On finding her purpose, the quiet strength of self-compassion, and telling stories that nourish both hearts and minds.
Today we have the honor of introducing you to Rashmi Rustagi: actor, social impact writer, and film producer. We think you will enjoy our conversation, and we have shared it below.
We are always impressed by people who have a clear sense of purpose. So let us jump right in: how did you find yours?
Ever since I was a child growing up in a modest neighborhood in a small town in India, I have had an innate desire to share, whether it was my toys, my food, or my knowledge. I still remember sneaking into the kitchen and giving away the food my mother had lovingly prepared for dinner to the poor children in our neighborhood.
That instinct to share has guided me throughout my life. As I grew older and started my own family, I kept passing along what I knew, teaching sewing, cooking, and crafts to anyone eager to learn.
I began writing a food blog to simplify traditional recipes and make cooking accessible to everyone. Over time, my storytelling expanded beyond the kitchen into the realm of social issues, leading me to discover the most powerful medium of expression: film.
Before we dig deeper, tell our readers a little about yourself.
Born and raised in Lucknow, India, I am a California based actor, social impact writer, and film producer. I have acted in several films, including The Avengers, India Sweets and Spices on Netflix, and Hungry, as well as popular television series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Atypical, and Never Have I Ever.
My award winning short film Unborn, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, is a compelling story about female feticide in the Indo-American community.
The official poster for Designed by Preeti: when the old life no longer fits.
More recently, I wrote, produced, and acted in an award winning feature film, Designed by Preeti. It is a romantic drama about a woman’s journey from spousal abuse to personal and professional empowerment.
A scene from Designed by Preeti, a story that is deeply personal, yet completely universal.
At the heart of my work is a clear mission: to use storytelling as a vehicle for social change, to amplify underrepresented voices, and to empower women to see their strength reflected on screen.
“I found the most powerful medium of expression: film. Through it, I could tell stories that nourish both hearts and minds.”
There is so much advice about the skills people need to succeed. If you had to choose just three that matter most, which would they be?
Looking back, three qualities stand out above everything else.
The first is resilience rooted in self-compassion. The second is adaptability paired with courage. The third is a learner’s mindset, and I would extend that to a sharer’s mindset.
My advice to anyone early in their journey: do not wait until you feel ready to take risks or to teach others. Do both sooner than feels comfortable.
On screen as Preeti, the designer who stitches a new life out of the pieces of the old one.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Designed by Preeti is a heartfelt story about a South Asian woman who escapes an abusive marriage and uses her talent for design and tailoring to rebuild her life, and in doing so, to reclaim herself.
What I am really looking for right now is people who believe in that message and are willing to help carry it forward.
Premiere night for Designed by Preeti, alongside my fellow cast members.
Let us connect
If any of this resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Watch the film, share it, or reach out directly.
Press
Bold Journey · In Conversation
Meet Rashmi Rustagi
On finding her purpose, the quiet strength of self-compassion, and telling stories that nourish both hearts and minds.
Today we have the honor of introducing you to Rashmi Rustagi: actor, social impact writer, and film producer. We think you will enjoy our conversation, and we have shared it below.
We are always impressed by people who have a clear sense of purpose. So let us jump right in: how did you find yours?
Ever since I was a child growing up in a modest neighborhood in a small town in India, I have had an innate desire to share, whether it was my toys, my food, or my knowledge. I still remember sneaking into the kitchen and giving away the food my mother had lovingly prepared for dinner to the poor children in our neighborhood.
That instinct to share has guided me throughout my life. As I grew older and started my own family, I kept passing along what I knew, teaching sewing, cooking, and crafts to anyone eager to learn.
I began writing a food blog to simplify traditional recipes and make cooking accessible to everyone. Over time, my storytelling expanded beyond the kitchen into the realm of social issues, leading me to discover the most powerful medium of expression: film.
Before we dig deeper, tell our readers a little about yourself.
Born and raised in Lucknow, India, I am a California based actor, social impact writer, and film producer. I have acted in several films, including The Avengers, India Sweets and Spices on Netflix, and Hungry, as well as popular television series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Atypical, and Never Have I Ever.
My award winning short film Unborn, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, is a compelling story about female feticide in the Indo-American community.
More recently, I wrote, produced, and acted in an award winning feature film, Designed by Preeti. It is a romantic drama about a woman’s journey from spousal abuse to personal and professional empowerment.
At the heart of my work is a clear mission: to use storytelling as a vehicle for social change, to amplify underrepresented voices, and to empower women to see their strength reflected on screen.
There is so much advice about the skills people need to succeed. If you had to choose just three that matter most, which would they be?
Looking back, three qualities stand out above everything else.
The first is resilience rooted in self-compassion. The second is adaptability paired with courage. The third is a learner’s mindset, and I would extend that to a sharer’s mindset.
My advice to anyone early in their journey: do not wait until you feel ready to take risks or to teach others. Do both sooner than feels comfortable.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Designed by Preeti is a heartfelt story about a South Asian woman who escapes an abusive marriage and uses her talent for design and tailoring to rebuild her life, and in doing so, to reclaim herself.
What I am really looking for right now is people who believe in that message and are willing to help carry it forward.
Let us connect
If any of this resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Watch the film, share it, or reach out directly.
Contact Rashmi