The heart behind the lens.
Rusha Bose is a cinematographer by profession. Her filmmaking journey started over a decade ago, and since then she has worked on a variety of projects, from feature films and documentaries to music videos, fashion films, digital ads and corporate videos. Recently, she also recently started directing and is really enjoying the process. In fact, two of the films directed by her, Ms Kimono and Namma Katte, were showcased at the State of Fashion Biennale in the Netherlands this year.
Beyond filmmaking, Rusha’s life revolves around her family, scuba diving, traveling and connecting with life in meaningful ways. She draws a lot of inspiration from nature, especially the relationship we humans have with it, or sometimes lack of it — the balance and imbalance. Everyday life, with all its simplicity and complexity, also inspires Rusha. She aims to incorporate these ideas into her visual storytelling, blending her professional work with her personal experiences and passions.
Rusha's Work
Rusha takes The Independent World's QnA.
Q1. Tell us about your journey – why and how you chose to become a cinematographer/ photographer?
I’ve loved photography since I was a kid, from using my Kodak KB10 on family holidays to posing for my mom’s camera. It came naturally to me.
In high school, I realized I wasn’t cut out for commerce or accounting. Luckily, I found my way to St. Xavier’s in Kolkata and discovered Mass Communication and Videography. That’s where my journey into cinematography really took off. Each lesson and every frame made me love visual storytelling more and more. The camera became my way to express myself meaningfully.
Q2. Which is the most challenging and creatively fulfilling project you’ve done?
One of my most challenging, yet creatively fulfilling projects, was working on the documentary “Goni.” It delved into tough topics, like human rights and climate change. The story tracked Abdul Goni, a Bangladeshi ex-migrant worker who is now a photojournalist, and it was set during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Filming in Qatar’s labour camps was a logistical nightmare, with some workers willing to talk while others were scared and reported us to the authorities. Then, in Bangladesh, shooting in the villages of Sundarbans without basic amenities was a whole other level of tough, you know? We even sadly captured the story of a guy who couldn’t handle it anymore because he hadn’t been paid for months and had no way home. It was physically and emotionally draining.
But, I’m glad I could be a part of this. All that struggle was totally worth it. We were able to capture those difficult stories honestly and bring them to people, so that was pretty rewarding.
Plus we actually got an award! Jackson Wild Awards in 2023. It felt like a nod, you know, to the fact that we managed to show the human side of things in the midst of all that upheaval.
Q3. Tell us about your experience of working on projects like ‘Words of Pride’? How does it feel to be able to lend your talent to a powerful cause like this?
Working on projects like “Words of Pride” is a real privilege. As a member of the queer community, I feel deeply connected to these stories and causes. It’s incredibly fulfilling to use my skills to amplify queer voices and experiences. It’s more than just work—it’s a personal and empowering journey that fills me with a sense of purpose and pride.
Q4. How important is it for creative people to surround themselves with a creative community of friends?
Being part of a supportive community of artists and innovators is a necessity almost. Not just to share ideas and collaborate or to keep the creativity alive, yes those as well, but more importantly to have a support system that truly understands, and that’s not always easy to find. And of course, having a network of trusted creative peers gives you valuable perspectives and feedback, it helps ideas evolve. Plus, exploring art and music together as a community is exciting and inspiring; it creates a space for growth.
Q5. What skills should a good cinematographer/photographer have?
A good cinematographer or photographer needs more than just technical skills. It’s important to be observant, listen actively, and be sensitive to emotions and atmospheres. You have to constantly work on anticipating moments before they happen and be fully present to capture them. It’s not just about seeing what’s in front of the lens, but really understanding and feeling it, which leads to authentic and impactful storytelling.