The Chicago Kasam: “Network to your heart’s desire, but don’t forget to connect with people”

From left to right: Palak Shah, Asha Rao, Rahul Dhiman, Yash Hatkar, Ritika Agrawal, and Bhavin Patel (missing Juhie Faheem).

How did your journey as a South Asian creative begin? What got you started and what keeps you going every day?

Palak Shah: Growing up in Chicago, I found myself navigating the rich and diverse worlds of South Asian and American cultures. This constant interplay of cultural influences shaped my identity and inspired me to embrace the confluence of experiences that define who I am today—a South Asian American woman. In April 2020, I founded Infusion to create a space where people can reconnect with their roots and celebrate their unique cultural identities. The name Infusion reflects my life's journey, where different cultural elements are continuously intertwined, much like the infusion of flavors in a perfect blend of chai.

Ritika Agrawal: Being raised in a broken home, an only child of a 26 year old single mother who was trying to make ends meet across three different continents - USA, Africa and Asia - triggered an identity crisis for me at the age of four while identifying where I truly belonged. The magical realm of cinema became my anchor and offered me escapism and subconsciously became my best friend. However, due to the lack of representation in western media, I found myself spending more time watching Bollywood films. These experiences seeded a dream of uniting global cultures through uplifting entertainment and amplifying underrepresented voices both on and off-screen.

Rahul Dhiman: I grew up watching Bollywood films as a kid who grew up in Chicago. 8/10 films that I watched were Hindi language films, and that definitely unbeknownst to me led me to where I am now as a creative in this space. I felt like my daily upbringing in America coupled with this very cultural upbringing led me to want to create universal films, rooted in a South Asian heartbeat.

Asha Rao: I did not grow up around a South Asian community and my extended family was always far away. As the youngest in the family and also considered a South Asian-American, I always felt disconnected from my South Asian identity. Being a South Asian creative across editorial work, community building, and content creation has arisen from wanting to heal my trauma history and find inner peace. I have always known how to bring other people peace and make other people happy, which grounds me and gives me a locus of control. The values of wanting to make others happy and cultivate connection to promote healing exist in my job as a pediatric occupational therapist as well.

So, why do you make your art? What's the driving force behind it?

Palak Shah: I make my art because it is a powerful way to connect with my heritage and share it with others. Art allows me to express the nuances of my identity as a South Asian American and to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped my life. It's a means of storytelling, where I can convey the beauty, struggles, and triumphs of navigating two worlds.

Creating art gives me the opportunity to honor my roots and preserve traditions while also exploring new, innovative expressions that resonate with a contemporary audience. It's about bridging gaps and fostering understanding between different cultures, encouraging people to find common ground and appreciate the diversity that enriches our lives. Ultimately, my art is a reflection of my journey and an invitation for others to explore their own stories. It's my way of contributing to a larger dialogue about identity, culture, and belonging, and of creating a space where everyone can feel seen and valued.

Rahul Dhiman: I make my art because it truly is an expression of the thoughts and emotions that naturally come to me every day. I truly enjoy the process of creating. I only get this feeling to be honest when I am being creative or playing sports.

Asha Rao: Creating art across writing and media is what is healing for me and for others. Writing and media, as well as community building are what allow me to say things I can't always say or don't know what to say. Storytelling through editorial and digital mediums also allow me to be the voice for folks that historically have not had one. By doing this work, I can be an agent of change and help elicit positive impact through creative means every day.

Looking back, what do you consider your greatest achievement as a South Asian creative?

Rahul Dhiman: Creating Upside Brown with my co-creator Yash Hatkar. Not because of the quality of the project, but because of the scale of the project and the fact that we both completed such a large feat as 0-time filmmakers at the time. It was definitely the best replacement to me not going to film school.

Palak Shah: As a South Asian creative, I consider my greatest achievement to be the founding of Infusion. Infusion is not just a platform for art; it's a celebration of culture, a bridge between communities, and a testament to the power of creativity to connect people. Through Infusion, I've been able to share my heritage, inspire others to explore their own cultural identities, and create a space where diverse voices are celebrated. Overall, Infusion has been a labor of love and a true reflection of my passion for art and culture.

Asha Rao: Creating my drinking game, Mixing Up Masti- it was a socially and culturally inclusive drinking game made for members of the South Asian diaspora. It was my first time being a small South Asian business and entrepreneur, and my first time connecting with the South Asian community across the globe in a virtual context. It allowed me to bring together people of all lived experiences and intersections of identity, while acting as the bridge between different parts of the South Asian diaspora.

Who or what influences your creative work the most? Do you have a role model?

Palak Shah: My greatest creative role model is my mother. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our cultural traditions have profoundly influenced my work. Growing up, I watched her navigate the complexities of maintaining our South Asian heritage while embracing life in America. She taught me the importance of staying connected to our roots and the value of celebrating our cultural identity.

Her ability to seamlessly blend traditions with modernity has inspired me to do the same in my art. She showed me that our heritage is not something to be left behind but something to be carried forward and shared. Her creativity in daily life, from the way she cooked traditional dishes to how she celebrated festivals with us, has left an indelible mark on my creative process. Through Infusion, I aim to honor her legacy by highlighting South Asian culture and encouraging cross-cultural bonds, much like she did in our home. She remains my guiding light, and her influence permeates every piece of art I create.

Rahul Dhiman: Shah Rukh Khan and Sushant Singh Rajput.

Asha Rao: The greatest influence on the work I do are the everyday folks of the South Asian community who did not grow up with one. As the outcast South Asian college student who wasn't enough to join ISA, or Hindu Student Council, or the dance teams at her university, being able to create spaces where the brown folks can belong no matter what your story is has shaped the way I go about my work. Additionally, I consider the disabled individuals and communities I have worked with previously as a learning lesson to think about how to make environments and experiences as accessible as possible.

Do you have a creative mantra that guides you?

Ritika Agrawal: "She turned her dreams into plans and her can'ts into cans."

Rahul Dhiman: "Create things that truly call you to be created."

Palak Shah: "Celebrate the dualities, embrace the fusion."

Asha Rao: "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."

Desi culture often disapproves of creative work as a full-time profession. Have you faced any backlash or barriers in your creative journey?

Rahul Dhiman: Luckily, I did not receive it from my parents. However, I definitely got this general feeling of judgment from some friends and outer relatives that I was making a huge mistake by leaving my stable engineering job to try to do my own thing.

Asha Rao: While I'm not a full-time creative in one lane, I pursue several creative or non-professional endeavors at a time: this has led to folks asking why I am always doing so much and if I'm aware of how doing so much for my career and my brand will be a barrier to certain social and cultural expectations I'm supposed to be meeting for my age and gender. While this has died down in recent years, I think the biggest piece of feedback I always seem to get is why I pursue the things that haven't been done, or don't seem to be able to be done- to that I say, "I have to keep things exciting, don't I?"

What do you see in your future as a South Asian creative?

Rahul Dhiman: I want to be known as a filmmaker that brings South Asian stories to the forefront, in a way that is entertaining to people of all cultures and backgrounds, not just South Asians or the South Asian diaspora.

Palak Shah: Ultimately, I envision a future where my work helps to create a world where cultural dualities are not just accepted but celebrated, and where every individual feels empowered to express their unique identity through art.

Asha Rao: I envision and hope to be the person that can utilize her namesake and bring hope and trust back to the South Asian communities. I aim to be the creative, the community builder, and the storyteller that creates the stage and the safe space for South Asians of all lived experiences to feel a sense of belonging and a desire to want to embrace their culture and all the experiences that come with it.

What advice would you give to aspiring South Asian creatives who might not have the resources or support they need?

Ritika Agrawal:

1. Use social  media to your advantage. Reach out to people that inspire you. You'd be surprised to see how many people will be there to help you.

2. Know your why.

3. Volunteer at organizations that align with your goals.

Rahul Dhiman: You need to create a plan to get there, and a long-term one. Extend the time horizon to 20 years to achieve your goal, not 2. If you need to work a higher-paying job for 5 years to save up money before tackling a certain project, do so. In the meantime, be sure to spend every free moment inching forward in your field before you are able to take the leap to delve deeper into it.

Palak Shah:

1. Embrace your identity: Your unique cultural background is a source of strength and inspiration. Embrace your heritage and let it inform and enrich your artistry. Your perspective is valuable and adds diversity to the creative landscape.

2. Start small: You don't need extensive resources to begin your creative journey. Start with what you have, as the important thing is to start creating.

3. Seek community: Connect with other creatives who share similar experiences. Online communities, social media groups, and local cultural organizations can provide support, feedback, and encouragement. Surround yourself with people who understand and appreciate your journey.

4. Tell your story: Your personal narrative is powerful. Share your experiences and the stories behind your art. This not only adds depth to your work but also helps you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

5. Be persistent: Creative careers often involve setbacks and challenges, especially in the face of cultural and societal expectations. Stay persistent, believe in your vision, and keep pushing forward. Your dedication will pay off over time.

6. Celebrate small wins: Every step forward is a victory. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and use it as motivation to keep going.

Asha Rao: Network to your heart's desire, but don't forget to connect with people and show them you genuinely care. You don't have to be anybody's best friend or plan on marrying them, but community begins with connection, and connection begins with kasam.