HIMANSHU GURU
Sanjat Mishra became a household name in the state after CM Naveen Patnaik tweeted to congratulate him for his valuable service in the making of the film ‘Baahubali 2’ – a mega hit. His start-up was part of the film’s promotion in the UK. But even before ‘Baahubali 2’ hit the headlines, his start-up, UX Interface, had made it to the top 10 in the animation category in India. Recently, UX Interface was selected as one of the 30 best start-ups in the country. In an interview with Sunday Post the successful techie-cum-entrepreneur speaks about his innovative service-based start-up and his plans to showcase the dexterity of Sambalpuri weavers on a global platform. Excerpts:
- What was your feeling when the CM of Orissa congratulated you on his tweeter handle?
Actually I check my Twitter account less frequently than my Facebook account. But one of my brothers called me and said the CM had tweeted me. I was struck for a few seconds, and then checked my account. For an instant I felt on top of the world. I tweeted back conveying thanks. However, when I read the message again I found it was written ‘part of production’. I thought it would be proper to clarify that we were not involved directly with the film’s production, but were part of its promotion (social media) for the UK region in association with Hamsini Entertainment. But ‘Baahubali’ is such a brand, that being the owner of a small firm, I thought it prudent to bask in the glory of the blockbuster movie (laughs).
- If the CM is pleased to allow you a meeting, do you have any good proposal to raise for the benefit the state?
Definitely. In fact, a part of my thoughts has been implemented in UX Interface. When I started the company all I had to bank on was my thought. As it is a zero start-up company, it’s time to grow. Also it’s a service-based company, and so there is no question of extra liabilities. But if I get an opportunity to meet the CM I would share my thoughts in terms of the visibility of Orissa outside India. Orissa has tremendous power in terms of creativity, art and culture, tourist heritage and much more. It deserves global attention.
- How was your start-up related to the film ‘Baahubali 2’?
We were basically assigned the social media promotion of ‘Baahubali 2’ in the United Kingdom. It happened in association with Hamsini Entertainment (a film distributor in the UK). In mid-March I got an introductory mail from my friend Manmohan Panda, which read: “would you like to use your Product INVISBLE for promotion of a movie?” Back then I was not aware that the social media promotion was for the movie. In a Skype call, the director Hamsini Entertainment told me it was for ‘Baahubali’. I was thrilled. We created a few graphics for promotion and sent them to him. They were well appreciated and we got the confidence to move ahead. On April 7 we received the advance amount from Hamsini and started work.
- After working for ‘Baahubali’ are you planning to promote more new films?
Yes, we are promoting a Sambalpuri film on social media. People may think social media promotion is easy, but there are many challenges involved. We need to analyse what are the things which the user wants to see. Technically, there are many things in INVISIBLE.
- Besides films, what other services you provide?
We are ready take up any kind of design services; it might be for software, web, any product or hardware. There are many things which are not reaching the right people. Our design coveys the meaning of a thing and places in front of the people.
- What is your technical expertise which is rare in India?
Yes, it’s called UX design (User Experience Design). This is not new but the design most in demand the world over. Here we design the feeling/emotion of the user for a product. If there is a product there is a user. We design how easily a user can use the product.
- What should young aspirants in Orissa do to kick-start a successful technical career?
I believe in results and learning. When I work I don’t count the number of hours, I just go on working. I believe in results. They might be positive or negative. If positive, no issue. If negative, I learn something out of it. Maybe that is why I am here today. Techies should have tremendous patience, dedication and a sense of the value of time.
- If you are invited by an institution or university in the state as a resource person, what pearls of wisdom would you share with the students?
(Laughs). Yes, definitely I would like to share my experience, so that it could be of some value to the students. I have many good stories which I picked up from my own life and those have given me the strength to move forward.
- Do you have any project proposal keeping in mind the interests of your home state Orissa?
Yes, I have two-three ideas, but when it comes to my native place, western Orissa, I have a project which could help Sambalpuri weavers. I want to promote their creations on an international platform. The project is already in the pipeline, but needs some support from the Orissa Handloom Society.
