Catch Tahira Kashyap in her most unfiltered self on ‘In the Ring with Filmfare,’ available to stream on Filmfare’s YouTube Channel
Renowned scriptwriter and filmmaker Tahira Kashyap recently appeared on In The Ring with Filmfare, now streaming on Filmfare’s YouTube channel. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Jitesh Pillai, Filmfare, this engaging talk show offers fans an exclusive glimpse into the lives and careers of some of the most sought-after talents in the film and OTT industries, all set against the backdrop of a live audience that heightens the immersive experience.
Tahira’s storytelling is defined by depth and authenticity. From her debut book, ‘I Promise’ to her short film Toffee, which thoughtfully explores childhood and societal norms, she has established herself as a compelling voice in the industry. During the interview, Tahira offers candid reflections on her evolving role as a filmmaker, the widespread love for Sharmajee Ki Beti, her insights on mental well-being, and more.
Tahira shared her thoughts on often being recognized primarily as Ayushmann’s wife, reflecting on how the narrative around her identity has evolved over time, "Now it doesn't matter if you call me Ayushmann's wife or someone's daughter—it doesn't matter. I am confident in my skills. But when you are referred to like that, you sort of have a moment thinking, 'This is not who I am; I am much more than this.' If you see now, they have started calling me Tahira. Otherwise, just 2-3 years back, my name was hardly mentioned. It was always 'Ayushmann and his wife's party,' or 'Ayushmann and his wife on the red carpet'— They wouldn’t even write my name."
While discussing her much-loved slice-of-life film Sharmajee Ki Beti, she shared, "The film follows five women, all navigating life with humor despite their flaws. They aren’t heroes, but they stumble and make mistakes, and that’s what makes them real. I wanted to celebrate that. The female lens in storytelling isn’t always about revolution—it can be about joy, laughter, and everyday struggles too."
On mental health and its connection to physical well-being, she shared her perspective saying, "One of the biggest contributors to illness is our mental state, something we often neglect. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn’t fit into any of the usual risk categories. But deep down, I knew the emotional struggles I had been carrying. My husband was one of the first to point it out, reminding me that past trauma leaves an impact. I was lucky to have that support, and I hope everyone gets that kind of love and understanding."
Opening up about her journey as a writer, she revealed, "I’ve been writing stories since childhood. Ayushmann wasn’t even aware of how often I wrote until one day I shared Toffee with him, and he said, ‘This is brilliant, you have to make it.’ That encouragement led me to take it to Mukesh Chhabra, and soon, we had a film that traveled to multiple festivals. It was the first time I felt truly validated as a storyteller."
Speaking about her dedication to filmmaking and vision for the future, she said, "Filmmaking is my life. Every day, I’m either writing, scripting, narrating, or hustling for my projects. I just want to keep making films—endless stories that resonate."