We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pujita “pj” Tangirala. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pujita “PJ” below.
Pujita “PJ”, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
When I began my career in music as a concert photographer in 2022, reality hit me very quickly: I was almost always the only woman backstage. That feeling became a constant as I navigated the music industry. Being the only woman in the room often means constantly asserting myself, demanding the same basic level of respect that’s automatically granted to my male counterparts. It’s exhausting, but it’s a fight I’m absolutely committed to. I do it for the women who came before me, who didn’t have the same opportunities, and I do it to pave the way for the women who will come after.
When I shot and directed my first music video – for the first time, I was on a set with an entirely female crew and cast (shout out to my girls Raymi Boza, Maya Avery, and BISKHIT). The energy was amazing – collaborative, supportive, and empowering in a way I’d never experienced. It solidified something I already felt: we need more spaces like this. Spaces where women can thrive and create without the constant weight of proving themselves.
Beyond gender representation, bringing South Asian voices into creative spaces is deeply personal to me. “I can be anything” is my personal motto and the closing line of my most recent short film, “Reverie.” That film was an abstract exploration of my identity as a child of immigrant parents, and the complex emotions that come with navigating that experience. Premiering it to an audience of over 600 people at UC Berkeley was incredible, but the most meaningful part was connecting with the audience afterwards. Hearing their stories, seeing the tears in someone’s eyes – that’s what resonated with me. It showed me the power of storytelling to connect us on a human level.
That’s what fuels me. I have incredible inspirations who have paved the way for me, and the thought that I could be that kind of inspiration for someone else who looks like me? That’s what keeps me going.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
RECOLLECTIIONS started as something small. Back in 2019, it was just a photo dump account on Instagram, captioned with song lyrics that captured a feeling or a moment. It evolved in 2020 into a graphic design page, and in 2021, it became a clothing brand when I started screen-printing my designs onto t-shirts. In 2022, when I finally picked up a camera seriously, everything really clicked.
Throughout high school, I was always storyboarding for fun, creating little visual narratives. But I never really believed I could turn that passion into something real. Moving up to Berkeley and being immersed in the culture of the Bay Area changed everything. It was like finally finding a community, a place where I felt encouraged to take my creativity seriously. It was there that I realized my true potential, that the stories I was carrying inside me could actually be brought to life.
The past two years, I’ve thrown myself into everything, from shooting concerts and runway shows – to directing four short films, each one a deeply personal exploration of a different theme or idea. I’ve also had the opportunity to work on fashion and beauty brand campaigns, and I’ve directed two music videos. It’s been an incredible journey of growth and discovery.
RECOLLECTIIONS is constantly evolving. It’s a space where I can freely explore different mediums, experiment with new ideas, and connect with others through visual storytelling. I’m really excited for the first half of 2025, which I’ll be spending in London. I see this as a huge opportunity to immerse myself in a new creative landscape and see how RECOLLECTIIONS can grow and transform within the city’s music, fashion, and film scenes.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Talk to anyone and everyone about anything. Build a community of genuine connection/support around yourself. Show love organically – the universe always gives love back to you when it is deserved.
The purpose of art is to build community, so at the end of the day as artists our job is to connect with others. Remembering this key pillar will allow you to step out of your comfort zone and do what you need to do to succeed.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
Art on my Mind: Visual Politics – Bell Hooks. This book gave me a lot of clarity when I was struggling with my sense of purpose as an artist. Hooks’ work critiques white supremacist structures within the creative world, emphasizing the crucial need for authentic representation. She highlights art’s inherent political power to organize, build community, and inspire revolution. Realizing the importance of artists to the very fabric of a functioning society gave me the drive I needed to continue my journey. Art is inherently political, and this book reminded me that I EXIST to create, interpret, and spread memories through my art. Being an artist to me is not a choice, hobby, or career; it is my identity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://recollectiions.com
- Instagram: @recollectiions
Image Credits
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