- Ashwani Kumar on why he chose Devyani for his acting debut
- Ashwani Kumar on Devyani’s screening for school students
- Ashwani Kumar on witnessing inequality against women
- Ashwani Kumar praises Archana Gautam’s dedication
- Ashwani Kumar reveals his bond with Rajat Bedi
- Ashwani Kumar on balancing multiple responsibilities
IAS officer and IITian Ashwani Kumar is stepping into the world of cinema with the short film Devyani. The film explores women’s safety, vulnerability and the need to create a society where women can live and move without fear. Speaking exclusively to India TV about what led him to the story, Kumar said the subject came from experiences he had witnessed around him.
Ashwani Kumar, IAS Director DITEC & Secretary IT, Government of Assam, explained that families often consider their daughters and daughters-in-law vulnerable and focus on protecting them, without recognising that women can also become protectors themselves.
Ashwani Kumar on why he chose Devyani for his acting debut
Kumar said the film attempts to challenge that perception and highlight the potential of women across different fields, including competitive examinations, sports, the Army and the Air Force.
He added that the intention was not to create a gender divide but to emphasise that men and women should progress together. According to him, society needs to create an environment where women can make their own choices without unnecessary restrictions.
Ashwani Kumar on Devyani’s screening for school students
A special screening of Devyani was organised for school students, allowing them to engage with the film and its central message. Kumar believes storytelling can be an effective way of communicating ideas, particularly with younger audiences.
The film addresses issues such as women’s safety and female foeticide while encouraging viewers to question the social attitudes surrounding women. Kumar said the objective is to create a society where every girl can step outside without fear and pursue what she wants without restrictions.
Ashwani Kumar on witnessing inequality against women
Speaking about his experiences as an IAS officer, Kumar said he has witnessed several instances where women and girls are unable to report problems or do not receive adequate support from their families.
He pointed out that women can sometimes be discouraged from stepping out of their homes when they face difficulties, rather than being encouraged to speak up and seek help.
Kumar also spoke about an initiative he undertook in his office. He recalled getting the women working there to tie him a Rakhi last year, with the intention of creating an environment where they could approach him comfortably with their concerns.
He said that if women feel they are in a safe and supportive environment, their confidence and productivity can also improve.
Ashwani Kumar praises Archana Gautam’s dedication
Ashwani Kumar also opened up about his experience working with Archana Gautam in Devyani. He praised the actor’s dedication and sincerity towards her work.
Kumar said that he had always considered himself highly committed to his work, but Archana’s approach impressed him. He also praised the dedication he observed among artists and creators during his experience in Mumbai.
According to him, artists can create something new, which he described as a quality that makes them an extension of God.
Ashwani Kumar reveals his bond with Rajat Bedi
Kumar also spoke about his association with Rajat Bedi, who has returned to the film industry with Aapki Deewani. He described Bedi as a brother and said that their relationship goes beyond a professional friendship. Kumar explained that he considers his close friends part of his extended family and believes in standing by them in difficult times.
He also revealed that his association with Bedi’s project was kept private until its release. According to Kumar, only people directly associated with the project knew about his involvement.
Praising Bedi’s comeback, Kumar called him a hardworking and focused person and said he draws inspiration from the actor.
Ashwani Kumar on balancing multiple responsibilities
Despite his demanding career and now his entry into films, Kumar said he does not believe in multitasking in the conventional sense. Instead, he prefers to give his complete attention to whatever he is doing at a particular time. He explained that when he is at work, he focuses entirely on his professional responsibilities, while at home he gives his attention to his family.
Kumar also shared a message for young people about social media. While acknowledging that platforms such as Instagram and Facebook can be valuable sources of information, he cautioned against allowing them to become an addiction.
He said people should know when to start and, more importantly, when to stop and move on to their next goal.
Watch the full interview here:
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