ByN. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

November 16, 2021 (IANSlife) Suyash Keshari, a 25-year-old wildlife filmmaker and presenter, recently produced his first series #SafariWithSuyash for WWF International, which is a real-life web series about a young person's life with tigers and conservation issues surrounding the species, centred in Bandhavgarh National Park. The season finale was launched by Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister, while the series itself has been featured at a United Nations Conference and by Incredible India.

Suyash whose goal is to tell stories that would evoke passion in hearts and minds across the world and urge them to play their part in conserving our beautiful natural heritage talks to IANSlife.

Read Excerpt: 

Let's begin with your journey thus far!

Suyash Keshari: I am a 25-year old wildlife filmmaker and presenter from India. Growing up in Central India, I have always been close to wildlife and this is where my deep affection for wildlife was ignited.  After my schooling in India, I moved to the United States for my graduation. Where contrary to people’s belief I studied Political Advocacy, along with Entrepreneurship and Journalism and nothing related to filming or wildlife. But these courses really shaped my personality, developed a knack for entrepreneurship and most importantly equipped me with tools to tell the most compelling stories to impact policy decisions and influence minds.

While I loved my Political Advocacy job in Washington D.C., something was always missing. My deep-seated love for wildlife, and quest to fulfil my childhood dream drive me in the summer of 2019 to quit my job and delve right into this field, to become a full-time wildlife presenter. My first series was inspired by my early life in Central India, its people and its animals. The series was showcased at the 13th United Nations Convention on Migratory Species in February 2020.

I have worked on several projects with WWF International, with Animal Planet as a live host, and have been published in several national and international newspapers and magazines including Outlook Traveller, The Weather Channel, Times of India and appeared on media channels like NDTV and Aaj Tak to speak about wildlife and conservation.

My goal is to tell stories that would evoke passion in hearts and minds across the world and urge them to play their part in conserving our beautiful natural heritage. As a part of this effort, I also lead wildlife safari and photography tours all across India and Africa

I believe that "what we can see, we can love. And what we can love, we will fight to protect." My goal is to tell stories that would evoke passion in hearts and minds across the world and urge them to play their part in conserving our beautiful natural heritage.

 

What drew you to wildlife and nature?

Suyash Keshari:It was when I was 4 years old that my Nanaji took me to the Zoological Park in Kolkata. As all kids would do, I jumped and clapped when I saw the tiger roar. My Nanaji asked me, “Beta, do you like watching the tiger?”, I replied, “Yes Nanaji”. Then he told me, “Beta these are not the same tigers that you watch on tv in Nat Geo or BBC documentaries. These animals are trapped for life in these small cages.” It broke my heart at a very early age and set me on a path to learn more about our wild animals and seeing them as much as possible in their wild homes.

Growing up in Central India, I have always been close to wildlife and this is where my deep affection for wildlife was ignited. I have always been that kid who wanted to play in the backyard, run on the farm, climb up a guava tree and wait for the birds to come, so that I could eat the fruits with them, watched ants parade in a line, sat by a pond in the middle of the summer in 45-degree heat just to observe the fish, the herons and other birds come to drink or hunt. I was that kid who always wanted to go to a jungle for a holiday and that kid who wanted to watch wildlife shows instead of Cartoon Network even at the age of 5 and 6. And I was that kid who always wanted to find, wanted to share every single wildlife story with his family, friends and visitors at the house – no matter their interests.

In short, I was that kid who always wanted to do what I am doing right now because I absolutely love it and share the love with others. Because there’s nothing more fulfilling in this world than getting people to fall in love with the things you are in love with yourself.

 

How difficult was it to forego large paycheques in order to pursue your passion?

Suyash Keshari: Leaving the comfort of a well-paying job especially in a country like the United States where the living standards are so high, leaving a life like that and entering a life in the wild that was definitely a risk that I took. It was though, a planned risk. I wanted to be very entrepreneurial in what I do, both in terms of social entrepreneurship and business in general as well. We can create a lot of impact on conservation and people around us and at the same time make a living and create a brand and do well. Yes, it was tough but it wasn’t a dive into the dark cave. It was more planned. I had my plan A, B, C and D. It did give me a sense of comfort that my education was good, my grades were good and even if I failed I can go back, do my post-graduate degree and rejoin the job-force.

 

Can you tell me about your previous works and projects?

Suyash Keshari: I was always keen on taking photographs or making films that would tell a story. When I was 19, I became one of the youngest people to win the Nature’s Best Photography Asia Award, for a photograph of a six-month-old tigress. This photo was exhibited for a year at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington D.C. I was also the finalist for the Sustainable Category Award of the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

I shot my first wildlife film when I was interning with Africa Media. It was called “On the trail of the African Lion”. Here I filmed the concept of tracking different animals on foot and following the lives of African rangers who risk their lives every single day just to ensure the safety of wildlife.

 It was in 2019 that I produced my first series #SafariWithSuyash for WWF International which is a real-life web series about a young person’s life with tigers and conservation issues surrounding the species, centred in Bandhavgarh National Park. I also presented it at the 13th United Nations Convention on Migratory Species in February 2020.

 It followed the tracks of a Tigress named Solo and her cubs. It’s really close to my heart and it was one series that people could connect to immediately. Unfortunately, Solo was poached last year in October. Post that I did a documentary on Solo, with Brut and it garnered a huge response.

I was filming the second season of Safari with Suyash in Africa, but then the pandemic had other plans in store.  Here I was filming a private conservation model in South Africa, in partnership with Zeyba Untamed, a US apparel brand.

The Safari with Suyash brand has grown to cover many initiatives related to wildlife conservation, forest community upliftment, virtual safari experiences as well as in-person safari tours, and nature content creation such as films and photo stories.

 I am also very proud to share that I and a couple of good friends of mine from Fable and Mane, Akash and Nikita Mehta, that we got electricity to all 175 Anti Poaching Camps in Bandhavgarh through solar lamps, 250+ forest staff received shoes, raincoats and bags and most importantly 200+ staff received solar torches that will help them in their night patrols and also charge their phones. It’s absolutely necessary to take care of the people who take care of our natural heritage.

I believe that "what we can see, we can love. And what we can love, we will fight to protect." My goal is to tell stories that would evoke passion in hearts and minds across the world and urge them to play their part in conserving our beautiful natural heritage.

 

How did the concept for a separate OTT platform come to you?

Suyash Keshari: We wanted to create a property that we can nurture from its inception, have full creative control, carry out strong messaging on conservation issues, many of which are not talked about in traditional TV shows, and most importantly we wanted something that can be completely raw, authentic, and unfiltered. The production by the likes of Animal Planet, Nat Geo and BBC are mind-blowing but these productions are scripted, dramatic, and planned to a tee, which often takes away the authenticity of a being in a jungle.  Paired with this the growing interest among people in wildlife was what ignited the idea to launch Safari with Suyash- TV. Virtual Safaris had never been done before in India and hence we thought we could carve out a niche by putting together India’s first virtual safari experience.

With all that in mind, we created Safari with Suyash – TV which is India’s first OTT platform dedicated to wildlife. We will be bringing the beauty, excitement and wonder of wildlife into people’s homes across the world.

 

What distinguishes it from other available shows?

Suyash Keshari: The Virtual Safari experience is the first of its kind in India. Unlike other documentaries which are planned to tee, these are raw, educational and authentic. It’s like sitting in a jeep from the comfort of your home and enjoying the wilderness. While creating this project, education was a key aspect that we kept in mind. The purpose was to get people excited about wildlife and help them understand nature better. We even ran a special discount specifically for students so that they too can enjoy and learn from this experience. We wanted to give people a chance to understand and learn about the wild. Tracking and identifying different species and most importantly letting people know about the importance of several species for the sustenance of our ecosystem. It’s a thrilling adventure from the comfort of our homes where one can connect and learn from nature. By buying a membership to the virtual safaris people would actually buy a ticket to an experience like no other.  As I always say, “What we can see, we can love, and what we can love, we will fight to protect."

 

How beneficial have filmmaking and social media been in terms of environmental and wildlife conservation?

Suyash Keshari: Films and social media, both have played a very important role in conservation. To reach the masses and create a stir, it’s very important to get them hooked on a story. To create awareness amongst a good story is vital. My series, Safari with Suyash on WWF and my documentary on Solo, for Brut, collectively reached over 10 lakh people. To date, people randomly turn up to me saying, “ Hey I watched your documentary on Solo. That motivated me to go for a safari, explore the park”. Personally for hard conservation, I would like to see a lot of this interest in wildlife actually proliferate and start helping local communities, local forest guards. That is when we can see a larger difference.

Till now social media and filmmaking have been immensely helpful in creating awareness. The impact has been tremendous. We as a part of the conservation initiative launched our own Conservation Merchandise, from the sale of which we will donate 100% of our profits to build waterholes in deficit areas on Bandhavgarh.  The response to this initiative has been really heartwarming.

 

What are your plans for the OTT platform 'Safari with Suyash TV'?

Suyash Keshari: The idea to launch the platform originated from the content, i.e. Virtual Safaris. Virtual Safaris is our primary goal for the time being, with one safari experience launching every weekend. Also, wildlife filming is a long drawn process and unlike any other, it depends on a host of factors as to how long a project takes to complete. In future, we would definitely enrich our platform with more wildlife content apart from Virtual Safaris.  Currently, the entire production has been in-house but in the future, we look to collaborate with others in the field as well.

Apart from the virtual safaris, we have also incorporated a 3.5-hour-long wildlife photography masterclass which the participants can learn from.

 

 

 

(This article is website exclusive and cannot be reproduced without the permission of IANSlife)

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe can be contacted at lothungbeni.h@ians.in