The South Asian Helpline and Referral Agency, widely known as SAHARA, held a special screening of Designed By Preeti at The Frida Cinema in Santa Ana, California, on October 5. The event, organized to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, drew a large audience of advocates, survivors, and community members committed to sparking dialogue around abuse and empowerment.
A Film That Mirrors Reality
Designed By Preeti tells the story of a woman trapped for decades in a life defined by family duties and silent suffering. Played by actor and producer Rashmi Rustagi, the character’s journey from suppression to self-liberation reflects the painful reality faced by many women who conceal emotional and physical abuse behind social expectations.
Rustagi shared that her motivation to tell this story stemmed from real-life experiences of women she had encountered. “Abuse doesn’t always start with violence. It begins with control, humiliation, and isolation,” she said. “This film was my way to show that resilience and self-worth can be rediscovered, no matter how deep the scars.”
A Panel That Amplified Voices
Following the screening, SAHARA hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by the organization’s Director of Programs, Liliana Brun Deis. The panel featured Licensed Mental Health Counselor Gunjani Patel, Pallavi Dhawan from the LA District Attorney’s Office, community organizer Tonya Somesh from the South Asian Network, and actor Rashmi Rustagi herself.
The discussion delved into the psychological and financial aspects of abuse, emphasizing the importance of identifying early warning signs of coercive control. Pallavi Dhawan noted that abuse often manifests as a repeated pattern of harm rather than isolated incidents, and recognizing that pattern is key to breaking the cycle.
SAHARA’s Continued Mission
SAHARA President Krutika Pranav reiterated the organization’s unwavering mission to provide comprehensive support to survivors of domestic violence. “We help clients navigate complex systems, provide legal and emotional guidance, and most importantly, stand beside them as they rebuild their lives,” she said.
Founded to serve South Asian communities across Southern California, SAHARA continues to lead initiatives that encourage dialogue, awareness, and action on issues that are often silenced by stigma and cultural pressure.
Rashmi Rustagi’s Creative Journey
Rashmi Rustagi, originally from Lucknow, India, moved to the United States at 21 and has built a versatile career in writing, acting, and production. She has appeared in popular shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Avengers, and produced the award-winning short film Unborn. Through Designed By Preeti, she has combined her passion for storytelling with advocacy for women’s empowerment.
The film uses a delicate blend of humor, introspection, and romance to capture how women navigate conflicting advice from friends, societal expectations, and personal awakening.
A Story That Inspires Change
Designed By Preeti is more than just a film — it is a call to action. By portraying the journey of one woman’s fight for dignity, it urges communities to listen, support, and act. The screening served as a reminder that breaking silence is often the first step toward healing.
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