About

Born in New Delhi in September 1994, Nirbhay Rakheja is an independent filmmaker and cinematographer with over a decade of experience in documentaries, fiction, and commercials. His creative journey began at the age of 17, sparked by a deep passion for photography and storytelling, and was later honed through his formal education at Whistling Woods International.

 

Nirbhay’s portfolio includes acclaimed works such as Picturing Life, a documentary on artist Sudhir Patwardhan, which was officially selected in competition at IDSFK 2024 (Kerala) and the Yellowstone International Film Festival, and Leaving Home, an experimental short that won 2nd Prize at the Wild Vueing Art Festival. Guided by mentors like Anay Goswamy and KU Mohanan, Nirbhay has developed a distinctive style rooted in poetic visual rhetoric, seamlessly balancing arthouse aesthetics with mainstream storytelling.

 

Inspired by music and the dynamics of spaces within a story, Nirbhay combines simplicity with subtle experimentation. His adaptability is evident in his diverse portfolio, ranging from indie productions with tight budgets to large-scale sets involving advanced VFX processes like face replacements and Unreal Engine-led world-building.

 

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Nirbhay continuously explores new techniques and genres, blending authenticity with innovation to craft visually compelling narratives. For him, cinematography is not just about capturing visuals—it’s about transforming stories into immersive emotional experiences that inspire and captivate.