Shivashish Ahuja: The Visionary Cinematographer Behind Coachella Artist Diljit Dosanjh’s Music Videos

In a landmark year for Indian music on the global stage like Coachella, cinematographer Shivashish Ahuja has solidified his reputation as a visual artist in the industry. Ahuja, globally recognised for his unique visual style, collaborated with Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh’s hit music videos.

“Case”,  “Feel My Love”, and “Don” became great success, collectively amassing over 164 million views on YouTube. His distinct storytelling and ability to merge high-energy performance with stunning visuals have played a crucial role in redefining the visual language of Punjabi and Indian music videos.

From Viral Music Videos to Global Recognition

Ahuja’s work as a cinematographer with Dosanjh on two significant projects in 2023 – “Case” and “Feel My Love” and one in 2024 — “Don”, all three of which have gained significant recognition.

Case

Case, directed by Rubbal GTR, was an ambitious production shot at the iconic Warner Bros. lot. It brought a grand, Hollywood-style spectacle to Punjabi music videos. With almost 100 dancers, dynamic choreography, and stunning visual compositions, the video captured an electrifying energy that elevated its appeal and made it a fan favorite.

Feel My Love

Unlike conventional Punjabi music videos, Feel My Love breaks away from industry stereotypes, embracing an experimental and avant-garde cinematic style. The video’s composition, color palette, and lighting design, designed by cinematographers Shivashish Ahuja, Rithvik Reddy, and their team, evoke a dreamlike, almost surreal atmosphere for the audience.

Don

Don was more than just another music video – it was an artist making a statement. When two of the biggest names in the industry, Diljit Dosanjh and Shah Rukh Khan, come together to tell one story, the weight of that collaboration is immense. The footage captures high-energy concert moments while offering glimpses into Diljit’s lifestyle, blending performance with personal narrative.

Bringing this vision to life was a process that didn’t allow for much prep, and kept Shiva on his toes throughout.

All the videos topped YouTube charts and garnered praise for their high production value and international appeal. “Case” even earned recognition on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100, peaking at number 53, and secured under 10 spots on the UK’s Official Asian Music Chart and Official Punjabi Music Chart. These accomplishments highlight the song’s widespread appeal and significant impact across various music markets, further cementing Ahuja’s reputation as a leading man in cinematography for music videos.

Ahuja has also worked on high-profile projects, including those with Apple and Ferrari collector David Lee. His work has also earned a coveted spot on ShotDeck, the industry-standard platform for cinematography references, further validating his influence in the field.

As Indian artists continue to break barriers on the global stage, cinematographers like Shivashish Ahuja are proving that the visual storytelling behind the music is just as vital as the sound itself. With his ability to craft visually stunning narratives, Ahuja is set to shape the future and pivot to collaborate on more significant projects.