Geetika Budhiraja: Acting for Impact

Geetika Budhiraja has taken a shrewd yet decisive tactic in her career, first as an actress and increasingly as a producer and writer. Put simply, she believes in her ability to expand the minds and hearts of the public through her work portraying different types of female characters. As a creative professional who has lived among different cultures, Geetika has witnessed first-hand how her emotive and thoughtful representation of different types of women in different walks of life can enable society to question and redefine previously held concepts. There is no heavy handedness in this tactic. From the lighthearted approach of films like The Jacket to the action of How Much Do You Want to Know to the cultural impact of The Morning After, the eclectic nature of Geetika’s projects is only matched by her own versatility among roles and genres. Geetika states, “As an artist, it’s important to always push myself and get out of any patterns or comfort zone. Not too long ago I participated in a 48 Hour Film Festival simply for the pressure of it all to create on-demand. In a situation like that when you’re sleep deprived and there are no extended deadlines or excuses, you discover how far imagination, talent, and teamwork will take you. That’s what this industry and community exists upon; I like that sort of in-your-face reminder. It keeps me grateful.”

The Jacket is a story about the romantic experiences and environment of Los Angeles. Geetika appears in this film as Sophie, an incredibly attractive women Isaac encounters in a coffee shop and who becomes the central focus of his romantic fantasy. Sophie is native to LA and accustomed to the type of bravado on display there. It will take much more than swagger to even get a moment of her attention. Sophie exudes confidence and sophistication, often leaving a lasting impression on those she encounters. She is aware of her allure and uses it skillfully, balancing her sensual power with intelligence and wit. Geetika’s performance (as Sophie) in Isaac’s daydream is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the classic femme fatale trope, subverting expectations by humorously overdramatizing the scene. It’s a playful dance between reality and fantasy, where Sophie’s allure and Isaac’s imagination collide in a moment of comedic brilliance. Director and actor Gady Meyer stars as Isaac in The Jacket along with Geetika and Benjamin Carlton (of the 2020 BET Award–Nominated, Golden Globe Award–Nominated Critic’s Choice Award–Winning Netflix film Dolemite is My Name starring Eddie Murphy) in the central cast. Ms. Budhiraja notes the enjoyment of her work in this film stating, “Slapstick comedy has always fascinated me, but executing it effectively demands precision and impeccable timing. The physicality required in scenes like the dance sequence and the accidental coffee spill is both fun and demanding. In a fast-paced production environment, I’ve had to rely on muscle memory and rehearsal to ensure my movements are both natural and comedic.” The Jacket was recently screened at the Austin Comedy Film Festival and Chicago Indie film awards.

A drastically different tone is present in Geetika’s most recent production, The Morning After. As actor, writer, and co-producer, Ms. Budhiraja is deeply invested in the manifestation of this story which carries such importance. She declares, “Bringing stories of sisterhood and belonging to life on screen is not just my passion; it is my purpose. I currently have six scripts in development. As a filmmaker, I am dedicated to exploring themes of emotional intelligence and healing because I believe in their transformative power. Through my upcoming projects, I aim to create narratives that heal women, strengthen relationships, and unite families across the globe. The impact of these stories is profound. When women see their struggles and triumphs reflected on screen, they realize they are not alone. I have witnessed firsthand how such narratives inspire viewers to confront their truths, build resilience, and foster supportive relationships. There is immense healing power in seeing oneself in another’s story. My goal is to spark conversations about self-worth and encourage others to find the courage to face their own challenges.” Geetika is seen on-screen in The Morning After as Priya, a celebrated artist who is dealing with an emotionally abusive relationship in her personal life. Priya struggles with opposing concepts that tension fuels her creativity and yet also destroys her self-worth. She travels to a retreat where revelations from the other women begin to establish a sense of community. Through the support of her newfound friends, she channels her pain into art that speaks of beauty, freedom, resilience, and authenticity. In embracing vulnerability, Priya discovers a newfound strength, allowing her to reclaim her voice and redefine what love and respect mean in her life and relationships. With each stroke of the brush, she heals and emerges with a renewed sense of purpose, confident in her ability to create and thrive beyond the shadows of her past.

Writer : Basil Thomson