Pavithra shares a deeply personal story of growing up with hardship, family conflict, and constant rejection, and how she used those experiences to build unshakable self-belief. From being stopped from dancing as a child, to secretly performing in competitions, to working her way onto national television; her journey is marked by determination, setbacks, and resilience. She opens up about being thrown out of her home for choosing cinema, surviving without food, and rebuilding her life after a face injury left her with 27 fractures. Despite multiple surgeries, heartbreaks, and losing both her parents, she never gave up on herself or her dream of becoming an actor. This talk is a raw and honest look at what it means to keep going when everything falls apart. Pavithra speaks about self-worth, the power of blind faith, and why no one is bigger or smaller than you in life. Her story is a reminder that even when you have no support, no money, and no guarantees, choosing yourself - every single day - is the most powerful thing you can do. Pavithra Lakshmi is a multifaceted talent in the South Indian film industry, renowned for her versatility as a dancer, model, lyricist, and actress. Notably, she set a Guinness World Record for the Largest Ames Room Illusion on Maanada Mayilada.In 2015, she made a successful transition to modeling, earning titles like "Miss Perfect Smile – Face of Chennai" and "Queen of Madras 2016." Pavithra has appeared in over 50 short films.Her impressive performance in the Malayalam film Ullasam further established her as a rising star. Her journey reflects her dedication and passion for the arts, and she continues to inspire audiences with her relatable characters while sharing valuable insights on storytelling and women's representation in the evolving landscape of Indian cinema. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx