Meet Shiv Reddy, the Rising Film Content Creator Changing Digital Storytelling
Shiv Reddy is a film content creator based in Los Angeles who reviews South Asian movies and TV shows. She believes South Asian Representation in the film industry is very important and wants to bring audiences worldwide to celebrate South Asian films and culture. Below is a list of questions that our team at Sanskar Savvy put together to learn more about her experience in the film and influencer industry. We are sure you will Celebrate, Explore, Connect! with Shiv.
1. Sanskar Savvy: What made you want to get started with content creation?
Shiv: I started out as a photographer, creating content by taking photos and working at a photography studio. I later wanted to market myself and thought, “Why not try content creation out?”
2. Sanskar Savvy: As a Desi influencer, what has been something that you felt that you made an impact with the community on?
Shiv: Being able to talk about Indian movies, specifically South Indian films, having people see representation in me being on carpets, in press rooms, and talking to actors. It is overwhelming to be in those rooms, but my goal is to spread positivity and not let imposter syndrome get to me.
3. Sanskar Savvy: Do you have a favorite video / collab you have created on your page so far?
Shiv: My first collaboration video was with Pixar. They helped me gain organic reach with the video I did for them. Other brands are more focused on promoting a specific product than on sharing what you created for them to share.
4. Sanskar Savvy: How do you feel like the influencer industry has changed from when you first started?
Shiv: I went on this yellow brick road that I had not navigated before. I am not invited to as many premieres as other film influencers. I want to promote the underdogs and provide a synopsis of what the smaller projects are about. I am not interested in discussing large-scale productions such as Wicked; I want to focus more on smaller independent projects.
5. Sanskar Savvy: Who are some of your favorite creators that you are enjoying on TikTok?
Shiv: Architect by Ari posts a lot about nostalgic movies, Apurupa – working in one of the Indian film industries, posts a lot of movie reviews, and is trying to become a script writer, and Nirupam, who posts about south asian films, horror movies, drag race, etc.
6. Sanskar Savvy: What is your creative process when making videos?
Shiv: I treat it like a book report. I figure out how to produce and edit information, and present facts. I get people interested in South Asian films, books, and actors. The best feedback comes from people about how I present facts about these movies rather than inserting my own opinion.
7. Sanskar Savvy: How do you get invited to film events? Does someone reach out or are you reaching out to someone?
Shiv: I used to manage myself for two years and would get opportunities through cold emailing or being sent emails. This past year, I started being managed by a company. I get more brand deals with my management. Many events invite influencers based on their follower counts on social media. I don’t get that many press interviews either. I work with Product of Culture to interview actors. I pursue many unpaid opportunities to build my portfolio. I don’t want to be a token brown girl. Integrity matters more than money. I am not looking for how much money I make, but rather how I can make an impact in these rooms.
8. Sanskar Savvy: Do you have a favorite film premiere you have been to before?
Shiv: I have to be biased and say my interview with Dev Patel, when I saw Money Man in the Chinese theater. It felt like a fever dream to interview him. It gave me the confidence to speak with other actors and to combat my impostor syndrome by reminding myself I can do this and I belong here.
9. Sanskar Savvy: Who do you want to collaborate with or work with?
Shiv: There’s an upcoming documentary on Netflix called Unaccustomed Earth. I want to interview the director Jhumpa Lahiri. I want to interview new actors entering the industry. Anirudh Pisharody and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan are actors from the show Never Have I Ever who have upcoming movies. I want to support emerging and new actors, not the biggest names in the industry.
10. Sanskar Savvy: Who are your favorite brands to work with?
Shiv: I don’t idolize actors, and I don’t have a favorite brand. I speak with third-party PR agencies and secure many partnerships that way, but I don’t have an allegiance to any. Many brands are asking themselves what the analytics are and what an influencer’s demographics are when deciding whether to invite them to an event.
11. Sanskar Savvy: What are your favorite types of events to attend?
Shiv: I enjoy experiential events. I went to a premiere for a show called Knife Edge on Apple TV+, and I learned about how Michelin-starred restaurants get Michelin stars, and they took influencers to Michelin-starred restaurants. Later, I secured a partnership with the same Michelin-starred restaurant to return and work with them after attending the film premiere with Apple.
12. Sanskar Savvy: How do you handle negative attention or comments or pushback in the industry as a desi influencer?
Shiv: I block people when they make comments about me being an Indian woman, my appearance, or my intellect. You have to develop thick skin, and I realize these hate comments are not worth my time or patience.
13. Sanskar Savvy: What is the hardest part of being a Desi influencer?
Shiv: I have impostor syndrome, and I have to make scripted videos about filmmaking and the history of actors, which is very different from lifestyle creators who can share get-ready-with-me or day-in-my-life videos. My videos are based on facts, which involve a lot of research. There are a lot of barriers to entry. When I get an additional ticket to events, I go with friends and family for added safety. The industry is very cutthroat and competitive, and you are aware that there are few tickets to events, so you have to stand out amongst the competition.
14. Sanskar Savvy: What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a film creator?
Shiv: Consistency, treat it like a 9-5 job. You get to be your own boss and remind yourself and ask yourself how you are going to show up for your community.
15. Sanskar Savvy: What are your big goals for 2026?
Shiv: I want to continue closing big deals and eventually work with Netflix to interview new actors. The sky is the limit, so I can achieve anything if I work hard.
Want More Exclusive Interviews?
Check out our other interview with Surge Vasudevan, a South Asian living in Dallas, making an impact through music as the CEO of YOUNITED Entertainment. To hear about your favorite artists, upcoming films, exclusive content, and enter contests, join our VIP list. Sign up to celebrate other South Asian creatives, explore the latest releases, and connect with a passionate community. Follow us on social media and keep the celebration going!
