From a ₹13 Dream to Travel Films That Move the World

The 13 Rupees Dream

It all began in a hostel room, with a group of friends and a single cigarette. Our entire production budget was thirteen rupees, Aasish laughs, remembering the short film that started it all. They had no money, no gear, and no connections, just raw passion and a belief that storytelling could change their lives. That moment sparked a journey that would lead him far beyond hostel corridors, into the world of filmmaking that inspires many today.

His Quotes

"My films are about more than destinations; they're about the people, emotions, and cultures that make every journey unforgettable."

Friendship as Culture

For Aasish, filmmaking wasn't about cameras or clients at first; it was about people. Great culture builds on true friendship, he says. What began as a group of friends experimenting with stories eventually evolved into Wortham, his creative hub that thrives on community and collaboration.

This culture-first mindset helped Wortham grow from a hostel hustle to a team of 25, delivering work that feels both personal and cinematic.

His Quotes

"Weddings taught me storytelling, but travel gave me freedom. Both are about capturing the essence of human connection."

Lockdown Hustle

When the pandemic hit, many creators paused. Aasish doubled down. With no shoots happening, he spent sleepless nights editing, writing, and reimagining the kind of films he wanted to make.

That period of chaos sharpened his voice: rooted in rawness, yet driven by a hunger to tell India's stories in ways that resonate worldwide.

His Quotes

"Gear doesn't create magic. Vision does."

Breakthroughs and Recognition

The turning point came with India's first wedding web series, a bold idea that challenged the boundaries of what wedding storytelling could look like. Soon after, Wortham's AASHAYEIN project demonstrated that films could give back, creating an emotional connection that extended beyond client briefs.

These milestones didn't just bring viewers; they brought validation. In 2025, Aasish Kabir was named Travel Filmmaker of the Year at the Capturing WOW Awards, a recognition that symbolised not just his craft, but his journey from 13 rupees and a cigarette to creating films that move hearts.

His Quotes

"Every setback became a chapter in my story, pushing me closer to the filmmaker I wanted to become."

Philosophy: Execute. Fail. Learn. Repeat.

Aasish doesn't believe in waiting for perfect conditions.

Execute. Fail. Learn. Repeat. That's how stories grow."

This mindset has helped him stay consistent, take risks, and push boundaries in a space where many give up too soon.

His Quotes

"Recognition isn't the end, it's fuel to create with even more honesty and passion."

The WOW Moment

For Aasish, the award wasn't the finish line. It was a checkpoint proof that the culture he built, the risks he took, and the friendships he nurtured had meaning.

And for every aspiring photographer or filmmaker reading his story, there's a lesson: recognition doesn't come from luck. It comes from passion that refuses to quit.

His Quotes

"For me, filmmaking isn't a career path, it's a way of living, a way of seeing beauty even in chaos."

Key Takeaways from Aasish Kabirs Journey

• "Great culture builds on true friendship."

• "Our production budget? Thirteen rupees and a dream."

• "Execute. Fail. Learn. Repeat."

  
  

  
  

  
  

  "I believe films should move hearts before they move markets."

Why His Story Matters

Stories like Aasish Kabir's remind us that awards aren't just about trophies;  they're about journeys that inspire others. If he could turn a hostel-room hustle into a global storytelling voice, maybe your story deserves to be seen too.

Connect

Instagram- another_kabir