When it comes to creating everlasting memories, nobody does it better than Megha Israni. After all, the actor turned entrepreneur has been doing it for close to a decade now with her company Israni Photography & Films. Along with her brother Luv Israni, Megha and her team of photographers and cinematographers weave in a wedding story that is unique to the newly-weds. Megha has done phenomenally well as the first female wedding photographer in the country to garner such love and accolades for her work. The appreciation and love from her peers, clients and team, have made her determined to support and pave the way for women photographers and female members of the production and editing team under her.

Megha has also created a parallel service offering with her new venture, Love And Memories, an infant and mother photography house that is making waves in the industry of capturing some of the most cute moments from baby showers, pre baby and post baby shoots.

In an interview with us she says…

Where/How do you get your best ideas?

My best ideas come to me when I’m most at peace. It’s the little things around me that inspire me most. A lot of these ideas are roused from the content I watch – be it movies or Netflix shows. I’ve always been a screen buff and I invest time in watching global cinema which has proven fruitful for me time and again.

What’s something they don’t teach you in University that you should probably know?

There’s so much to life that we aren’t taught in university, but if I were to pick just a few things, it would have a lot to do with instilling positivity. I think as a generation we need to be taught how to think the right way and how to communicate our thoughts and feelings effectively. I’ve also come to realise that one of the most important things, be it for personal or business reasons, is the way one manages relationships. Everything comes down to your equation with another person, and if one could teach how to manage that bond, there’d be nothing like it.

First thing you do as soon as you wake up?

The playbook for my mornings is pretty simple. A few minutes on my phone paired with a black coffee is the ideal start to my day.

What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses in the country?

One thing I would love to see for small businesses in the near future is extended support from the government. In terms of consumers, I’m hoping to witness a change in the way consumers ingest goods and services. I’m definitely looking forward to a more open-minded consumer base!

What was your biggest stroke of luck since the launch of your company?

Hands down, Harbhajan Singh’s wedding. Back in 2015, that was the turning point for me and really changed the game for me as people started taking the young entrepreneur that I was, a little more seriously. Being a 23-year-old girl, most individuals didn’t expect much out of my venture at the time, but when Harbhajan gave me the opportunity to turn that around, I caught it with both hands.

If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Follow your gut. Be honest and precise with your goals. Going through with your plans is as important as shaping them well. Something I wish I knew better was learning to gauge whether or not your audience is ready for what you’re delivering, because the customer is always looking for something, even if they aren’t always aware of it. Filling a gap in the consumer cycle is what creates the most successful start-ups, so never underestimate research!

What do you typically read?/ Favourite book?

My all-time-favourite would definitely be The Secret by Rhonda Byrne, a book that cheers me up on a low day and uplifts me on my best. The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma and Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia are next in line, owing to their ever-positive energy and growth-centric approach.

Best boss you had and what did you learn from them? No one could top my father, Raj Israni, as my boss. He constantly inspires me with his persistent zeal, punctuality, and precision. No matter how late our night was, he’ll be at his office desk at 9 am, and that’s the dedication I aspire to achieve some day.

What questions do you ask at interviews?

The questions that bring out the best answers are always based on emotion. I question couples on the lines of what they appreciate about each other most, what their perspective of love is, and what that one gesture from their significant other is that brings back all the butterflies every time they think of it.

How do you keep your team motivated and engaged?

Communication is the key to any healthy relation, and that’s what I embody with my team. A one-on-one conversation over a cup of coffee is all that’s required to understand each other and work in tandem. Our engagement within the organisation has been at an all-time high thanks to our HR department, ensuring that we celebrate birthdays and important occasions together. We partake in a number of team-building activities too, which enables us to be in perfect sync.

How do you maintain work/life balance?

I’ve never really struggled with maintaining a work/life balance, given that I’m a homely person who enjoys spending time at my nest. In terms of work, quality has always superseded quantity of work, hence a few fully focused hours of work have resulted in utmost productivity for me.

A childhood memory that shaped something you do in your business today?

Since the age of 3, I’ve closely noticed the different aspects of a camera, and had a connection with it. I was certain of wanting to do something related to a camera, be it becoming a creative head at an agency or have something to do with music, which is something I’ve been heavily inclined to at every phase of my life. When I was acting in a Balaji Telefilms show at the age of 18, I really revisited my passion and it struck me that being behind the camera was what I was meant to do, and I’ve never looked back ever since.

Tea/Coffee?

Coffee, all the way. Can’t do without it!

Favourite clothing item?

My go-to item of clothing is a jumpsuit. It embodies my personality in the best way, and is super comfortable.