Kajal Shiller '25
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Kajal Shiller ‘25
Tags: Writer, Filmmaker, Cross-Cultural Storytelling, Scriptwriting, Dramedy
Me in 50 words or less: Recent Princeton graduate exploring a career in dramedy screenwriting. Interested in developing projects that combine wit and vulnerability, and eager to connect with fellow writers, creators, and collaborators.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Department: Psychology
Certificate(s): Statistics and Machine Learning
Bio
I graduated from Princeton in May 2025 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Statistics and Machine Learning, but my creative path lies in storytelling. As a transnational and transracial adoptee from India, raised in a family that is both Jewish and Christian, I’ve grown up navigating intersecting cultures and identities. These experiences have given me a unique perspective on family, belonging, and the quirks of human connection.
I am especially drawn to dramedy as a form; stories that balance humor with emotional truth. My passion is exploring the absurdities and poignancy of cross-cultural identity, and using comedy to illuminate the complexities of family, identity, and the search for belonging. Although I am just beginning my journey as a scriptwriter, I am eager to develop work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, highlighting the ways laughter can bridge differences and spark conversations about the human experience.
I’m excited to grow as a writer and to connect with fellow Princeton arts alumni who are also using their creative practice to make sense of the world. Storytelling, to me, is not just a craft but also a community endeavour, and I look forward to contributing my own perspective while learning from the artistry of others.
Artist Statement
I am an emerging writer drawn to stories that live in the space between humor and heartbreak. My practice focuses on dramedy scriptwriting, where I use comedy not to escape difficulty, but to approach it with honesty, warmth, and perspective.
As a transnational and transracial adoptee from India, raised in a family that is both Jewish and Christian, I have long navigated questions of identity, belonging, and cultural hybridity. These lived experiences ground my artistic voice and inspire me to explore the absurdities and poignancy of family, identity, and human connection.
I believe laughter has the power to bridge differences, soften difficult truths, and create space for empathy. My goal is to write stories that reflect the complexity of lived experience; works that invite audiences to recognise themselves in unfamiliar circumstances and find humour in the contradictions of being human. Although I am early in my journey, I approach this work with curiosity, sincerity, and deep excitement to continue growing as a storyteller.
Featured Project(s) and Video(s)
I am developing a dramedy script that explores cross-cultural identity and family dynamics, inspired by my experience as a transnational and transracial adoptee. The project seeks to use humor to illuminate the absurdities and poignancy of belonging, identity, and human connection.
I dream of one day pitching this project to Kaling International, as I deeply admire the way Mindy Kaling’s work blends sharp comedy with cultural and personal themes. For now, I am seeking collaborators and mentors to help shape next steps, workshop ideas, and identify resources for moving from concept to script. I would especially value connecting with writers, producers, and artists with experience in storytelling that balances humor with emotional depth.
I’d like to share my expertise with:
Alumni
Students