Offbeat: Suhas Kadav – An animated existence

Adgully’s special feature section – ‘Offbeat’ – seeks to give a peek into the lesser known facets of our very well-known industry leaders. We present, in the industry leaders’ own words, an interesting read on areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – be it about their childhood days, secret skills that they possess, how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more. 

As Chief Creative Officer at Maya Digital Studios, Suhas Kadav has worked on several 3D projects, including ‘Motu Patlu’ and ‘Vir - The Robot Boy’, which was made into a TV series as well as had a theatrical release. He has two upcoming projects – one in 2D and one in 3D. 

Kadav is a JJ School of Arts alumni, with 19 years of work experience in the field of animation. He is well versed in both 2D and 3D cell animation. While with UTV Toons, his first project was ‘Toad Patrol’. He has worked with UNICEF on the ‘Meena’ project. 

He later joined Crest Animation Studios in 2003 as Creative Director and worked on several international projects, such as ‘Pet Alien’, ‘Arthur’, ‘Monster Buster Club’, ‘Barnyard’ and many more. 

A precious childhood habit that you still possess?
I used to copy facial expressions – all kinds – and have a good laugh. I still do that. Obviously, I have to be careful nowadays not to ruffle feathers. Let me give you some trivia. A lot of expressions given to the Motu-Patlu characters are attributed to this habit of mine. 

Which superhero did you look up to as a kid and why? Which superpower you wish you possessed?
He-Man was my favourite. I grew up watching ‘He-Man and the Masters of the Universe’. However, the superpower I wished I possessed was to become really small, like Ant-Man. I have always wanted to know what the world will look like from an ant’s perspective. 

A special talent or skill you possess that very few know about?
I can hold my breath under water for really long. I remember, when I was a child I used to toss a coin in the neighbourhood pool and sure enough I used to find it each time. Sometimes, I used to take a little longer to come up, thereby scaring the living daylights out of my friends! 

What would one find in your playlist?
I don’t really have a playlist. My music preferences keep evolving. Just like our IPs here in Cosmos-Maya. 

Your go-to activity to relax?
I love painting landscapes in my free time. Nothing relaxes me more. My family is also very supportive of this hobby of mine. 

What is your greatest learning from life so far?
If you back your own instincts and thoughts, even if they are conflicting with popular belief, you are bound to be successful. This works like an antithesis. 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
I feel that however bad the situation may be, no one in our country should ever go hungry. I do my part. Every now and then I donate food items and grain in bulk to religious establishments. I can’t see a hungry child. I am also an active donor for cancer treatment centres. Cancer is a terrible affliction and I help out in whatever way I can. 

I also teach and train animation to kids from poor backgrounds. I’m very happy to say that all my trainees are now in extremely well paying jobs. 

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
I want to lose weight. Abhi main ‘Motu’ hoon. Mujhe ‘Patlu’ banna hai! 

If not animation, what stream would you have chosen?
Fine Arts. I would have made a fine artist. 

What are three apps on your mobile you couldn’t live without?
Whatsapp , Facebook, Fitbit. 

What’s the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
I am very fond of watching ‘Crime Patrol’. The look and feel of the show is very attractive. Plus, it really helps me teach my kids a thing or two. You see, my kids are real scoundrels! 

Which two organisations outside your own do you know the most people at and why?
I have lot of friends in broadcast media and the advertisement industry. 

Two things about this industry you don’t like or don’t understand?
Animation in the country is till date considered synonymous with ‘cartoons’. We at Cosmos-Maya are striving to change this perception. Animation is a very elaborate skill and I hope people will stop underplaying its importance. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
Switzerland. No better place to paint landscapes.