Born in Sungai Petani, Kedah, Yoga graduated from university with an engineering degree before moving to Kuala Lumpur for work in 2005. But the 39-year-old says engineering was never his passion.
“I’m a petroleum engineer and have been for the last 15 years. But it’s not fulfilling for me.
“I’ve always been creatively inclined. As a child I did a lot of drawing, sketching, painting…as I grew, so did my hobbies. I began singing and dancing, even entering televised local competitions in my teens and early adulthood.”
Today, he produces short videos under the stage name ‘Yogratz’, which he then edits to create fantastical illusions and cyber magic tricks.
These ‘magic’ videos range from 20-30 seconds, but can require anywhere from three to eight hours of editing to perfect.
Self-taught, Yoga began studying how to create these digital ‘sleight of hand’ performances by trial and error when his passion for videography got serious in 2010.
His inspiration? Zach King, American filmmaker and social media star who popularised the intricate editing techniques Yoga practises today.
“I stumbled across his videos and I’ve been hooked ever since. How did he do it? I started by shooting with a simple digital camera and figured out the editing myself by experimenting with different software.”
Six years after Yoga kickstarted his videography journey, he began to reap the fruits of his labour. Clinching first place in Astro Vaanavil’s Science Short Film contest with his entry “Project Manje”, he walked away with the cash prize of RM10,000.
The self-professed sci-fi movie freak beams with pride as he recounts the event.
“I used the editing skills I learned to create a ‘transportation’ effect,” he says of the short film. “It even starred my son, Aarya. He was two at the time.”
In addition to filmmaking, Yoga also acts, playing a critical role in the Tamil television series Asura Vettai, as well as starring in the Tamil feature film Moondram Athigharam, to be released in theatres.
As much as he loves being in front of the camera, nothing beats being behind it.
The first MCO in early 2020 ushered in a new era of working from home that allowed him to spend more time creating videos.
“I had a lot of time on my hands, so I was able to create and release weekly videos on Instagram and YouTube.
“Since then, I think I’ve posted around 80,” he says, adding that what started off as a hobby soon developed into something more serious when people started ‘liking’ his videos. “I felt so appreciated, and it encouraged me to keep going.”
Videography appears to be the family business now. Yoga tells FMT that his wife, Rathi, and eldest son Aaryaa are heavily involved in the production process.
“I have a crew!” he laughs. “My wife is in charge of artwork. If we need a set painted or prepared, we leave it to her. My eldest son acts in the videos. He’s my co-worker.
“He gives me lots of ideas…he’ll be a pro when he grows up,” he adds with a smile.
With another son, Aadav, only seven months old, there is no doubt that Yoga will teach him the ropes as soon as he can walk.
Yoga’s dedication to video making eventually caught the attention of his idol and inspiration, Zach King.
“He’s featured me in his ‘magic of the month’ videos five times now,” Yoga says, with obvious pride.
“He shares a theme and people submit their own magic videos in line with the theme. Out of thousands of submissions he picked mine, and that’s a really big deal for me.”
With the past year-and-a-half limited to filming in the vicinity of his home, Yoga hopes to travel around the country someday to showcase other parts of Malaysia to his audience.
“Before the pandemic hit, I would come up with an idea, brainstorm suitable places and head out to shoot.
“I’d love to travel even further afield to film one day.”
When asked what the future holds for his videography career, Yoga answers with a smile.
“It’s no secret that Zach King is my idol. He started small, like me, filming videos by himself. Now he’s a big shot! That’s where I want to be, too.
“I’m filming on such a small scale right now. I would love to incorporate singing, or more acting into my videos.”
With his talent recognised by one of his heroes and his work attracting attention and awards, the only way is up for this star videographer.
Keep up to date with Yoga’s videos through Instagram and YouTube.
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