A Life in the Day of Tushti
Hey, I am glad to see you here.
In today’s digital whirlwind, our timelines are bombarded with quick content, catering to our rapidly dwindling attention spans. So thank you for being here. With this fast pace, I still continue to believe in the power of stories that transport us back in time, making us pause and reflect.
When I was 10, I remember the bell ringing, and my teacher asked me, “Tushti, are you daydreaming again?” I was startled and was prompt enough to deny it due to the crushing embarrassment. Well, I was daydreaming. I was busy looking outside the window, thinking about what would happen in the daily soap opera that me and my grandmother watched earnestly at 7 p.m. every day. Another thought that followed was: Why does my class have such a skewed gender ratio where for 30 boys there are 10 girls, and how would it be if it were reversed? And lastly, how I will be spending my lovely summer holidays binge-watching on the Disney Channel and playing the game of Cluedo with my cousins.
These thoughts continue to exist even today in different ways. When will the next season of House of Dragons come? why women tend to underestimate themselves, and well, I don’t think about summer holidays because, sadly, they don’t exist anymore.
I strategically chose a profession that could transform these thoughts into something meaningful (basically, asking money from brands for my thoughts). And now my thoughts exist in a one-line or ad-film script with tonnes of feedback. What I try in every piece I create is to set an argument that is confidently naked. Neither clothed with clever craft nor glamourized with gimmicks Just laying bare, maybe with even a little paunch, but making a point worth making.
In my journey so far, I’m really proud of two ad films I worked on as a copywriter. One was for an iconic snack brand (that has a rumour about plastic in it, iykyk), and the other was for a health insurance brand. These projects show the kind of dedication I have to my work. No biases. Do take a moment to appreciate my versatility. Both projects reflect my commitment to telling stories truthfully and effectively.
As a storyteller in advertising, I understand the balance between staying true to a creative idea and evaluating it objectively. Each project I work on adds a new chapter to my story, showing how I’ve grown in this field. It’s not just about making things look good or feel emotional; it’s about understanding what the client needs and telling stories that matter.
These ad films aren’t just a portfolio piece to me. They represent my belief in being honest, challenging stereotypes, and taking responsibility for telling stories. My approach to each project is simple: I keep an open mind, aim for an insight that connects, and know that self-doubt is a friend, not a foe. And to judge yourself often.
If you haven’t judged yourself enough, let me tell you, I have had my own battles with cringe, but there was a time when I wasn’t afraid of what others might say. I was proud to be myself, and I didn’t let the fear of being judged stop me from having fun. Now, when I think back, I feel happy about that teenager who didn’t care about fitting in. Those moments, which might seem a bit embarrassing, have become special memories that make me uniquely quirky.
It’s a reminder that being true to yourself is important. Expressing real joy, even if others might think it’s silly, is something I value. Singing a SRK song in a classroom back then is now a memory that reminds me to be authentic, even when society expects something different. In a world where everyone often tries to be the same, those moments of being myself stand out as important parts of who I am today—or “clutter-breaking”. So judge yourself, but don’t stop.
I feel that as you age, you become art. You write a story of your own and have main character energy as you power through. In this process, let’s not forget to create a mess. This ride has been about showing who I am, leaving behind marks of all the things I have been through—both the good and the not-so-great. What I definitely do know now is that the real deal isn’t about having it all together. Life is messy, and that’s just part of the charm. Embracing the chaos, taking a few risks, and enjoying the spontaneous moments make a story unique. And in any case, you and I will be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
I always thought we die when we must have shared ourselves at par. Once we have shared every bit of our lives with people we love and care for, we die, because now we will live through them. To put it simply, it’s about how sharing our lives with others can make us kind of live forever. It’s not a sad idea; it’s more about the good things we leave behind through what we share and the moments we create together. That’s why I have this urge to tell my stories.
Life’s a story, and the best ones are real, imperfect, and lived with heart. The journey from childhood daydreams to the crafting of ad scripts symbolises a metamorphosis, a continual evolution of self. Each cringe-worthy moment, each vulnerable admission, and every quirky detail contribute to the richness of my narrative.
So, this is the kind of storyteller I am: someone who finds beauty in the ordinary, strength in vulnerability, and joy in the imperfect tales that make us who we are. Life’s a story, and I’m here to tell mine with heart and mind. And when days are tough, you sip some wine and watch the sunset with Aage bhi Jaane Na Tu by Asha Bhosle because that’s all it takes to get through those days, and at night, you watch three episodes of The Modern Family.
P.S. I still daydream and get called out for it. I just don’t deny it anymore.
Say Hi to me at
Email: chaturveditushti12@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tushti-chaturvedi-995432178/