An engineer with a prodigious passion for art and culture, Atul Kumar, 29, is among those Kiwi-Indians who knows how to strike that perfect balance between professional career and their passion. Kumar, treading on the path of success has not only seen professional accomplishments but has also made a niche in the art and entertainment world.
Kumar arrived in the country in 2010 and today is working as a Network Operations Engineer with Vector Communications. But what is important is his commitment towards his passion that has led him to work in feature films such as Mr Singh wants PR and Brave Love (in Post-Production). He has done several short films through Path 2 Dreams Production, a company founded by his brother.
Alongside films, he has worked as a creative head on several music videos through DJAV Productions. Moreover like any Indian he is a cricket buff, a player and has been playing for the club Commerce Cricket Club.
Indian Weekender takes pride in interviewing him to know him better and to put him as its face this week.
IWK: How do you want us to introduce you to our audiences?
Atul Kumar: I would say fun-loving and creative person who takes life as it comes. I am very passionate about art and entertainment. It is my first love and if you really believe in something, it will definitely come around. I believe living in the present and putting my 100% in whatever I am doing.
IWK: How would you describe your life so far in a nutshell?
Atul Kumar: I belong to Ghaziabad (U.P) in India and in 2010 I decided to come here to Auckland to pursue my education in IT. On completion of my diploma, I got placed with Orcon Internet in 2011 and it was one of the proud moments of my life, as I was the first guy in my batch, to get an industry related job. After working for almost four years with Orcon, I joined Vector Communications as Network Operations Engineer, where I am currently working. My passion is art and entertainment and besides working in feature films, I am also one of the creative heads with Dreams Production, a production house founded by my brother and his friend.
IWK: How has the journey been so far? Tell us about your achievements and challenges?
Atul Kumar: I would say fun but yes very challenging. I, like others, came to this country from a protective homely environment. I struggled for a job while studying, again struggled to find my place here in this foreign land, which has now become my place. This country has given me everything from challenges to success to memories, which I will cherish throughout my life. Over all has been a big learning curve with an outcome that I have not only become a better but also a positive person.
IWK: How do u plan to move ahead and keep this balance between profession and passion?
Atul Kumar: The feeling so far is amazing, but there is a long way to go. I want to keep up with my passion of art and entertainment. We are planning to make a feature length movie next year and are in-between reading few scripts which we will be pitching to the producers. We are also planning a red carpet event for path 2 dreams to show our short movies and personally, I will be working on a theatre play which is something new and challenging for me. As far as striking a balance is concerned, nothing is impossible to a willing heart. If you really believe in something you will find time for it.
IWK: Did you feel bogged down at times, Where did you find encouragement and inspiration from?
Atul Kumar: The initial time here in this country being an international student was not easy. Student life especially for international students is very tough and I would say rough, harsh and that is the time when one really needs to hold oneself together. I was not able to get even a part time job and many a times wanted to just leave everything and go back to India. But that is the time my family was my pillar of support. They encouraged me, they inspired me. They helped me to find my way here and they have been all along in this journey of mine of becoming a Kiwi-Indian from just an Indian.
IWK: Where do you aim to see yourself, say maybe three years down the line?
Atul Kumar: Three years down the line, I see myself as a much better person, a better-evolved person. Someone who can help Indian community here, in whatever possible way.
IWK: What would you like to say to people out there who want also share dreams like you?
Atul Kumar: I would like to say that yes, there are a lot of challenges and struggles in life but time never remains same. Remain positive and never say never. Keep working hard, keep yourself focused and success will eventually come your way.