Probably the youngest creative on the block, 19 year old Nitin Dhall is the senior Creative Head of Optimystix Productions’ upcoming next on SAB TV. And in a very short period of time, this boy has managed to go places and make a place for himself in the industry. Tellychakkar.com met this creative personality and asked him to talk about his journey for our Behind the Lens segment. When and how did you begin your journey in the industry? (Smiles) Let me start this way. My dad Rakesh Dhall was a brand ambassador of Honda two wheelers after which he did a lot of print ads. However, since back then the industry was looked down upon, he had to quit this field and get into business. But he always wanted me to be a part of the industry. Thus he started pushing me to start working in the entertainment industry from a very young age. This is how I started as an intern in Zee TV’s Sanjog Se Bani Sangini at the age of 17 and went on to work as an assistant director on Saraswatichandra during its pilot shoot. I became the senior assistant creative director for Ek Hazaroon Mein Meri Behna Hai. Soon after I worked as a Creative Director on Honge Judaa Na Hum andYeh Hai Aashiqui. Did you get into the industry just to fulfill your father’s dream or was it your dream too? Though my mother is an engineer, had someone asked me to become an engineer, I don’t think I would have managed to do that. I love the industry and this is where I want to be. Are you still studying? Yes, I am. I passed my twelfth with 92 per cent in PCM Physics/Chemistry/Mathematics). After this I did my diploma in direction and productions of films and TV. Soon after this I started working, but at the moment I am doing my B.Sc. in Mass Communication, Advertisement and Journalism from Delhi University. You could have got into the industry after the completion of your studies. Why didn’t you do that? I have always liked working. I was in tenth standard when I started teaching calligraphy, vedic mathematics and abacus in coaching classes. I worked there for three years. The basic thing is that I don’t like to sit ideal. What are the issues that you face every day as a Creative? When I started as a creative on Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, I used to find it difficult to handle workload, but not anymore. I have learnt a lot in these years that I have been associated with the industry. In fact, I also change screenplays when I know that an actor isn’t available. Thus no job is difficult for a creative till he is confident about what he or she is doing. Have you ever been treated as a kid on the sets because of your age? It’s the attitude that matters. Since I am a very professional person, therefore my age has never been an issue. Initially I had worked in the creative team of a film titled Music Meri Jaan which will release sometimes soon I believe. There people used to pamper me a lot. But, they’ve never taken me as a kid for when it comes to work they know that when Nitin is on board, the work will be done 100 per cent. Your cousin brother Aniruddh Dave is an actor. Don’t you want to become an actor someday? I have directed nine short films of which I have acted in five. Thus, I do have an inclination towards acting but I like being a creative more. Who have been your role models? They are my dad and brother Aniruddh. Both of them started their careers at a very young age (17 years) and are the ones who inspired me to be here. What’s next for you? I am looking forward to win the ‘Youngest Best Creative Award’ (laughs).