“I was born in Nigeria, into a middle-class family that provided a secure environment. When I was 2, we came back to Chennai. I adopted various interests during my school days – dancing, arts, music, sports, and more. It was a joy to participate in everything, be it winning or not.
Though my family had no ties to the arts or movies, that’s where my heart led me. I started off my professional life as a filmmaker first and then entrepreneurship journey came my way.
Though opting for biology in high school, I excelled in the visual communication entrance exam, which became my first-step towards becoming a filmmaker. Hoping to take a conventional career in biology because of my love for nature, but fear crept in that I couldn’t use my creative side, which led me to shift streams.
I entered into media through modeling, which was an unexpected turn. When in college, I won Ms. Chennai, which opened up avenues in modeling. During the times when I was facing camera, I was desperate to work behind the camera as I felt I had something more to offer to the world. I took some time to learn & understand every aspect of the industry. Slowly, I started working as an AD in feature films, and meanwhile, made corporate films for pocket money, as being an AD does not pay well.
Back then, being a woman, it was a big decision to choose a career in directing films, instead of taking up a PG course or continuing to be a model.
My first documentary won two national awards and opened doors to countless projects in corporate and NGOs, including a series for Amazon with acclaimed musician A.R. Rahman called ‘Harmony with A R Rahman’ and promos for PS1 and PS2, having the wonderful opportunity to work with a director and a person I look up to, Mani Ratnam.
But filmmaking wasn’t my sole venture; I am an entrepreneur too!
At the age of 5, I used to pick plastic wrappers and throw them carefully into the dustbin. At the age of 6, I became a vegetarian by choice and quit using silk and leather. I was so immersed in creating environmental awareness that led me to establish Goli Soda in 2013 – a brand committed to offering sustainable, organic, chemical-free, zero-waste, and eco-friendly products. From accessories to daily essentials and clothing, we curate and manufacture 100+ products. Organizing workshops, events, and initiatives like organic terrace gardening workshops, I actively participated in numerous environmental campaigns.
My journey as an entrepreneur or a filmmaker wasn’t a solo flight; my team played a crucial role, in both sides. If I am the vision, they are the architects who bring it to life. Truly, I’m grateful to each person in my life, their smallest of works for me, or their critics that had shaped my thoughts.
Balancing multiple roles, I faced challenges due to prevailing stereotypes about women in the film industry. I did work on whatever came my way with so much hard work put into each project. My passion for storytelling kept me going. The creative side was satisfied with filmmaking and my love for the environment urged me to start Goli Soda.
Two paths, one me: the entrepreneur, the filmmaker – they co-existed, fueled by passion. Juggling these roles wasn’t easy. Some call it multitasking, but I disagree. I do not multi-task, I do one job at a time, giving it my undivided attention.
It’s not that we get opportunities every day, there are days where no one remembers me, there are days when you’re treated based on your gender and not potential, there are days where you get mentally bullied, there are days where you feel very low because of the negative comments about your work.
Opportunities were scarce, negativity abundant, but I never shied away from asking for help. Family, friends, professionals – they were my support system, my guiding light. Now that, I have a daughter, I divide my time for her as well. Her very existence has taught me a lot about life and the whole of me.
Life’s complexities are often overlooked by those observing from the outside. There were moments when I was on the edge of giving up. I have had my share of personal traumas, too. But when I wake up the next day, I try to take only the positive opportunities that help me contribute to society and pursue personal growth. The girl from a normal family, the jack of all trades, the entrepreneur, the filmmaker – they are all me, rich with experience, driven by purpose.
Life is a story with twists and turns, and that’s what makes life beautiful. I’m ready to step into tomorrow, ready to write the next page of my life, one line of act at a time.”