Life on camera

Most of us make use of the myriad of technology available for entertainment or convenience purposes but then there are some like Prashanna Shakya, VJ, Vlogger (video blogger), who carve a life out of it. Reya Shreya Rai speaks to the founder of Buzz Nepal about his aspirations, his journey as a media personality, and the person he is behind that professional mask.

On who he is and his inspirations

I’m the proud founder and managing director of my startup enterprise Buzz Nepal which is a video production/digital media marketing firm. I have always indulged myself in media one way or the other, whether it’s photography, videography or music production. While kids these days are into Xbox and other fancy gadgets, I always found myself more inclined towards my guitar, sound production and cameras and other aspects of media. I’m also one of the hosts of a popular TV show called The Evening Show At Six that is run by well-known faces of the media fraternity. I’m also currently pursuing my bachelors’ degree in business administration but I’m more interested in the field of media.

My parents have been a major source of my inspiration. When you have your family’s support there is nothing you can’t do. My parents have always inspired me to dust myself up and rise when life throws a hard punch. And, I’m grateful for that.

On how media has shaped him

From music production and filming to any other form of media/art, I feel media helps me express myself. I encrypt the art and try using it for stories of expression. Working in the field of media gives you exposure and enlightens you on life on an entirely different level.

Media has been a game changer for me. I see and feel so much more now. Every time I step out and find something that inspires me, I feel as if I don’t need anything more than that feeling. The city is so full of life that sometimes you don’t know where you fit. But you shouldn’t have to change yourself or how you look at the world. You just have to discover yourself and this is where media has come in for me. I’m a happy percent who craves to learn more and strives hard to reach my goals everyday. My friends and family are my sources of intrinsic motivation as I go through all of this.

On Buzz Nepal and its upcoming projects

I grew up as an introverted child and slowly my hobbies led me towards a path that involved mainstream media. I started off as a TV presenter and later I even took to producing shows and started making stories from my firm Buzz Nepal. Stories have always fascinated me. I found that the power of one’s story can act as an inspiration for a lot of people and that inspired me to go on. And I find that very empowering and uplifting. We are soon publishing our project Nepal Ko Katha which will focus on inspiring stories. The goal is to inspire the youth of the country. Each one of us, regardless of the generation, needs a hero – someone they can look up to, and Nepal Ko Katha is my dream project which will give them that and have a positive impact on their lives as well.

The vlogging side of Prashanna

Vlogging has always been a passion. When you love something but don’t do anything about it, it will eventually fade off and the only thing that will remain is regret. I didn’t want that to happen to me so I did my first vblog back in 2012 and when I didn’t get the response I had hoped for, I let fear and doubt overshadow my goals and I put vlogging on hold.

I think there was a lack of direction when I started. When I took it up again, I knew what I wanted to do with my vlogs. I wanted to reflect back on my vlogs later in life and create glorious moments that are never to be forgotten. However, it is definitely not as easy as it seems. I film the entire day and invest three to five hours of editing before uploading it. Still, the satisfaction is incomparable. It’s quite overwhelming to be able to do what I love and share contents that I create out of my life. The amazing part is that I can go back to the vlog, watch it again and relive the moments that matter to me. This has encouraged me to make better vlogs and blog constantly.

At the end of the day

It’s not always all about work for me. I like to take a step back and recharge myself when needed. I like spending time with my family or just strumming my guitar and relaxing to the tune or simply enjoying a good workout. Hunting for stories cater to my adventurous side. I also like taking pictures and indulge the photographer in me every once in a while. Basically, I love taking time off to do things that make me happy and I believe we should all do that.