Dhwani Gautam born in New Delhi on July 22, 1985 in a middle class family to Mahesh Gautam and Sarita. His father held a government job an his mother who is homemaker. Dhwani always had inclinations towards the performing arts. Since childhood, Dhwani is particularly a big fan of Yash Chopra films.
Dhwani was fond of penning stories and poems. He had it in him that someday he will be known as a film maker but was unsure how he would achieve this goal, however was ready to work towards it. Inspiration was within the house, his mother used to write before being married but had to quit because of shoulder injuries. It won’t be wrong to say writing was in his blood in a way! His parents being simple with limited exposure, even today finds it difficult to understand the scope of work their son Dhwani is involved in. Understandably so, however, this was tough for Dhwani as the support from their end was also limited.
Education and way forward
He managed to complete his education in B.com, Master in Cinema and Diploma in Mass Communications. He worked in small jobs till he got a break as an RJ. Mumbai was and is the hub for those who want to get a foothold into Bollywood. Dhwani too had such aspirations and he moved to Mumbai when he was just 20 years. Lucky for him he was hired as an Assistant Director for the family drama “Baa Bahoo Aur “. Few more serials and projects gave him good experience in writing and direction. He worked as an assistant director in the film “Heroes“. He went on to work for the Punjabi Film industry.
Struggles need not be hurdles!
Struggles are part and parcel of life, more so in an industry where competition is very high. Dhwani too worked for small remunerations and meeting basic needs was a challenge. He would go from one office to another with his resume, survive on cheap street food and even end up walking places because he wanted to save on transport costs. Eating out at restaurants was rare and if it happened it was with contribution from friends. He always felt that the food of his liking ought to be the criteria to eat out rather than the cost. Some day he hoped it would be a reality.
Light at the end of the tunnel
He began getting work in production teams, camera shoots, directional teams, writing, creative departments and advertisement production in bits and pieces. There is always light at the end of every darkest tunnel and somewhere the light was showing in the case of Dhwani Gautam. From 2007 to date he has been part of projects in various capacities – Asst. Director, Director, Screenplay, Host and Producer., in that “Romance complicated”, “Tuu to Gayo”, “Mr D Show”, “Order order out of order” are a few name.
Some of the big names in the industry were his ideals – Yash Chopra, Karan Johar, Imtiaz Ali to name a few and Mr. Rahul Sehegal his professor whom he looked up to.
Hobbies – break time to unwind
Dhwani’s hobbies were biking and driving cars. He enjoyed long drives and is able to drive for almost 20 hours at a stretch. He enjoyed driving / riding himself if he had to reach location and a vehicle was not available.
Plans for the future
Since he has been in this industry for over a decade now, he feels he ought to guide youth on going about a career in this industry. It’s a vast ocean and one has to pitch in the right place to gain work, knowledge and success. He plans in taking up this role of a guide/ counselor or mentor for the struggling new comers.
Message and beliefs
Dhwani Gautam believes that – “an industry that is tough and scary from the outside, but it has its share of good people and those who appreciate good work and hard work. Like every other industry one has to start from the bottom of the ladder to earn a name for one. Remunerations will grow with work and experience as long as one keeps a positive mind and gets away from the influence of negative people.”
