We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rushan Jesani a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rushan , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is Khadda, my thesis film. It’s a story that’s very close to my heart, inspired by personal experiences that challenged me, shaped me, and made me stronger. The film tells the story of a wealthy football player who, despite facing bias and skepticism, is determined to earn his rightful place on the team. It explores the theme of overcoming stereotypes, especially the idea that privilege means you don’t need to work hard. It’s tough to convey the struggles of a privileged individual because these challenges are often misunderstood or dismissed. But I wanted to show that everyone, regardless of background, has their own obstacles to overcome, and it’s dedication and effort that truly matter.

Khadda was a true team effort, and I owe so much to the incredible crew who brought it to life. My parents and family were my backbone throughout the journey, and I’m deeply grateful for their support. Abhinay Pandit, our Director of Photography, did a phenomenal job capturing the emotional layers of the story. Prince Ty, our Costume and Production Designer, created a visual world that felt authentic and alive. Adil Khan, my Co-Producer, kept everything running smoothly, making sure we were always on track. A huge shoutout to Parag Khanere, our editor, who skillfully wove the narrative together, and to Ankit Deepak Tiwari, whose music added a soulful touch to the film. The sound team also deserves massive recognition—Jivan Bange’s post-production sound work and Neha Gop’s efforts in capturing production sound were absolutely essential in building the atmosphere of the film.

Khadda is not just a film to me—it’s a reflection of my journey as a filmmaker and a testament to the power of persistence, no matter who you are or where you come from. This project was an emotional and challenging experience, but I’m grateful to have had such an amazing team by my side. They turned my vision into reality, and I couldn’t have done it without every single one of them.

Rushan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Rushan Jesani, a filmmaker based in Los Angeles, originally from Bombay, India. My journey into filmmaking has been anything but straightforward. Growing up in a South Asian family, I was encouraged to pursue a stable and secure career, but my heart was always drawn to storytelling. From a young age, I was fascinated by the power of films—the way they could move you, challenge your perspective, and make you feel less alone. It took a lot of effort to convince my family that filmmaking was my true calling, and once they were on board, I never looked back.

I studied filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Hollywood, which was a transformative experience. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me the skills to turn my ideas into reality. Now, as a filmmaker, my focus is on telling stories that are authentic, grounded, and often shine a light on experiences that aren’t usually in the spotlight. I want my work to reflect real people, with all their flaws and complexities, and to bring South Asian narratives to a wider audience in a way that feels genuine.

One of my most personal projects is Khadda. It’s a film that’s inspired by my own life experiences—struggles that tested me and made me stronger. Khadda tells the story of a wealthy young football player trying to prove his worth on a team that doesn’t think he deserves to be there. It’s a film about breaking stereotypes, especially the idea that if you come from privilege, your life is easy. It’s a difficult topic because it’s easy to dismiss the struggles of someone with privilege, but I wanted to show that everyone has their own challenges to overcome. No matter where you come from, hard work and dedication matter.

What sets my work apart is that I’m always looking for the human side of every story. I want my audience to connect with my characters on an emotional level, to see a bit of themselves in those stories. I care deeply about the details, whether it’s the cultural authenticity in a character’s background or the small moments that make a scene feel real. I’m proud of the projects I’ve created, especially Khadda, because they aren’t just films—they’re pieces of myself. They’re my way of saying that everyone’s story is worth telling, no matter how big or small.

For those who follow my work, I want them to know that I’m committed to creating films that aren’t afraid to be honest and raw. I want to tell stories that make people feel seen, especially those who might not always see themselves represented on screen. My goal is to bring more South Asian stories to a global audience and to show that our experiences are as diverse and complex as anyone else’s. I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and I’m excited for the stories still to come. I hope my films inspire others to chase their dreams, even when the path isn’t clear or easy—because that’s what storytelling is all about for me.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Honestly, just being able to make a film is something I’m incredibly grateful for. I’ve learned not to take that for granted. The whole process—writing, directing, working with a team to shape a story—is a privilege. Everything that comes after, like screenings, recognition, or even praise, feels like an unexpected gift. For me, the creation itself is the reward. If my film touches just one person or sparks a conversation, that’s more than enough. Everything else is a bonus. It reminds me why I’m doing this, and that’s something I hold onto.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the act of creating every day. It keeps me grounded and gives me purpose. Even when the process is tough, it’s the hope that my work will make a difference, connect with someone, or inspire change that keeps me going. I’m always looking ahead, excited for opportunities to grow and learn, and to create something that might help make the world a little better. That’s my drive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rushanjesani.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rushanjesani?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rushan-jesani-694266172?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

Anuj Desai