21/06/2025
When I watched Project Priyo on the big screen at KASHISH 2025, I was overwhelmed. Emotions flooded in, but words somehow escaped me. What this film has given me as a Dalit q***r enby person, as a social work professional, and as a filmmaker, is truly beyond articulation.
Project Priyo is a collective dream, nearly two years in the making. A culmination of effort, care, courage, and community. From writing the proposal with who grounded and held me through every phase, to receiving the support of Numun Fund that made this possible, this journey has been one of deep collaboration and love.
All of us at Rangeen Khidki Foundation poured our hearts into this documentary.
Lucky Neog , with his quiet brilliance, captured magic through the lens and shaped the story in the edit. , , , and the fearless stars of this film, shared their truths with an openness that stays with you. Sanjina Gupta and held the project with immense care and conviction every step of the way. not only handled all things finance but stood up for us when it mattered most.
We were also held by the many cafƩs, homes, and hearts that welcomed us, made space for us, and reminded us that storytelling is always a shared act. And to everyone who has watched Priyo, to those who saw a part of themselves in it, you have my deepest gratitude.
When the nomination for the Ismat Chughtai Award for Best Woman Filmmaker of Indian Origin came in, I wasnāt sure how to feel. As someone who doesnāt exist within the binary, it was complicated. But after many heartfelt and encouraging conversation , I began to understand that sometimes, taking up space is part of creating more space.
Thank you to the jury and team at for believing in Priyo, for holding space for it, and for awarding me the Ismat Chugtai Best woman filmmaker of Indian origin.
This win is collectiveš
I hope this is just the beginning for more films, more art, and more storytelling by us, for us.