IAS officer Ashwani Kumar makes acting debut in ‘Devyani’

2010-batch IAS officer Ashwani Kumar has made his acting debut in the film 'Devyani', which explores a father-daughter bond and addresses women's safety, dignity and empowerment. Kumar, currently Assam's IT Secretary and DITEC Director, says the move is an extension of his public service, not a pursuit of celebrity.

"Government can build institutions, create programmes, and change rules, but how do you change deep-seated societal attitudes?" he asked, according to Hindustan Times and Assam Tribune. He believes stories can influence personal attitudes where policy alone cannot. His character connects with themes of empathy, dignity and empowerment that have shaped his administrative career. The film challenges traditional perceptions of women's strength within households.

Kumar urged audiences to watch with an open mind, hoping it would change even one family's view of daughters and women's strength. "The medium is different. The mission remains service," he said.