“In Hindi, my name means star, so I always aim to shine bright. As an Anglo-Indian who was born and grew up in Dubai (as well as Australia), and has travelled to places across the world such as Singapore, Egypt, America, India, and Europe, I have always had an affinity for learning and appreciating culture. I also have interests in fine art, swimming, singing, chess and horse riding. I’ve been riding for about 12 years now, and used to compete in show jumping. I’m also a dog person – yay puppies!”
What did you choose to perform for the Spotlight Prize and why did you pick it?
I chose to write my own monologue called She Sees Through Me for screen because I wanted to show people that they’re not alone. I often find characters in plays have an abusive father but never an abusive mother, when it’s more common than not. It’s important to recognise that in order to protect people in those situations. I chose River on Fire by Rukhsana Ahmad for stage because I enjoyed the lightheartedness of something that could be so dark. The monologue is philosophical and educational without being forceful. It’s a potluck of cultures that shows how enchanting and contrasting each one can be without combining or confusing them. Instead, each one stands alone in their beauty.
What’s your dream role?
I enjoy watching romance, period pieces and fantasy action drama the most, and it would be a dream of mine to perform in any of those. I am also a big Marvel fan!
What kind of performer do you aspire to be?
I aspire to be an actor that inspires, educates others, and shows little kids that look like or come from a similar background as me that they can do it too!
What have you recently watched, read or listened to that inspired you?
I’ve recently been making a more conscious effort to watch shows on stage and screen that have my representation in them, and what a plethora I have found! Of All The Beautiful Things in The World at HOME Manchester Theatre was certainly one that influenced me to write She Sees Through Me, as it had similar themes throughout the play. I also recently read SparkPlug by David Judge, which has the same subject matter. Watching Life of Pi onstage through National Theatre Live for the first time was a privilege, and watching Indian Summers on All4 allowed me to see my culture on screen in a way I hadn’t before.