages audiences not merely to be entertained but also to be deeply introspective about life’s transient nature. “Awareness of our mortality isn’t about living in fear,” he emphasizes. “It’s about embracing life courageously, with compassion and without postponement. Cinema, to me, is the most powerful way to share this transformative awareness and influence positive change,” says the filmmaker who is deeply committed to his spiritual journey and actively participates in meditation programs.
Balancing passion and practicality in filmmaking
Through his storytelling, Sanjay Arora inspires emerging filmmakers, proving that meaningful and honest narratives can connect with audiences across borders and leave a lasting impact.
Sanjay Arora
At the same time, he acknowledges that a career in cinema is far from easy. “Look for a job that offers flexibility—whether it’s remote work, freelancing, or a low-pressure role, so you can earn while still dedicating time to your passion. Set a clear goal, focus on scriptwriting, and plan your next film. That motivation will keep you going,” is his advice to aspiring filmmakers looking to balance their creative pursuits with practical careers.
For Sanjay Arora, filmmaking is more than just a profession. It’s a calling. And with every story he tells, he continues to prove that passion, perseverance, and purpose can turn dreams into reality.
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Also Read: Arun Ashok: Navigating finance, film, and an award-winning diasporic voice in Australia
