Oscars Weekend # 2: Still buzzing from the inspiration I felt in the room at the Product of Culture South Asian Celebrating South Asian Women in Film and Television brunch. So grateful to Archana Misra and Monika Sharma Abbas for creating a space where we can gather every year to celebrate not just the epic accomplishments of our Oscar nominees and other award notables, but of everyone in the room. A chance to reunite with friends we may only see once a year but who inspire us all year long. And this year especially, it resonated with me extra loudly how much we all are just here and able to help each other; we are actively seeking ways to do it. When someone in the room shares what they’re doing, it’s usually met with not just encouragement, but offerings of help. And yes, a room where we can admit freely that this path is HARD. Not to complain, but to remind ourselves and each other that what we do matters and that we are not alone. To remember we are seen.

And yes, to dress up in pretty outfits and drink oat milk chai by the chaiwalle and play with products by Live Tinted because if we’re gonna work this hard, you better believe we are going to look good doing it.

Special love to honorees Geeta Gandbhir, Simran Baidwan, and our beloved  Fawz Mirza for their incredible accomplishments this year and giving us even more reasons to celebrate.