Payal Chawla embarked on a remarkable legal journey upon enrolling at the Campus Law Centre at Delhi University. She quickly distinguished herself by securing the top position in an all-India competition, which earned her the prestigious Rotary Scholarship. Her achievements continued as she secured the Russel Baker Fellowship and The International House of Chicago Grant, transforming her dreams into reality and paving her path to the esteemed Law School at the University of Chicago.
After completing her law degree, Payal returned to India and joined a renowned multinational company as in-house legal counsel. However, amidst her professional successes, her personal life faced significant challenges. In 1999, she experienced the joy of pregnancy, but this happiness was overshadowed by systemic discrimination in her workplace and the further deterioration of her marriage. As a young pregnant woman, she encountered the harsh realities of discrimination and harassment that often plague women, who may struggle to recognize or confront these injustices.
Despite the lack of support from her spouse, Payal received unwavering encouragement from her parents and brother, which proved vital during this tumultuous period. This juncture marked the beginning of a two-decade saga filled with challenges, leading her to confront the deep-seated issues of gender discrimination head-on. Choosing not to remain silent, she decided to advocate for herself through legal avenues, taking her fight directly to the apex court.
In May 2013, she founded JusContractus, India’s first all-women law firm, dedicated to the empowerment, training, and advancement of women lawyers in the historically male-dominated field of commercial law. As a first-generation woman lawyer with limited resources, establishing this firm was no small feat. Payal attributes the firm’s success to her unwavering faith and indomitable spirit. JusContractus gained rapid recognition and received numerous accolades, highlighting its commitment to both commercial law and women’s rights.
In 2015, Forbes India recognized Payal among the “The Mind that Matters”, and in 2019, her firm was featured by Pulitzer nominee photographer Lynn Johnson of National Geographic, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Suffrage Movement. Payal’s epic battle against corporate giants has inspired many, as she continues to write about legal matters and speak on relevant issues. Humorously, she refers to herself as the “writing counsel,” leaving a lasting legacy that echoes the profound words of President Barack Obama: “Our destiny is not written for us, but by us.”
Ajay Chitnis, propelled by his passion for storytelling, captured Payal’s journey not in paint but on celluloid. With a modest and industrious nature, Ajay has produced and directed over 100 biopics, demonstrating a keen sensitivity to human experiences. He adeptly tackles paradoxes and sensitive subjects like gender bias, delivering a poignant narrative that resonates with audiences.
The film, inspired by Payal’s life, has received more than 25 awards both in India and abroad, and has been screened at various embassies and women’s platforms. Recently, a creative feature of Payal and Ajay was showcased on a billboard in Times Square, New York, celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8.
Payal Chawla’s journey not only exemplifies resilience but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere, encouraging them to face challenges and change the narrative surrounding gender in society.
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