Podcast Summary: Rashmi Rustagi: A Ray of Light

Rotary Voices • January 28, 2026
Host: Linda Yu
Guest: Rashmi Rustagi

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights Rashmi Rustagi, an accomplished actress, writer, producer, food blogger, yoga expert, and Vedic priestess, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Lucknow, India, to building a creative and socially conscious life in the United States. The conversation delves into her artistic career, the motivations behind her socially impactful films—particularly about domestic violence and selective abortion in Indian American communities—and her renewed engagement with Rotary. The episode thoughtfully explores cultural identity, women's empowerment, and community service.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Returning to Rotary (01:28–02:34)

• Background: Rashmi recalls her early involvement in Rotary's youth chapter in Lucknow, India, often participating in fundraising activities like fashion modeling.
• Reconnection in the US: After moving to Redwood City, California, Rashmi rejoined Rotary, appreciating the sense of community and opportunity for social work alongside like-minded individuals.
  • Quote:
    “To be with a group of like-minded people, that was amazing… It reminded me of India in a way.” – Rashmi (01:51)

2. Filmmaking with a Purpose (02:45–05:12)

• Artistic Genesis: Rashmi began acting in radio at age nine, transitioned through theater, and eventually pursued Hollywood roles, often overcoming racial barriers.

• Short Film "Unborn": Inspired by cases of female feticide within the Indian diaspora in America, Rashmi wrote and produced "Unborn" to raise awareness about selective abortion practices—a subject still taboo but prevalent.

• New Feature Film “Designed by Preeti”: Born out of real stories from friends and family, this film addresses domestic violence in South Asian communities, challenging the myth that such issues don’t exist among the upper middle class.

  • Quote:
    “A lot of South Asians… don't believe that domestic violence exists in the upper middle class in America. And so I had to convince them... No, but go to this website and read here, etc. So I wanted to get that message across.” – Rashmi (04:30)

3. Breaking Cultural Silence on Domestic Abuse (05:12–08:59)

• Cultural Conditioning: Rashmi and Linda Yu connect over similar cultural taboos in Indian and Chinese communities, where women are conditioned to endure abusive relationships and divorce carries social stigma.
• Audience Impact: Rashmi recounts that screenings elicit powerful personal stories from diverse viewers, highlighting the universal relevance of her film’s themes.
  • Quote:
    “After many screenings, people come and talk to me about themselves or their family… A middle-aged Hispanic male… started crying… ‘This is a story of my parents.’” – Rashmi (06:40)
• Film Title Meaning: “Designed by Preeti” reflects both the lead character’s profession as a clothing designer and her journey in designing her own new life after leaving abuse.
  • Tagline:
    “When the old life does not fit.” (08:38)

4. Journey to the United States (09:19–11:58)

• Arranged Marriage: Rashmi describes her arranged marriage process, highlighting autonomy (“you do meet each other and you have a say”), and recounts that her husband was unusually thorough in his search for a partner.
  • Anecdote:
    “For him, I was the 39th girl.” – Rashmi (10:45)
• Early Years in America: Adjusting priorities, Rashmi temporarily set acting aside to focus on raising children.

5. Breaking into Hollywood (12:04–15:23)

• Theater to Film: Relocated to the Bay Area, Rashmi found an Indian theater group, reigniting her passion for acting, which later blossomed into opportunities in film and television.
• Challenges in Industry: Faced with barriers around race, age, and union status, Rashmi’s perseverance paid off, landing a role in the 2012 "Avengers" film.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Highlight:
    • Mark Ruffalo & Hindi lines:
      “Mark Ruffalo was sweet enough to make an appointment with me… he wanted to say [his Hindi lines] right… I wrote the lines down for him phonetically.” – Rashmi (14:12)
    • Scene Cut: Her extended scene was cut for pacing, a reality in filmmaking.
• Resilience Message: Even significant roles don’t guarantee a breakthrough, underlining the persistence required in the industry.

6. The Meaning of Her Name & Embracing Her Role as a “Ray of Light” (15:23–16:05)

• Family & Sharing Culture: Motivated by her child’s interest in family recipes, Rashmi started a blog to share Indian traditions, reflecting her desire to “shine a light” on her heritage.

7. Comparing Rotary in India and the US (16:05–18:54)

• Contrast in Culture:
  • India: Historically perceived as an “elitist” organization.
  • US: More inclusive and middle-class oriented.
  • Quote:
    “In America, it’s not like that. I’m just middle class and all the people in my Rotary are pretty much like me.” – Rashmi (16:23)
• Public Perceptions & Purpose: Rashmi notes that many Americans have a positive association with Rotary, especially with its well-known anti-polio campaign, but wants greater awareness of Rotary’s diverse community service projects.

8. Rotary Clubs’ Diverse Community Projects (18:54–20:00)

• Rotary in Action: Rashmi describes local club initiatives, such as:
  • Volunteering and providing meals to the homeless.
  • Medical equipment lending libraries.
  • International partnerships (e.g., sister cities with Japan).
• Amplifying Impact: Discusses sharing these stories more widely through podcasts and local media.

9. Improv & Comedy Training (20:13–21:36)

• Second City Training: Rashmi highlights how improv sharpened her comedic instincts, especially cultivating presence and observation.
  • Quote:
    “The best thing is how to improvise… how to be present. Really, how to be present is what improv teaches you.” – Rashmi (20:29)
• Versatility: Training revealed her affinity for deadpan comedy, complementing her dramatic skills (21:09).

10. Looking Forward: New Projects & Passions (21:45–22:21)

• Focus on Storytelling: Intention to continue writing and producing films, particularly about women’s issues and middle-aged women’s experiences.

11. Vedic Priestess Role & Spirituality (22:21–25:24)

• Modern Reform Tradition: Rashmi explains her Arya Samaj background, emphasizing non-idolatry and gender inclusivity in Hindu rituals, a legacy she continues as a Vedic priestess in the US.
• Performing Weddings: Rashmi often officiates Arya Samaj weddings, elucidating ritual meanings for non-Indian attendees and making ceremonies accessible and memorable.
  • Memorable Moment:
    “The best compliment I get is, ‘You’re the prettiest priest we ever had. And that we could understand.’” – Rashmi (25:18)

12. Combining Filmmaking and Rotary Activism (25:38–27:17)

• Synergy: Rashmi integrates her film screenings, such as at the Bravemaker Film Festival attended by fellow Rotarians, with broader educational efforts about women’s empowerment and storytelling.
• Outreach: She offers to share expertise with any Rotarian interested in storytelling or filmmaking, reinforcing her commitment to community empowerment and mentorship.
  • Quote:
    “If anybody out there is an aspiring storyteller or a filmmaker… I want to even teach that to any Rotarian out there who wants to talk about a story that they want to tell in any media.” – Rashmi (26:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On cultural conditioning:
  “My mother… said to me, ‘A girl goes to her husband’s house in a wedding carriage and only leaves in a coffin.’ … So I put that dialogue exactly in the film. That’s the conditioning that we have.” – Rashmi (06:40)

• On representation struggles in Hollywood:
  “Nobody would take me because I was brown, middle-aged, and did not have a union affiliation… So then I got an LA phone number…” – Rashmi (13:05)

• On Rotary inclusion:
  “In America, it’s not like that. I’m just middle class and all the people in my Rotary are pretty much like me.” – Rashmi (16:23)

• On improvisation:
  “How to be present is what improv teaches you. To take your surroundings in, to observe, to watch and be there and use your words.” – Rashmi (20:29)

• On being a Vedic priestess:
  “In Arya Samaj, it tells you how a woman can be a priest… And now I perform weddings when people want an Arya Samaji wedding. And I do that for free.” – Rashmi (24:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Returning to Rotary: 01:28–02:34
• Filmmaking & Social Activism: 02:45–05:12
• Breaking Silence on Domestic Abuse: 05:12–08:59
• Meaning of “Designed by Preeti”: 08:28–08:59
• Journey to the US & Marriage Anecdotes: 09:19–11:58
• Hollywood Struggles & Triumphs: 12:04–15:23
• Her Name, Culture, and Blogging: 15:23–16:05
• Comparing Rotary (India/US) & Public Perception: 16:05–18:54
• Community Service Highlights: 18:54–20:00
• Improv & Comedy Learnings: 20:13–21:36
• Upcoming Film Projects: 21:45–22:21
• Vedic Priestess Role: 22:21–25:24
• Integrating Filmmaking & Rotary: 25:38–27:17

Conclusion

Rashmi Rustagi’s story is one of perseverance, cultural synthesis, and a drive to empower others through storytelling and service. She embodies the Rotary spirit of community impact while also blazing a meaningful path in the arts, advocacy, and spiritual leadership. This episode is both a personal portrait and a call to action for leveraging personal passions to serve the greater good.