Where I Belong started as a personal journey of reconnection. Growing up, I often rejected my South Asian heritage to blend in, only to watch the same culture later become popularised — often without the depth or lived experience behind it.

This shift made me want to reclaim my roots on my own terms. Through photography, I began creating a love letter to South Asian identity, fashion, and diaspora stories — capturing the colours, textures, and traditions I once overlooked, and celebrating the people who live this culture daily.

When the exhibition opened, it became more than a display of images — it was a space for recognition and connection. Guests shared their own memories (one was inspired by my parandi), and many told me they finally felt seen, (especially after seeing the fashion show). For me, it was a full-circle moment: from hiding my roots to standing proudly in them, surrounded by others who understood why it mattered.

On that day, in that room, it was clear: Where I Belong isn’t just about me finding my place. It’s about all of us reclaiming the stories that have always been ours.