Lakshmi R. Iyer was doing everything “right”, a chartered accountancy track and a life that looked perfect on paper. But beneath the surface was a woman silenced by expectation, performing a version of herself that the world applauded while her own voice went unheard. In this stirring talk, Lakshmi shares the moment she stopped living the life handed to her and started creating her own. Now a filmmaker, actor, and storyteller, she reveals the pain, courage, and clarity it took to walk away from what was safe and step into who she truly is. Her journey is a reminder that choosing yourself is not selfish, it’s survival. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is rewrite the script you were told to follow. Lakshmi R Iyer is the Director & Creative Head at Elios Films Pvt. Ltd., known for her exceptional storytelling and creative vision. She has helmed acclaimed projects like First Second Chance, Seasoned with Love, and Aloo Bhujia (premiered at MAMI 2024), along with her upcoming films The Game, What’s Up Buddy, and 2050. With over a decade in the film industry, she has consistently pushed creative boundaries, earning recognition for her impactful narratives. As the Founder and CEO of Streetsmart Productions, she has cultivated a reputation for innovative independent filmmaking. Her journey from an Assistant Director and Production Assistant to a celebrated director showcases her passion, perseverance, and unmatched storytelling ability. Her work not only entertains but also deeply connects with audiences, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in modern cinema.Lakshmi R Iyer is the Director & Creative Head at Elios Films Pvt. Ltd., known for her exceptional storytelling and creative vision. She has helmed acclaimed projects like First Second Chance, Seasoned with Love, and Aloo Bhujia (premiered at MAMI 2024), along with her upcoming films The Game, What’s Up Buddy, and 2050. With over a decade in the film industry, she has consistently pushed creative boundaries, earning recognition for her impactful narratives. As the Founder and CEO of Streetsmart Productions, she has cultivated a reputation for innovative independent filmmaking. Her journey from an Assistant Director and Production Assistant to a celebrated director showcases her passion, perseverance, and unmatched storytelling ability. Her work not only entertains but also deeply connects with audiences, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in modern cinema. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx