Lead With Purpose Series | Presented by Scriberlee
From the world of software engineering to center stage in India’s creative industry, Apurva Modak is living proof that bold choices and relentless passion can craft a career beyond convention. A storyteller at heart and a visionary by action, Apurva has seamlessly transitioned from coding lines to directing frames, acting in films, and scripting original television content. In this exclusive interview, she reflects on the journey that transformed a secure job into a fulfilling life of artistic expression.
Q1. Can you share how your educational background and early experiences shaped your career path and vision?
I am a software engineer by profession. After spending over five years in the IT industry, I chose to follow my true passion, acting, directing, editing, advertising, and everything in between that belongs to the creative world. Taking a leap of faith, I stepped away from the conventional path and decided to pursue what truly makes me come alive.
Q2. What does your current role involve, and how do you contribute to the growth and impact of your organization or firm?
I began my journey in the creative field by acting in TV commercials, editing films, and lending my voice to projects ranging from educational content to animated films. In 2015, I joined Redefinez Productions LLP, an advertising agency and production house, where I had the opportunity to explore multiple facets of the industry. From acting and directing TVCs for various brands and the Government of Maharashtra to working on integrated brand campaigns, the experience was both diverse and enriching. I’ve acted in over 50 brand films and digital brand series to date and played key roles in two feature films, 66 Sadashiv (2019) and Swaragandharva Sudhir Phadke (2024). Today, as a partner at Redefinez Productions, I continue to evolve with the same team that hfhe
elped shape my creative journey. My next steps include directing a feature film I’ve written and producing a television serial for a major GEC, again based on an original story by me. I also have two acting projects lined up this September, each one an exciting opportunity to express my passion in front of the camera.
Q3. Tell us more about your company, its mission, core values, and what sets it apart in the industry.
Redefinez Productions is a dynamic advertising agency and production house that operates across two core verticals, brand communication and filmmaking. We collaborate with a wide range of clients to craft impactful promotional campaigns while actively building our presence in the film industry. Our mission is to bring every aspect of filmmaking under one roof, from ideation to execution, with a fully integrated, in-house setup. This includes a state-of-the-art editing and post-production studio, allowing us to deliver high-quality content with speed, creativity, and precision. At Redefinez, we aim to be the one-stop destination for everything related to advertising and cinematic storytelling, blending creativity, strategy, and technology to bring powerful ideas to life.
Q4. What are some of the key milestones or awards in your career that hold special meaning to you?
I was honoured to receive nominations for my debut film 66 Sadashiv as an actor, which was a major turning point for me. But the most memorable moment was playing the legendary Asha Bhosale in Swaragandharva Sudhir Phadke. The response I received, from audiences across India and abroad, was deeply moving. And when Asha Bhosale herself acknowledged my portrayal with kind words, it became one of the most emotional and unforgettable milestones of my life.
Q5. What drives you every day in such a demanding and creative field?
It’s the thrill of creating something meaningful. Every day presents a new canvas, whether it's a character to explore, a story to tell, or a visual to design. I find joy in the process and in the evolution it brings. The drive comes from knowing that each project leaves an imprint, on the audience, on the team, and on me.
Q6. How do you maintain balance between commercial work and personal passion projects?
It’s a constant balancing act. Commercial projects teach discipline, structure, and audience understanding. Passion projects, on the other hand, give me creative freedom. I ensure I’m always working on something that’s mine, whether it’s a script, an idea, or a role that’s close to my heart. That personal connection keeps me grounded and inspired.
Q7. What’s your message for the youth who aspire to make a mark?
There are countless creative souls out there, full of passion and talent, who dream of making it in this field but often struggle due to a lack of opportunities or a clear path forward. I just want to share a small piece of my journey with those dreamers. I left a secure job to follow my passion, and while it wasn’t easy, it was necessary. If you don’t take that first step, even if it’s a calculated risk, you may never know what you are truly capable of. And what if you actually achieve what you dream of? Take that leap of faith. Start. Try. And keep trying, until your dream becomes your reality.
Apurva Modak didn’t wait for the perfect moment, he created one. With each role he plays, each story he pens, and each frame he directs, he’s proving that reinvention is possible at any stage. For every young mind caught between comfort and calling, his journey is a reminder: your passion is worth the risk, and your voice is worth the world hearing.