Behind the Lens: Shivashish Ahuja on Crafting Diljit Dosanjh’s ‘Don’ Music Video

Diljit Dosanjh’s music video Don gained traction for its powerful storytelling and impactful visuals, featuring a voiceover by Shah Rukh Khan. The video showcased moments from Diljit's Dil-luminati concerts and his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and it resonated deeply with fans, reinforcing Diljit’s global influence and artistic authenticity. The filming process for Don required adaptability and precision against limited preparation time. Renowned cinematographer Shivashish Ahuja had an epoch-making part to play in the execution of the artist’s vision — seamlessly capturing high-energy concert footage while maintaining a cohesive narrative. Ahuja’s ability to work under tight constraints in company with veteran director Rahul Dutta — known for his work on Moon Child Era (Diljit Dosanjh), ensured a successful delivery of a visually compelling and emotionally engaging outcome.

Shivashish Ahuja is a cinematographer known for his dynamic visual storytelling. Prior to Don, he collaborated with Diljit Dosanjh on Case and Feel My Love (2023), both of which gained immense popularity. Additionally, Ahuja’s portfolio includes other high-profile projects with Ferrari collector David Lee and Apple, earning him recognition on ShotDeck. Ahuja shares valuable insights into the art of music video cinematography. From visually translating an artist’s vision to navigating unpredictable on-set challenges, Ahuja’s experience sheds light on the creative and technical demands of the industry.

Ahuja discusses the cinematographer’s role in a music video, which goes beyond capturing footage. The cinematographer visually amplifies the artist’s vision into a storytelling frame. This is usually achieved through appropriate lighting, movement, and precise framing to ensure they fit well with the artist’s phenomenon. “Working on a video like Don means crafting grand immersive experiences that resonate with Diljit’s larger-than-life presence and the track’s intensity,” shares Ahuja. While talking about the experience of filming Don, Ahuja reflects on its high-pressure yet creatively fulfilling nature. Having very little time for preparation, showcasing adaptability was crucial. As Ahuja states, “Even the best-planned shots may need adjustments due to location constraints, tight schedules, or unforeseen challenges. Clear communication with the director and crew is essential to maintaining efficiency and creative flow, especially under demanding conditions like Don’s.”

For aspiring filmmakers, Ahuja emphasizes three main areas of focus: consistency, building a strong portfolio, and networking.  Collaborating with artists and directors is crucial, as every successful or challenging project contributes to personal and professional growth in the industry. While getting high-end collaborations might not always be possible, Ahuja emphasizes the importance of preparation and a strong mindset. “Don’t quit when the time gets hard. It is easy to lose focus in this industry, but staying consistent even with passion projects can play a pivotal role.”, Ahuja advices. Developments within the global entertainment industry continue to demand more from music videos than just sound. Cinematographers like Shivashish Ahuja, with their unique ability to craft visually stunning narratives, bring the power to engage the audience in completely immersive experiences.