IRS officer Anwesh is not just a tax administrator; he’s also an emerging voice in Indian independent cinema. Balancing the demands of a full-time government career with his passion for filmmaking, Anwesh has taken the road less traveled, breaking stereotypes along the way. With his debut feature film Kathakar Ki Diary, 2013 batch IRS officer Anwesh showcases the stories of ordinary people grappling with extraordinary challenges—an endeavor that is as personal as it is artistic.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Anwesh, who is posted as Joint Commissioner, Pune, shared about his journey.
From Music to Movies
Born and raised in Rourkela, Odisha, Anwesh’s early life revolved around music, and this artistic inclination has continued to shape his professional journey. He holds a bachelor’s degree in performing arts from Bhatkhande College of Music, Lucknow, an unusual academic background for someone who would later enter the prestigious Indian Revenue Service. While preparing for the UPSC exams, Mr. Anwesh never let go of his creative pursuits. His years in music, theater, and filmmaking have deeply influenced his perspective as a civil servant, shaping his ideas about governance and society.
Mr. Anwesh’s foray into filmmaking began during his college years, when he started freelancing for advertising agencies, creating jingles and corporate films. His love for the stage, however, laid the foundation for his artistic journey; he considers himself a theater artist first. In addition to his independent projects, he created several short films and departmental films during his IRS career, using these platforms to communicate social messages and promote awareness within his department. He also ventured into digital media, acting in small films, further honing his skills and expanding his creative reach.
Kathakar Ki Diary
However, his creative ambitions took a back seat once he joined the Indian Revenue Service. Mr. Anwesh was fully committed to his role in tax administration, believing that a robust financial system can drive societal development. Yet the artist in him remained restless. In 2019, he began developing Kathakar Ki Diary, his first feature-length film, a project that would stretch over several years and require an extraordinary balancing act between his government duties and his artistic aspirations.
Set against the backdrop of contemporary India, Kathakar Ki Diary follows five diverse characters: a child, a cancer-stricken photographer, a musician, a transwoman, and an athlete working in tribal areas. Each character’s journey unfolds in a non-linear narrative, exploring themes of identity, survival, and the weight of societal expectations. Mr. Anwesh explains, “I wanted to highlight the lives of people who live on the margins of society, those whose stories are seldom told.” The film is also deeply personal for him, as he has always been drawn to narratives that delve into human emotions and social dynamics.
Challenges of Filmmaking
Producing the film was no easy task. The officer shot Kathakar Ki Diary between 2022 and 2023, across various locations in India—Mumbai, Pune, Odisha, and Meghalaya. Each location brought its own set of challenges, from extreme weather conditions to disruptions caused by wildlife. One particular shoot in Odisha was interrupted by a herd of wild elephants, halting production for several hours. Despite these setbacks, Mr. Anwesh pushed forward, relying on the support of friends, family, and local communities.
Budget constraints were another significant hurdle. With limited resources, he had to resort to crowdfunding, calling on his network to help finance the film. His father, aged 67, even joined the production crew to assist with logistics. “It was a collective effort,” Mr. Anwesh recalled, emphasizing the passion that drove the project forward. The entire crew worked without financial compensation, motivated purely by their belief in the film’s message.
The Sound of Storytelling
The film’s music, an integral part of the narrative, posed its challenges. The officer, who has a background in performing arts, took an active role in curating the film’s musical score. Blending traditional Indian instruments with modern compositions, the music in Kathakar Ki Diary is as varied as the characters themselves. “Music is a key element of the storytelling. It speaks to the unspoken emotions of the characters,” Mr. Anwesh explained. Despite the tight budget, the musicians were able to produce a powerful score that resonated with the film’s experimental nature.
A Dual Mission
While the process of making Kathakar Ki Diary was demanding, it was also deeply fulfilling for Mr. Anwesh. As a civil servant, he is accustomed to navigating the complexities of governance and policy. Filmmaking, by contrast, allows him to explore different facets of human experience, offering a creative outlet that balances his analytical side. “In many ways, both my careers—filmmaking and public service—are about understanding people and solving problems. One is through art, the other through policy,” he reflected.
Now, with his first feature film complete, Anwesh stands at a unique crossroads. Kathakar Ki Diary has already generated interest among film festivals, and Mr. Anwesh hopes to see it reach a wider audience, both in India and abroad.
Despite the numerous logistical and financial hurdles, Anwesh completed Kathakar Ki Diary, which he describes as “a film of the people, by the people, for the people.” It is an experimental piece, intricately weaving together the lives of ordinary individuals, capturing the complexities and diversity of Indian life.
As he looks to the future, he plans to continue balancing his dual roles. He is already thinking about his next film, which, like Kathakar Ki Diary, will likely explore themes that challenge societal norms. “I want to keep telling stories that matter,” he stated passionately.
