From Banker to Award-Winning Filmmaker: The Inspiring Journey of Vishwajeet Dash

 

In an exclusive interview with Sunday POST, banker-turned-filmmaker Vishwajeet Dash(fondly known as Vish) from Odisha shared insights into his remarkable transition from a career in banking to creating award-winning wildlife documentaries. Known for his food and travel vlogs under the YouTube channel JustVish, Vish has recently garnered national and international acclaim for his documentary film 'Stripe Chasers.' The film, set in Kanha National Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh, not only highlights the beauty of the forests but also pays tribute to the dedicated park guides.

 

The Motivation Behind the Shift

 

Vish’s journey began in his early childhood, influenced by his father's adventurous motorcycle tours around Odisha and the captivating wildlife shows on NatGeo and Discovery. “I watched my father go on long tours and return with fascinating stories of his adventures. This, coupled with shows like Jungle Book, sparked a desire to explore,” he recalls.

 

In 2015, Vish decided to leave his banking career and return to Odisha due to an family emergency, whilst here he decided to pursue his passion of telling visual stories. This led to the creation of his YouTube channel JustVish, focusing on food and travel. The channel quickly gained popularity and in a few years paved the way for new opportunities in filmmaking.

 

Meeting a Kindred Spirit

 

While creating a video series on Madhya Pradesh in 2021, Vish met Durgesh Singh, the tour leader and founder of Sinali Experiences, a premium wildlife resort in Kanha National Park. Durgesh shared his vision of making a documentary about safari guides, a concept that resonated deeply with Vish. What started as an idea for a short video evolved into the acclaimed documentary 'Stripe Chasers.'

 

Views on Tiger Conservation

 

Vish is a passionate advocate for tiger conservation. He acknowledges the potential of tiger habitats like Similipal and Satkosia in his home state Odisha but notes that the tiger population is currently more robust in Madhya Pradesh. 

 

“As a filmmaker and wildlife enthusiast, I dream of seeing a thriving tiger population in Odisha. To achieve this, we need large-scale education and awareness campaigns, modern equipment for anti-poaching units, and a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism to generate funds,” he explains. Vish believes that with the right measures, Odisha could rival Madhya Pradesh in tiger conservation within a decade.

 

Future Plans and Aspirations

 

Despite his success, Vish is continually striving to better himself as a filmmaker. “I want to produce visually compelling stories that inspire and move people, regardless of the format or medium. Wildlife and travel films will always hold a special place in my heart,” he says.

 

Vish’s dedication to storytelling and his passion for wildlife conservation have made him a name when it comes to visual storytelling. His journey from a banker to an award-winning filmmaker is a testament to following one's passion and making a meaningful impact through visual stories.

 

For more updates and to follow Vish’s work, subscribe to his JustVish YouTube Channel. 

OrissaPOST article