We recently connected with Ritika Gupta and have shared our conversation below.
Ritika , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I didn’t find my purpose in a straight line, I found it in resistance, in rebellion, and in the quiet moments when I chose myself, even when the world around me didn’t.
I come from a place where girls are taught to shrink their dreams, where ambition is often replaced with expectations like cooking well, marrying young, and staying silent. But from a young age, I felt this fire in me. I was curious. Expressive. I wanted to create. I didn’t see the world as it was, I saw it as it could be. That made me different. It made me the black sheep. And honestly, I’ve learned to love that.
Storytelling became my escape, then my passion, and eventually, my purpose. Whether it was through dance, painting, theater, or just daydreaming in class, I found freedom in creating. But it was filmmaking that brought everything together for me. It’s where visuals, sound, emotion, and imagination collide, where I could finally give life to the stories I had been carrying for so long.
Film allows me to express not just my voice, but the voices of others who feel unseen. It’s how I turn pain into power, silence into sound, and dreams into something real. And the best part? People can watch it together — as families, as friends, as strangers, and walk away feeling something. That’s magic. That’s purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a Producer and Assistant Director working across a wide spectrum of visual storytelling, from feature films and short films to commercials and music videos. My journey has allowed me to collaborate with diverse teams and production houses, helping bring their visions to life from the ground up.
What excites me most about my work is the power to shape stories that spark emotion, start conversations, and stay with people long after the screen fades to black. Every project is a new opportunity to explore something deeper — a new culture, a new emotion, a new truth. I love being part of the process that takes an idea on paper and turns it into something real, something that moves people. Whether it’s coordinating the chaos behind the scenes or shaping the flow of a narrative, I thrive in that creative space where art meets purpose.
What makes this career special to me is that it’s ever-changing, no two sets are the same, no two stories are alike. Each day brings its own set of challenges, lessons, and magic. I’ve had the chance to work on intimate indie projects and larger commercial productions, and I bring the same passion to both.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my portfolio with stories that highlight underrepresented voices and challenge traditional narratives. I believe the industry is craving authenticity, and I’m here to be part of that wave, pushing boundaries and making space for new perspectives through the work I do.
There are a few exciting things in the pipeline: collaborations with emerging filmmakers, some new festival-bound shorts, and a personal project I’ve been developing that’s really close to my heart. I can’t wait to share more soon.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, three key qualities have shaped my career: perseverance, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
Perseverance has been essential in the face of setbacks and challenges. In an industry where rejection is common, I’ve learned that resilience is key. Each “no” brings me closer to a “yes,” and every challenge is an opportunity to improve. The most important thing is never giving up, no matter how tough things get.
Adaptability has allowed me to thrive in a constantly changing environment. From feature films to commercials and music videos, each project is unique. Being able to adjust quickly to new teams, ideas, and workflows has been crucial to my success. The ability to embrace change and stay flexible is what keeps me moving forward.
Lastly, having a growth mindset has been a game-changer. There is always something new to learn, no matter how experienced you become. By staying open to new ideas, seeking feedback, and constantly evolving, I’ve been able to grow both professionally and personally.
For anyone starting out, my advice is simple: Stay curious. Try new things, take risks, and don’t fear failure. Each experience, whether it’s a success or a setback, is an opportunity to grow and improve.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is their unwavering support and belief in my dreams, no matter how unconventional they seemed. From the moment I expressed my desire to become a filmmaker, they never questioned me or tried to steer me onto a different path. When I told them I wanted to move to New York to study, they didn’t just support me — they fought for me when the world around me doubted my choice.
Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength, and even now, they continue to be my pillars of encouragement. They’ve always given me the freedom to pursue my passions and have been there every step of the way, no matter the obstacles. Their unconditional love and support have made all the difference, allowing me to push boundaries and follow my dreams with confidence.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Ritika3038
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