The Artist Explains: PAV4N - 'KARMA'
Rapper PAV4N speaks to us about exploring his vibrant Indian culture and shying away from stereotypes in his music video for powerful social commentary single, ‘KARMA’.
Where was the video filmed?
The video was filmed in New Delhi, Vrindavan and Mathura
How does the video connect with the song?
Many of the subjects i am talking about have parallel themes to my understanding of consciousness and the essence of my heritage. It's also the juxtaposition of the ancient and modern through the style, context, music that run through as a constant theme.
Do you have any behind the scenes stories you can share with us?
This was part of a series we shot 7 days in 7 cities for, there was hardly any sleep at all. We were actually supposed to shoot in Jodhpur but the entire city was taken over for a celebrity wedding. Vrindavan pretty much opened it's gates to us and we free-styling the whole 3 days, including locations with the help of our close friends at "Ecological projects" the DOP actually got arrested at one point but he's an absolute G so we managed to keep all the footage and kept it moving.
Could you tell us about the ideas/themes/imagery used?
For me the imagery represents my culture. The presence of the swastika is important as that is a symbol of peace, harmony and unity that was stolen by Hitler and twisted into representing the terrors, horror and of the Nazi Party. It's still one of the most prevalent peaceful symbols in my culture and I think it's important educate people on it's true, original meaning.
Is there a message the video is trying to convey?
Again, it's about creativity, self empowerment and the cross fertilisation of cultures. The people of today are multidimensional and we need to break away from stereotypes and pigeonholing each other and understand that there is more that connects us than divides us.
Interview by Karla Harris