Feminism not only means to be vocal about women's equal rights but is also about educating oneself about one's own privileges, identity and experiences that shape us.
Tell us about your background, upbringing and journey.
I am a South Asian filmmaker/producer, from New Delhi, currently based in Los Angeles. I was born to parents who were from religions that in India are never seen as coming together, Hindu-Muslim marriages are still taboo.
They were also the first generation in their families to have reputable careers and to live in a metropolitan city, New Delhi. My parents separated when I was a young girl and everyone always looked up to my mother for being strong and independent. I emulated and absorbed her strengths, fears and notions till I was able to question them and build my own.
As a child, my identity baffled not only people but also me. There were many questions that were directed at me regarding my inter-faith identity, the absence of my father, and why I was the only daughter. I am grateful to have grown up in various groups in Delhi’s layered society and this made my experience rich and diverse but it was also very confusing and challenging to find my ground as my background was not always palatable.
I was either the lowest or highest common denominator amongst people I interacted with. But finally, through filmmaking and cinema, I found a fulfilling career in India.
It was difficult to make the decision to move to Los Angeles especially after earning a place in the Indian media industry. But it was also needed, to quiet the noise of the society that surrounded me and to realize my unique identity.
How and when did you realize your passion for filmmaking?
The need to tell stories came from my mother’s activism that I witnessed growing up. I always wanted to tell the stories of the underdog, of the outcast and how they navigated life.
Seeing her fight for the rights of marginalised women inspired me to become someone who had the skill to tell difficult stories, capture an audience and give society new perspectives.
But the real starting point was when my uncle gave me his second-hand camera for my 16th birthday which allowed me to explore, experiment and evolve as an artist. This was the starting point for what led to cinematography, which later became a career in film producing.
How was Icchi The Cat (a production studio) born and where do you see it in the future?
At 21, I moved to Mumbai and worked in the Bollywood industry as a camera assistant. While I enjoyed being part of the hustle, I found it challenging being the only woman in the camera department. I found my energies being wasted on trying to prove myself to men who weren't even as qualified as me. I was again the outsider, the odd one, in all-male teams.
After 4 years, I decided to explore work beyond Bollywood. This was an impetus to start creating a space for myself and others like me. I saved up money, designed and built studio space, and launched a production company - Icchi the Cat which would go on to produce ad campaigns, visual art, commercials, and films where artists, technicians, and clients worked in unison and were not dominated by existing societal structures. I realized both men and women needed to feel nurtured, free, and safe while creating commercially viable work.
Going forward, I want to shape the studio to become a successful women-led studio and redefine the role of women in cinema. By focusing on women-driven stories and providing a space and platform to women talent and crew from all over the world I want to see women being nurtured and trained to realize their full potential.
Who were the major role models in your journey and how did they inspire you?
My mother, Kamla Bhasin and more recently, Micheala Cole from the entertainment industry. They all have one thing in common - breaking social norms and going beyond personal limits that society set on them.
They pushed the boundaries of their minds and, in turn, broke barriers in all aspects of life, offering something new to the next generation.
How according to you has feminism evolved over the years and how would you describe it to the present generation?
Feminism has become much more dynamic and intersectional, it has also become inclusive and empathetic. I have learnt how intersectionality has evolved, through my film on Kamla Bhasin, who in the ’90s paved the way for equality and freedom.
But, now we are moving into the next phase of feminism, more layers are being highlighted and uncovered, while the focus shifts from binary to diverse and specific identities. Feminism has helped me understand my identity and face challenges.
With a better understanding of my identity, I am now able to better perceive other womens’ challenges and circumstances. Feminism not only means to be vocal about women's equal rights but is also about educating oneself about one's own privileges, identity and experiences that shape us. Going forward, I hope to better understand this constantly changing the lens of feminism while supporting minorities through my work and vision.
As a woman who wears multiple hats, what is your advice for the younger generation?
I have had to wear many hats because I didn't know where my interests lay but also because there was no other choice, I had to learn how to do things on my own.
I am still working on recognizing my vulnerabilities as a strength. There isn't really a quick fix to anything, everything takes time. It's important to make a clear commitment to one’s goals and take everyone's advice but eventually follow your heart, as the truth is that there is no rulebook.
Many years of hard work and diligence has led me to be seen as a bankable producer; so make yourself a priority and ask for help whenever you need it. You will be surprised by how many people are willing to offer support.
Which is your favourite book and why?
My favourite book is The Untethered Soul by Michael A Singer. I have read this book twice and it's my go-to audiobook when I want to quiet my mind and eliminate the negative voice in my head.
About Kajri Akhtar:
Kajri Akhtar is a South Asian filmmaker, producer, script developer, and founder of Icchi The Cat Studios. The studio’s focuses on storytelling, and bringing ideas to life, working with brands, startups, corporations and branding agencies of NGOs across the board.
Interviewed by - Bhavana N
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