Rajniesh Duggal, best known for his roles in 1920, Inspector Avinash, and as the winner of Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 5, is making headlines once again—but this time, for his work behind the camera. Fresh off his performance in the Indo-Nigerian Netflix series Postcards (2024), the actor is now turning filmmaker with a deeply personal and socially driven project.
“I always knew that when I began making films, my first would be one that gives back to society,” Rajniesh shares. That film is Fragile, a poignant short focused on Fragile X syndrome—a rare, hereditary genetic condition with no known cure, and shockingly low public awareness. “Only 2–3% of people in India have even heard of it,” he says. “It’s not a disease—it’s a condition a child is born with, and only therapies can help improve quality of life.”
Rajniesh has been associated with the Fragile X Society of India since 2019, and Fragile is a collaborative effort between him, co-creator Anand Pachigar, and the society’s founder, Mrs. Shalini Kedia, who has spent over 23 years supporting more than 12 lakh families affected by the condition.
Featuring veteran actors Govind Namdev and Amruta Khanvilkar, the film was created with a clear mission: to spread awareness. And it’s already making an impact. “I feel honoured that Fragile is being screened on opening night at the Ami Corti International Film Festival in Italy on June 23,” Rajniesh beams. “This festival celebrates indie and short films, and I’m proud to represent a cause so close to my heart.”
Duggal is no stranger to the international stage—he’s also served on the jury of the Italian Integration Film Festival for three consecutive years, a platform that highlights stories of cultural diversity and unity.
Speaking about Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, Rajniesh adds, “What Aamir sir has done is incredible—highlighting children with Down syndrome, Fragile X, and autism. Films like these bring much-needed awareness. I’d love to be part of such stories in the future.”
With Fragile, Rajniesh Duggal proves that cinema can be a powerful tool for change—one story at a time.
