Shivashish Ahuja is a Los Angeles and Mumbai-based cinematographer with a diverse project portfolio spanning different genres like drama, sci-fi, suspense.
Shivashish Ahuja
Cinematographer Shivashish Ahuja brought Shubh's vision to life in the visually stunning 'Buckle Up' music video, a collaboration that has resonated with audiences to the tune of 15+ million YouTube views. Notably, the album was featured in New York City's Times Square, Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre, Hard Rock Café, and major locations in Canada and has gained traction on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart. We had the opportunity to sit down with Shivashish Ahuja for an exclusive Q&A about his experience working on the project, his creative process, and what lies ahead in his career.
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“Buckle Up”
Shivashish Ahuja: This was my first time working with Shubh, but I’ve always connected with his music, especially given my background in dance. His beats have a unique energy that naturally lends itself to cinematic storytelling. When this project came my way, my goal was to complement the song’s intensity while bringing a fresh perspective to Punjabi music videos-something that hadn’t been done before. What made this shoot particularly exciting was the narrative approach with no flashy edits, transitions, or VFX to fall back on. It felt like shooting a fast-paced narrative film with minimal pre-production, which pushed us to think on our feet. Our director, Rubbal GTR, played a crucial role in shaping the neo-noir vision and leading the team. Although the shoot started under stressful conditions, my team’s dedication made it a success.
Q1: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while shooting 'Buckle Up’?
Shivashish Ahuja: Music videos are always fast-paced, but I’m personally not a fan of overnight shoots-especially when they require a three-hour drive back after a 12-hour workday. Managing the tight schedule was a challenge, but it was all worth it in the end.
Q2: You’ve collaborated with director Rubbal GTR before. What is your working dynamic like, and do you have a favorite memory from your projects together?
Shivashish Ahuja: Rubbal GTR and I have worked on multiple music videos, most notably for Coachella performer Diljit Dosanjh’s songs “Case” and “Feel My Love.” Rubbal is a visionary who seamlessly blends directing and producing. He has a clear vision and a distinct style that goes beyond traditional direction, and that makes our collaboration smooth and creatively fulfilling. One of my most memorable experiences with him was shooting at Warner Bros. Hennessy Street, where over a hundred dancers moved in sync while Diljit performed. That project gained international recognition and was even featured on Shotdeck. More recently, I loved filming the burning car sequence in 'Buckle Up'-a scene that added an unforgettable visual moment to the video.
Q3: How does it feel to see the music video gaining such massive traction?
Shivashish Ahuja: It’s incredibly rewarding. Seeing the video featured in places like Times Square and Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre is a surreal experience. Knowing that my work is helping to amplify Shubh’s music through storytelling on a global scale is truly fulfilling. Plus what stayed with me was the fact that the Album launch, also shot by me, was the first ever post made by Shubh on Social Media.
Q4: What’s next for you? Any exciting upcoming projects?
Shivashish Ahuja: There are a few exciting collaborations in the pipeline, but I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself creatively. Having shot over 80 short films, I now feel ready to take on my first feature film. The transition from short-form content to a full-length cinematic experience is something I’ve been preparing for, and I’m excited to bring my storytelling to a larger canvas. Beyond that, I’m looking forward to collaborating with new artists and exploring projects that push creative and technical boundaries. My goal is to continue crafting visuals that resonate with audiences worldwide, whether through music videos, commercials, or feature films.
The interview explored Shivashish’s artistic approach to Shubh's "Buckle Up" music video, highlighting his narrative-driven filming style and his collaboration with director Rubbal GTR. The interview also highlighted production challenges faced by the cinematographer and his career aspirations.
About Shivashish Ahuja
Shivashish Ahuja is a Los Angeles and Mumbai-based cinematographer with a diverse project portfolio spanning different genres like drama, sci-fi, suspense, and comedy. This two-time Grammy attendee has collaborated with popular international artists like Billie Eilish, Alessia Cara, and Diljit Dosanjh. His works are often displayed on billboards across North America and Shotdeck – often leaving a long-lasting impact on the audience’s mind.
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