Ascend Jiva
Some stories arrive loudly, others quietly—but linger long after the lights come back on.
Two Steps belongs to the latter. The film explores the fragile space between memory and healing, asking a deeply human question: What happens when the wounds of the past finally meet the courage to confront them?
Guided by the sentiment echoed in Maya Angelou’s timeless reminder—
“People will never forget how you made them feel”—Two Steps honors emotional truth without spectacle. It asks the viewer to notice what lives between conversations, in the pauses, in the moments where courage takes the form of stillness rather than confrontation.
The film premiered on February 28, 2026, at Apple Cinemas Cambridge, drawing a strong and engaged audience from across Massachusetts and the broader New England region. The evening marked not only the debut of the film but also a moment of recognition for a collaborative creative effort that blends storytelling with emotional truth.
Directed by Nita Pednekar and written by Hemant M. Pandya—who also served as associate director—Two Steps was produced by Aashita Shekhar and Seema Chaudhary. Together, the creative team shaped a narrative that examines how childhood experiences, relationships, and acts of empathy can leave lasting imprints on a person’s life.
The premiere also became a moment of honor and celebration. The film received recognition connected with the Office of Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, including a Governor’s Citation acknowledging the film’s contribution to storytelling and cultural dialogue. Additional recognition was presented on behalf of Sabina Matos, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, highlighting the film’s impact within the regional creative community.
Internationally, Two Steps continues to gain acclaim. In just seven days on the festival circuit, the film earned its second selection at the Bangkok Movie Awards, marking another milestone in its journey. Earlier, it had already drawn attention at the Reale Film Festival in Milan, Italy, receiving Best Female Drama along with an Honorable Mention from the Jury, further affirming the film’s emotional resonance beyond national borders.
Yet beyond honors and recognition, what defines Two Steps is its quiet emotional power. The film speaks to universal experiences—bullying, vulnerability, forgiveness, and resilience—reminding audiences that even the smallest act of empathy can shift the course of a life.
Sometimes change does not require a grand leap.
Sometimes it begins with just two steps.
📜 Governor’s Proclamation — Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The premiere of Two Steps carried additional significance through official recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Office of Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, issued a Governor’s Proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Women’s History Month.
The premiere of Two Steps carried additional significance through official recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On February 28, 2026, the Office of Governor Maura Healey issued a Governor’s Proclamation acknowledging Women’s History Month, which officially begins in March, in advance, and celebrating Two Steps as a women-led creative project.
Governor Healey has been widely recognized for her leadership and commitment to strengthening communities across the Commonwealth. Throughout her public service, she has championed initiatives that support education, equality, cultural expression, and the arts—recognizing that storytelling and creative voices play an essential role in shaping a thoughtful and inclusive society.
Women’s History Month, first formally established by the U.S. Congress in 1987, honors the achievements and leadership of women across every field of public life—from education and science to civic leadership and the arts. The proclamation highlights the ongoing contributions of women who continue to shape communities and inspire future generations.
Within this broader context, the premiere of Two Steps—a film created through women-led collaboration—stood as a meaningful reflection of that spirit. The recognition from Governor Healey’s office underscores the importance of encouraging women’s voices in creative and cultural spaces.
The timing of the premiere, taking place just days before International Women's Day, further aligned the film with a global celebration of women’s leadership, creativity, and resilience.
🏅 Rhode Island Recognition and a Voice of Service
Further honoring the collective efforts behind Two Steps, citations were presented on behalf of Sabina Matos, Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, with remarks delivered by Robert B. Lancia.
Robert B. Lancia’s life exemplifies a profound commitment to service, faith, and community. A lifelong American Baptist, Lancia entered seminary and later joined the U.S. Navy chaplaincy, serving on active duty as a Navy chaplain at nearly forty. He served at multiple duty stations and became the first U.S. Navy Exchange Chaplain to serve alongside the Canadian military in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
While serving with the Marines at Camp Lejeune, he witnessed the events of September 11, a moment that profoundly shaped his dedication to service. Though his military career ended early due to a serious injury before deployment to Iraq, Lancia continued serving communities through education, public leadership, and civic engagement. He went on to serve two terms in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and currently works as a Chaplain and Veterans Community Liaison with Harmony Hospice, supporting veterans and their families.
During the presentation, Lancia shared his reflections with Ascend Jiva Media, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling:
“Films like Two Steps remind us that every story has the power to build understanding, to encourage reflection, and to bring people closer together. When we witness human courage and vulnerability on screen, we are invited to see ourselves and others with empathy and respect.”
His words resonated deeply with the themes of the film, highlighting the role of art in inspiring understanding, compassion, and human connection.
🏅 Governor’s Citation — Honoring the Film
In addition to the proclamation, the Office of Governor Maura Healey issued an official Governor’s Citation recognizing the premiere of Two Steps and the collaborative efforts of the filmmakers who brought the project to life.
Governor’s Citations are awarded by the Commonwealth to acknowledge noteworthy achievements that enrich the civic, cultural, and artistic fabric of Massachusetts. By recognizing Two Steps, the citation acknowledged a creative work that thoughtfully explores empathy, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships.
The citation also highlighted the film’s strong connection to Massachusetts, noting that it was filmed in Boston and surrounding communities—reflecting the vibrant creative ecosystem of the Commonwealth and the dedication of artists who continue to contribute to its cultural landscape.
Through this recognition, the Commonwealth celebrated not only the artistic vision of the filmmakers but also the collaborative spirit behind the project—affirming the importance of storytelling that encourages reflection, dialogue, and understanding within communities.
🎭An Engaging Conversation With the Audience
Following the screening, the audience remained deeply engaged for a thoughtful question-and-answer discussion with the filmmakers and cast. Guests expressed curiosity about the psychological layers of the story and the creative process behind bringing such an emotionally nuanced narrative to screen.
The conversation explored:
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The inspiration behind the script
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The collaborative dynamic between director, writer, and actors
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The experience of balancing artistic vision with production leadership
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The challenges of portraying emotional truth through subtle performance
Aashita Shekhar, who both produced the film and portrayed the character Jo, spoke at length about the deeply personal nature of her role and the fulfillment of helping bring the story to life from both creative and production perspectives.
Audience Question:
"Priyanka Chopra recently spoke at Harvard Business School about her experiences with bullying and the importance of resilience. In Two Steps, your character Jo also faces similar challenges. How did you relate to Jo’s journey while reflecting on these themes, and what message is the film trying to convey here?"
Aashita Shekhar’s Response:
“Priyanka Chopra Jonas has shared her experience of feeling isolated and facing bullying when she first came to the United States as a young student. Her reflections on identity, resilience, and belonging have sparked wider dialogue globally. Jo’s journey resonates deeply with that experience. Bullying isn’t always shouting or physical harm — sometimes it’s exclusion, subtle humiliation, or misused power. Often the deepest scars are invisible.
Two Steps was inspired by the emotional power dynamics within women’s friendships. Research shows relational bullying—often dismissed as ‘friend drama’—affects nearly one-third of women and can leave lasting psychological scars. Our film explores how unresolved trauma quietly shapes adulthood, reflecting the duality of female relationships: love and rivalry, empathy and envy, guilt and grace.
The message of the film is hauntingly simple: change begins with two small steps — one toward understanding, and the next toward healing.”
Audience Question:
"Two Steps is very much a women-centered film — directed by a woman, produced by women, and brought to life by women actors. What does it mean to you to be part of a project that celebrates women’s journeys, courage, and resilience, and to see it being recognized and embraced by so many communities and leaders?"
Aashita Shekhar’s Response:
“Being part of Two Steps has been deeply meaningful. From the beginning, it felt powerful to work on a project so intentionally women centered. Our director, in her debut, led with quiet confidence and emotional clarity, creating a space of trust and authenticity. Co-producing alongside another producer was equally rewarding.
The film was brought to life by a remarkable ensemble of actors and artists whose dedication and energy elevated every moment. I am grateful for the positive energy everyone brought on this journey. The men who supported us stood as true allies at every step.
For too long, women’s stories have been seen as merely ‘personal’ rather than powerful. To see Two Steps recognized at the state level is profoundly significant. Receiving citations and a Women’s History Month proclamation from Governor Maura Healey, along with recognition from Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos through leaders like Robert Lancia, affirms that women’s voices matter — not only in private spaces, but in the halls of power.
I feel immense gratitude looking around this room. Every community member here strengthens this network through their work. And to those who set aside important commitments to be here today — your presence is not just attendance; it is solidarity. It ensures that stories like Two Steps are not whispered but heard.”
Director Nita Pednekar shared reflections on her journey into filmmaking:
“Directing Two Steps as my debut has been both a courageous step and a profound learning experience. The story demanded a delicate balance — respecting the script while allowing the actors’ instincts to shape the emotional flow. Every pause, glance, and subtle gesture carries weight, and listening closely to the performers was essential. Filmmaking for me became less about spectacle and more about trust, collaboration, and emotional truth.”
Writer Hemant M. Pandya added:
“From the very beginning, our intention was to prioritize emotional authenticity over dramatic excess. We wanted the audience to discover meaning through observation, reflection, and personal interpretation. The goal was to create a
space where every silence, pause, and subtle interaction conveys the depth of the characters’ internal worlds. Two Steps is a story that invites contemplation and empathy rather than dictating what to feel.”
Producer Seema Chaudhary reflected:
“Working alongside Aashita and Nita has been a beautiful experience. From production logistics to nurturing the emotional heart of the story, every step was guided by care, collaboration, and respect for the creative vision. Two Steps reminds us all that when women lead together, the result is artistry that resonates deeply and universally.”
The dialogue reinforced what many had already felt during the film: Two Steps is a story that invites audiences not simply to watch, but to feel, contemplate, and engage with the emotional truths that often remain unspoken.
🎭Premiere Reflections: Insights from Two Steps
The Ascend Jiva Media team—Geetanjali Virmani, along with Ashwani Virmani and Ramakrishnan Varadhan—took interviews at the premiere of Two Steps, capturing the emotional impact of the film on both VIPs and audience members.
Seema Chaudhary – Co-Producer & Actor
Seema Chaudhary, one of the producers, shared that this project is especially close to her heart as it continues her creative partnership with Hemant Pandya, allowing her to explore storytelling that is emotionally rich and deeply resonant. She emphasized that Two Steps is entirely women-led, from direction to production to performance, making the project particularly meaningful in celebrating women’s voices and experiences.
Seema praised the collaboration with Aashita Shekhar as co-producer, highlighting Aashita’s professionalism, vision, and the remarkable synergy of their teamwork, which she believes contributed to the film’s emotional authenticity. Reflecting on the premiere, Seema expressed both excitement and gratitude, noting how fulfilling it is to be part of a project that shines a light on women’s journeys, courage, and resilience.
Seema shared: “Being part of this project has been deeply fulfilling. From the first draft to the premiere, every step felt meaningful. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a story that not only entertains but also brings awareness to issues like relational bullying and emotional healing. I’m incredibly excited for the premiere and proud to be part of a project that celebrates women’s voices and experiences.”
Aashita Shekhar – Co-Producer & Actor
Aashita Shekhar described Two Steps as a deeply emotional and psychological exploration of bullying, memory, and female relationships, showing how subtle cruelty in youth can leave lasting scars that echo into adulthood. She explained that the film’s title symbolizes “one step into the past, where pain lives; one step toward awareness, growth, and reconciliation.”
She elaborated on the film’s core themes, highlighting the complex duality of female relationships—love and rivalry, empathy and envy, guilt and grace—often coexisting in silent tension. The “two-step” becomes a symbolic dance of confrontation and forgiveness, illustrating how unresolved childhood wounds can shape a person’s life.
Drawing from real experiences, Aashita shared that relational bullying—often dismissed as “friend drama”—affects nearly one-third of women and can have profound psychological consequences. She noted that unresolved trauma can escalate when mental health support is absent, and the film gently mirrors the dualities within all humans—grace and chaos, healing and hurt, compassion and, occasionally, pettiness.
She reflected: “Two Steps asks difficult questions: How do we reclaim our power after being hurt by those we once trusted? Can empathy emerge from deep betrayal? Is redemption possible for both victims and perpetrators? Living the character’s journey and shaping the film behind the scenes reinforced how even small steps can create powerful change.”
Aashita emphasized the collaborative experience, praising director Nita Pednekar, writer Hemant M. Pandya, and co-producer/co-actor Seema Chaudhary for their dedication. “Working together allowed us to approach these sensitive emotional themes with care and authenticity. Change doesn’t happen all at once—it often begins with just two small steps: one toward understanding, and the next toward healing.”
Nita Pednekar – Director
Nita Pednekar shared reflections on her journey into filmmaking, describing her debut as both a courageous step and a profound learning experience. She emphasized the importance of listening to the actors’ instincts and allowing the narrative to unfold organically, creating a film where authenticity guides every scene.
Hemant M. Pandya – Writer and Associate Director
Hemant Pandya discussed crafting a narrative that prioritizes emotional authenticity over dramatic excess. He explained that Two Steps encourages audiences to discover meaning through observation and reflection, focusing on the subtle echoes of childhood trauma that persist into adulthood.
Dr. Manju Sheth
Dr. Manju Sheth highlighted that the wounds of childhood run deep. She noted that while adults can process trauma mentally, children cannot, and these scars remain embedded. She praised the film for addressing this crucial topic and noted the significance of ending the narrative with forgiveness. She congratulated the team for presenting the film around Women’s International Day, calling it a wonderful and timely project.
Robert Lancia
Robert Lancia highlighted his anticipation to see the collaboration between the lead actresses, calling them both exceptional individually and “dynamite” together.
Nilesh Agrawal
Nilesh Agrawal shared that the movie felt close to his heart, particularly because of its focus on women. He emphasized that bullying is unacceptable and lauded the film for showing the importance of forgiveness in healing emotional wounds.
Anil Saigal
Anil Saigal, a college professor, remarked on how bullying persists even at the university level. He praised the film for conveying its concepts clearly and noted that every character demonstrates perspectives of the bullied, the bullies, and those who perpetuate bullying, offering essential lessons for students.
Kavita Chhibber
Kavita Chhibber reflected on the film’s themes of forgiveness and compassion. She observed that sometimes people become bullies, and sometimes they are victims, and emphasized the importance of empowering women and teaching future generations—especially sons—how to treat women with respect. She praised the performances and the relevance of the film’s message.
Patrick Jerome
Patrick Jerome appreciated the dedication and effort required to complete the project, describing the film as an exciting and artistic cinematic presentation.
Raj Gupta
Raj Gupta praised the professionalism and teamwork of Aashita and Seema, noting how much he enjoyed being part of the project and the transformative experience of the actors inhabiting their characters.
Raju Singla
Raju Singla emphasized the strong friendship and collaboration between Aashita and Seema. He commended the professionalism and preparation of the cast, noting the impressive way actors transformed into their characters.
Subrata Das
Subrata Das highlighted the emotional resonance of the story, noting how the film brings awareness to the long-term impact of bullying and unresolved childhood trauma.
Shova Sharma
Shova Sharma shared that the film’s portrayal of complex female relationships left a lasting impression, emphasizing empathy and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Rakesh Kavsari
Rakesh Kavsari reflected on the narrative’s impact, noting that the themes of courage, forgiveness, and reconciliation are universally relevant and provide important lessons for audiences of all ages.
Sangeet Srikanth
Sangeet Srikanth discussed the importance of anti-bullying education. He highlighted how Two Steps could complement school curricula, showing the long-term effects of unhealed childhood trauma and the value of early intervention for bullied children.
Kapila Agrawal
Kapila Agrawal praised the Boston filmmaking community and applauded the collaborative efforts of the cast and crew. She recognized the dedication required to perform on screen, particularly for untrained actors, and commended Seema and Aashita, as well as the director, for their heartfelt work.
Priya Samant
Priya Samant emphasized that the film addresses one of humanity’s critical issues: bullying at any stage of life. She lauded the filmmakers—Nita, Hemant, Aashita, and Seema—for handling the topic with care and expressed confidence that it would resonate with audiences worldwide.
Aarna Shekhar – Actor (Child Actor)
Aarna Shekhar shared that acting alongside her mother was a fun and rewarding experience. She noted the challenge of performing without dialogues, relying entirely on her actions and expressions.
Vernika Singh – Actor (Child Actor)
Vernika Singh expressed excitement about being part of the production. She emphasized her gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how such experiences are rare for children her age and how much she hopes to continue pursuing acting in the future.
🎬 A Powerful Ensemble Cast
The film’s emotional depth is elevated by a talented ensemble whose performances bring authenticity, nuance, and heart to the screen. The cast includes:
Seema Chaudhary, Aashita Shekhar, Vernika Singh, Aarna Shekhar, Rajeev Nohria, Abhishek Singh, Raj Gupta, Raju Singla, Cini Murali K, Lana Israel, Manish Dhall, Shilpi Alagh, Gopika Narula, Seema Arora, Lakshmi Puranik, Manisha Parwani, Abhishek Arora, Anirudh Doli, Eshani Shah, Kajal Kaushik, Priyanka Duggar, Sonali Khond, Arun Khond, and Ramya Kotagiri.
Many members of the ensemble also contributed behind the scenes, generously offering their time, insight, and creative support throughout the production journey, further enriching the final work.
Community and Institutional Support
The production and premiere of Two Steps were strengthened by the collaboration and encouragement of community partners and institutions. Special gratitude was extended to the City of Boston and the Boston Police Department, whose support played a crucial role in bringing key scenes of the story to life.
Their involvement reflects the spirit of collective effort that allowed the project to transition seamlessly from concept to screen.
Capturing the Moment
The premiere’s energy and emotion were thoughtfully preserved by the photographers and visual storytellers who documented the event with care and artistry. Their work captured not only the faces and movements of the day but also the connections, excitement, and celebratory atmosphere that surrounded the debut of Two Steps.
Special appreciation goes to Rama from KStudios, and photographers Sanjay Kudrimoti and Vasudha Kudrimoti from Fotu Duniya, whose keen eye for detail and sensitivity to the moment brought the experience vividly to life. From candid exchanges to heartfelt reactions following the screening, their photographs reflect the warmth and energy that defined the gathering.
Through this visual storytelling, the memories of this milestone premiere will continue to live on—preserving the joy, pride, and shared sense of accomplishment that marked the film’s first public showing.
A Moment of Gratitude
Reflecting on the premiere, producer and actor Aashita Shekhar shared her heartfelt appreciation for the creative community that brought the film to life:
"Playing Jo while also producing the film has been one of the most intimate and fulfilling experiences of my creative journey. The heartfelt responses, thoughtful questions, and emotional reflections from the audience reminded me why storytelling matters."
She also acknowledged the collaborative spirit behind the project—from Nita Pednekar’s sensitive direction, Seema Chaudhary’s production contributions, and Hemant Pandya’s layered writing to the dedication of the cast, crew, and supporters who believed in the vision of the film.
A Premiere That Became a Shared Experience
The premiere of Two Steps was more than a cinematic debut; it became a celebration of artistic courage, community engagement, and the power of women’s storytelling to illuminate emotional truths often left unspoken.
As the audience departed, many continued the conversations sparked by the film—proof that the story had achieved its purpose. Some stories do not end when the screen fades to black; they continue in reflection, dialogue, and the quiet steps forward that follow.
✨ When the screen lights up, Two Steps invites you into a world of resilience, memory, and untold courage. It honors the quiet strength of women and the moments that shape us, leaving an impression that stays long after the story ends.
Ascend Jiva Media, founded by the visionary Aashita Shekhar, is a soul-led platform where consciousness meets creativity. With a mission to inspire, uplift, and awaken, Ascend Jiva curates transformative content that enlightens, empowers, and elevates consciousness — through films, press features, reels, promotional videos, documentaries, and podcasts.
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