Preeti Panigrahi On Girls Will Be Girls: Challenging Stereotypes And Navigating Complexities

Preeti Panigrahi is making waves with her debut film 'Girls Will Be Girls' which is produced by Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha and directed by Shuchi Talati. She is the first Indian actress to received the special jury award for acting in Sundance. Set to release on Amazon Prime on December 18, the film has already garnered international acclaim, earning accolades at film festivals and sparking conversations around its nuanced portrayal of young women.

Preeti explains, "The title Girls Will Be Girls flips the often used phrase Boys will be boys, which is commonly used to excuse male behavior. Our film extends empathy toward women, who are often not forgiven for their choices. It highlights the complex lives of young women, their challenges, and their growth. I hope the film sparks dialogue, especially between mothers and daughters. I want daughters to realize their moms were once young girls too, and for moms to understand that their daughters are still discovering everything in life."

Stepping into the shoes of Mira, a head prefect navigating the highs and lows of adolescence, was both exciting and challenging for Preeti. "Being a young woman is so confusing! Mira is a high achiever in academics and a teacher's favorite, but she's also dabbling with first love and insecurity over her mother's overprotectiveness. These are complex emotions. Thanks to my mentors, Dilip Shankar sir and Shuchi, I learned to embrace Mira's vulnerabilities and bring her to life authentically."

The film's early success has set high expectations for Preeti's future projects, but she remains unfazed. "I don't feel pressured; it's been a rewarding year. I've loved traveling, meeting new people, and watching great cinema. This experience has motivated me and given me clarity on the kind of stories I want to be part of moving forward."

As Girls Will Be Girls prepares to reach a wider audience, Preeti hopes the film will resonate with viewers and continue to challenge societal norms, fostering empathy and understanding for young women's experiences.