Sharad Kharé

In April we will explore creativity through the thematic lens of 'kismet' and are honoured to present digital storyteller, legacy documentarian, and founder of Human Biography, Sharad Kharé.

Sharad holds a Masters degree in communications, where his academic research focused on personal and digital legacy. He uses his background in journalism to bring out the best conversations between individuals and the people they impact. He has spent the past several years travelling the world seeking out the most influential people in their fields in order to document their legacy for public and private consumption. He has documented personalities like His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Susan Sarandon, Chip Wilson, Jack & Suzy Welch, and many more. When his cameras are off, you can find Sharad moderating dialogues on a TEDX stage or speaking globally on the subject of documenting the most interesting humans of our times. Sharad has spoken and conducted interviews at the United Nations on a number of occasions. He has been invited to create original content for many prominent families and organizations globally.

How do you define Creativity?
Creativity is the ability to live passionately without constraints or rules to way I create in any of my chosen projects.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?
I “daydream” at night. Some of my most inspiring ideas and most successful thoughts come from dreams. I literally wake up to get on my laptop to start the idea into motion.

What's one piece of creative advice you wish you'd known as a young person?
Don’t wait to start. Go for it and don’t listen to anyone's objections.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak about their relationship to creativity?
Quentin Tarantino

What’s your one guilty creative indulgence?
I love a scalp massage.

What fact about you would surprise people?
I once opened up for Russel Peters.

How does your life and career compare to what you envisioned for your future when you were a sixth grader?
I was a victim of being pushed to think about a future my parents wanted vs what I wanted. I was told that I would be an engineer like my dad and that was the way or nothing.

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?
I am a story listener.

What's the most recent thing you learned (big or small)?
That having a therapist / counsellor to talk to on a regular basis is a key to life.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?
I would go to my mother's home town, Allahbad.

What keeps you awake at night?
My next creative project.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and what lessons did that person teach you?
My wife. She taught me that it was ok to be an entrepreneur rather than trying to make my parents happy. I learned that I was a bigger than my surroundings.

What are you proudest of in your life?
My children and family.

If you could interview anyone living or dead, but not a celebrity, who would it be and why?
I would interview Elon Musk as I have interviewed his mother and I would love to see the comparison of their generation identities as I do with other families with my legacy work.

If you could do anything now, what would you do?
Travel

Where was the last place you travelled?
Edmonton

What music are you listening to these days?
80s, meditation mantras

What was the best surprise you’ve experienced so far in life?
Education matters

Where is your favourite place to escape?
India

What books made a difference in your life and why?
The Alchemist

What practises, rituals, or habits contribute to your creative work?
I have conversations with myself, and I am in constant prayer for good outcomes in life.

If you had fifteen extra minutes each day, what would you do with them?
Sleep