testimonials from beloved collaborators
“Working with Radha was a sheer pleasure. Her vision…her willingness to collaborate…her ability to communicate her nuanced take on a scene with such ease…her warmth….her unwavering focus made it one of the most memorable experiences of my life. She is an actor’s dream. I would work with her any day, anywhere, any time. ”
“Radha has an endlessly collaborative spirit of creation. She is always eager to incorporate ideas from her colleagues, and is highly skilled at leading the team towards a unified vision. She trusts her collaborators, and her collaborators trust her, a virtue that becomes immediately clear from the moment you begin working with her, and that can be felt throughout the fabric of her work. Her passion for emotionally compelling storytelling shines through everything she touches, and audiences cannot help but be moved by her work. Radha uses her generous warmth and loving kindness as her compass, and creates an environment whereby her cast and crew alike feels safe, respected, and energized to be on set. She is a bold and fearless leader, and is incredibly driven- one of the hardest working directors I have ever had the pleasure of collaborating with.”
“I have been working closely with Radha since our film school days, and I can attest to the fact that she has all bases covered, whether that is leading the crew as a creative head and vibe setter, or in understanding the business side of film in managing a budget and seeing that a film is completed and seen through its distribution and festival circuit. She is someone who has a work ethic that backs up her passion and talent, and I have never met another director so diligent and prepared coming onto set. She is incredibly professional, and shows kindness to her actors and crew, which really allows me to focus on my job as a DP. ”
“It has been an absolute privilege to collaborate with Radha, beginning with our time as graduate students at AFI. From our very first interactions, Radha’s remarkable diligence, meticulous organization, and unwavering thoroughness immediately stood out. She possesses a profound desire to grasp every intricate element of filmmaking, a quality that elevates her work and inspires those around her.
Radha is a director and writer whose stories resonate deeply because they are profoundly personal, yet they are crafted with an ambitious goal: to ignite social change. This commitment to impactful storytelling is something I deeply admire and find truly inspiring.
Having collaborated on four short films, I’ve consistently witnessed her collaborative spirit, particularly in the post-production phase. She approaches the editing process with an open mind, eager to explore and shape the narrative, always seeking innovative ways to enhance and clarify the story’s core message. Her dedication to refining the film until its vision is perfectly realized is truly commendable.
In every sense, Radha embodies the very essence of a strong filmmaker and a natural leader. Her vision, dedication, and collaborative approach make her an exceptional director, and I wholeheartedly recommend her without reservation.”
“As an actor, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Radha since the beginning of her AFI journey. I’ve witnessed firsthand the kind of director she is: prepared, passionate, and deeply collaborative.
I was fortunate to be part of several of her cycle films and workshops, and from day one, Radha took her craft seriously. She’s the kind of filmmaker who believes in preparation meeting opportunity-and it shows. Whether she’s running tech rehearsals, guiding us through shot compositions, or simply giving space for discovery, she creates an environment where actors feel supported and creatively empowered.
What sets Radha apart is her ability to shape story not just through dialogue, but through behavior. Her screenplays often lean into silence and subtext, and she works closely with actors to bring those quiet moments to life with emotional precision and physical nuance. She invites you to collaborate-to dig deeper-and that trust allows for authentic, layered performances.
And what’s most inspiring: Radha brings her collaborators with her. Working with her has taken me to Oscar-qualifying festivals, international screenings abroad, and Slamdance. She goes out of her way to uplift the actors and crew who helped bring the story to life. Her growth is never in isolation, it’s collective. One woman’s rise becomes a rising tide.
Any actor would be lucky to be directed by her.”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Radha on a number of projects. We first met when I was launching the Institute for Family within Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. We ran a few film challenges to support our work and Radha’s films always stood out among the rest. When I launched my company, Proximity Design Studio, I knew I wanted to work with Radha. One of my first projects was a short film, Standing with Moms, for Mother’s Outreach Network in Washington, DC. Radha was my creative partner on that project as well as Director, DP, Editor, and Producer. Radha has a rare mix of abilities. She can shape the creative division, build a budget, create a production plan, and engage with the characters with deep compassion. She brings a standard of excellence to her projects and the ability to follow through. More than that, she is an advocate for her projects, the causes behind them, and the people doing the work. I look forward to our next project together. ”
“As a cinematographer and fellow AFI alumnus who worked with Radha on several projects, I witnessed firsthand her exceptional ability to lead productions with both artistic vision and professional excellence.
What sets Radha apart is her distinctive cinematic voice—she brings a unique perspective to storytelling that feels both culturally authentic and universally compelling.
Beyond her artistic talents, Radha impressed me with her leadership and problem-solving skills. She has an innate ability to navigate challenging production situations with grace and efficiency, keeping the entire crew motivated and focused. Her communication skills are outstanding—she makes everyone feel heard and valued, from the leads to the PAs. Working with her feels less like being on a film set and more like being part of a creative family working toward a shared vision.
I believe that the film industry needs directors like Radha who embody qualities of compelling storytelling and exceptional leadership skills. ”
“Radha is one of the few individuals that can do it all. And that is no joke. She really can. Radha has the time in the day to raise her children, properly storyboard her scenes, paint the film’s poster, complete her masters, and not miss a meeting. I say this because I’ve seen her do it. While her work ethic is incredible, she is also the warmest soul on set. She is the cheerleader of the group and knows how to keep everyone motivated and on schedule. She truly cares about her crew and her collaborators and that is her true calling card as a director.”
“Radha is such a great collaborator and communicator of her artistic vision that every department is always able to shine on her productions. What’s really special about her work / directing style is how she finds the impactful moments in between the text so there is never a moment that is lost onscreen. It also really makes the script shine even more.”
“Working with Radha on “SŪNNA” was a once in a lifetime experience. She created a rare and generous space for my daughter and me to step into our roles not just as actors, but as mother and daughter—together, on screen. Her trust in our bond allowed us to explore the layered intimacy, tension, and beauty of our relationship in ways that felt both deeply personal and universally resonant.
What made the experience even more meaningful was the culturally grounded environment she cultivated on set. There was a quiet reverence in her process—an honoring of tradition, of language, of silence. Her imagery speaks volumes without needing to shout; each frame holds stillness like a prayer, allowing emotions to breathe and stories to rise softly from beneath the surface. She reminded us that in silence, there is power. And in community, there is healing.
This collaboration wasn’t just about making a film—it was about being seen, together, in a way that felt sacred.”
“As the producer on Radha’s short film “Witness”, I saw firsthand how she leads with both heart and precision. She’s a deeply collaborative director who brings out the best in her team, always open to feedback, always culturally sensitive, and always focused on telling the most honest version of the story. Even when production challenges arose, she remained calm, positive, and solution oriented, setting the tone for a grounded and high-morale set. She strikes that rare balance between creative vision and logistical execution, making her not just a strong director, but a true leader on set. Radha is always one step ahead, going above and beyond in every way.”
“Radha is the definition of a dream director - incredibly collaborative while still maintaining a clear artistic vision, fostering an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Radha has the remarkable skill of being able to balance both the production aspect of the shoot, making sure everything stays on track and running smoothly, while ensuring all the pieces fit together seamlessly without sacrificing artistic integrity. Her leadership style inspires everyone to contribute their full potential to the project, creating an electric energy on set.
Working with Radha is a true creative partnership, and I can’t wait to collaborate with her again.”
“The passion and clarity with which Radha is able to relay her vision for each project is a rare gift. She’s so generous with her time and she truly trusts and champions those who run every department. She wants to know our opinions, she wants us to ask questions – and she always has faith that we will not only push her vision forward, but also can help her to evolve certain elements of that vision through our opinions and questions. Radha is a huge talent, and it is an amazing privilege to get to work with her again and again.”
“I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Radha on nearly four short films, and each experience has been creatively fulfilling and seamless. As a director, Radha brings an exceptional eye for detail and a deep sensitivity to emotional storytelling. Her ability to craft nuanced performances, combined with her thoughtful, collaborative approach, makes her a standout Director. Having studied together at AFI, I’ve witnessed her dedication, artistry, and instinctive grasp of narrative from the start. She’s a rare talent I would wholeheartedly work with and recommend her!”
“Having collaborated with Radha on three occasions within the space of a year, it is safe to say she is one of my very favourite people to work with. As a writer, Radha is undeterred by setbacks and is truly relentless in her pursuit of the best possible version of a script. I have also come to appreciate that she always puts story above everything. No matter where or who the idea comes from, Radha is adept at listening and crafting her work so that the script will be better for it.
Despite being so impressive as a writer, she more than matches this aptitude in directing. Every project we have worked on together gives rise to another small family, motivating and inspiring each other to elevate each moment. Radha is a natural leader and has no trouble getting the team around her to support her vision. Her belief in her own work is infectious and her work ethic would have you believe she’s found more hours in the day than the rest of us.”
“I’ve had the great honor and pleasure of getting to know and collaborate with Radha during our time in film school. While many admire her work from what appears on screen, the true magic lies in the vibrant, nurturing community she fosters behind the scenes.
Radha pours her heart into every project she takes on. Her dedication to her craft, paired with her love, curiosity, care, and deep respect for each story, make her a quiet but powerful force in the world of entertainment. She’s a name to watch.”
“I worked with Radha a few years back and I was so in awe of her ability to communicate effectively between talent and crew even when she was up against things out of her control, she kept her calm and her head and led everyone to feel comfortable and confident in their own roles, and consequently I felt safe delivering a very emotional scene. She’s a brilliant captain and I’d have her steer my ship any day! But it wasn’t just the film shoot that impressed me it was the ‘post production’ and beyond! Radha truly cares about the work she directs and the impact it has, and she is the most driven, kind, hardworking directors I’ve ever met. Radha is always striving for relevant stories to be told in her own unique way and always pushing them forward. Her work is bold and beautiful and compelling and one thing I truly love about her is that she never ever has negative judgement. She is diplomatic and positive in her approach which is not easy for a lot of directors to do when they are up against it, but she manages it effortlessly.
I really do look forward to working with her again as she has always made me feel valued and safe on set and proud to be a part of the work she is writing / directing.”
“I was introduced to Radha a little less than a year ago and since then we have collaborated on a variety of projects. Scoring her films has been a delight, giving me artistic freedom while also providing clear direction is what any crew member would wish for. Radha has musical background herself, so that helped streamline our communication and process. An inspiring director, fun to work with and with a solid vision, I admire that Radha gravitates towards purpose driven work that we would hope have a positive impact, which very much aligns with my personal approach to film. I will look forward to our next collaboration.”
“I had the opportunity to work with Radha during her time at AFI, and she immediately stood out as one of the most capable and professional directors I’ve encountered. Her leadership on set is exceptional—she addresses every crew member by name and fosters a culture of mutual respect, regardless of role or rank. From production assistants to department heads, everyone feels valued and seen. The atmosphere she creates is focused, collaborative, and remarkably efficient, which is why I’ve chosen to leave other productions just to be part of hers. Radha is truly a dream director to work with—for many of us. Radha is a dream collaborator—and what’s more, she’s the rare kind of dream you actually get to meet in real life. She’s outstanding. If I ever had the chance to recommend or collaborate with a director again, she would be my first choice. She brings both creative vision and operational excellence to every project.”
“The great basketball coach John Wooden once said: “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” This philosophy is what I experienced from Radha when she directed me as a lead actor in the film, “DOSH”. She brought a warmth and kindness to our collaborations and a gentleness to her suggestions (directions), that helped me to relax, receive, and implement in a way that never made me feel rushed with my process. She listened to and addressed my questions and concerns with openness and empathy. She did all of this while being decisive and efficient during production to ensure our days always ended by our scheduled time (at the very latest). Radha’s dedication to excellence in communicating her rich vision for her story and characters is beautifully grounded with her humility and emotional intelligence, and any creative would be fortunate to work with her as a director! ”
“I’ve worked with Radha on a handful of projects over the years and every one of them has been a wonderful experience to be a part of. Regardless if a topic is personal to her or to someone else, she treats each and every one of them with care and a genuine intention to uplift and respect the subject of the story she wants to tell. The same can be said about how she cares for and trusts her crew and collaborators.”
“It was an absolute dream collaborating with Radha. Her in-depth knowledge of all aspects of sound really helped us dive deep and sculpt the perfect score. Throughout the process she beautifully balanced decisiveness while encouraging experimentation.”
“Radha is truly one of the most talented humans I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Not only is she amazing at her craft, the efficiency with which she runs a set is unmatched. If she says we are ending at a certain time, she sticks to it! She is also a true delight for any actor to work with - she understands exactly what the actor needs to deliver the most raw, human emotion. Cannot wait to be on more sets with this gem of a director, human, artist!”
“Radha is a collaborative and forward-thinking director who leads with both clarity and compassion. She brings a strong producer’s mindset to her directing, balancing big-picture vision with thoughtful planning, while remaining open, grounded, and decisive throughout the process.”
“Working with Radha is an experience that leaves a strong impression. She brings an extraordinary level of attention to detail to every stage of the process—from pre-production planning to on-set execution and, of course, post-production. As an editor, I found a certain comfort in knowing that no aspect of the project would escape her notice. Her relentless pursuit of clarity—through countless questions and tireless check-ins—reflects a rare commitment in this industry. While many filmmakers are driven purely by vision or instinct, Radha reminds us that precision and persistence are what truly carry a project across the finish line.”
“Having admired Radha’s work for years, I knew working with her was a must when the opportunity arose. She brings a sharp eye for visuals and a deep understanding of how an image can leave a lasting impact on the audience, all while staying rooted in the story. Her clear vision, warmth, and collaborative spirit created an environment where I felt inspired and ready to give my best performance.”
“Working with Radha was an esteemed pleasure. From the start, she made her vision clear, and then gave me artistic freedom. The result was a great collaboration and resulted in the powerful work ‘DOSH’.”
“Radha is the kind of director you can only dream of having as an actor. She has an amazing vision with a clear path of achieving it on set. She treats her crew like a family and no matter the situation, she’s able to deliver an amazing production while also maintaining a positive, electric atmosphere. As an actor I always feel so protected and understood, and she’s able to pull performances out of me that I would have never thought of on my own.”
“Radha is one of the most brilliant directors I’ve worked with! She has a uniquely beautiful way working with crew and cast where everyone understands her vision and wants to be a part of it. I admire her style of communication, creativity, and attention to detail. Working with her was an absolute joy and I always learn so much from her.”