I'm a Finalist for The Bechdel Project's Roo Residency

The ROO Residency is a one-year residency that will support the creation of new work for the stage or screen. In this inaugural year, the focus will be on scripts that illuminate or bring forward untold stories from history that center on women. The residency is open to feminist writers (of any intersection) who are looking for support to create or develop a new work based on women from history or a historical event with a feminist lens.

The residency will be largely directed by the writer themselves and, as such, will be the most beneficial to writers who understand their process and what works best for them, but early-career writers are also encouraged to apply. They will have access to the Bechdel Project spaces in Greenpoint Brooklyn (unceded Lenape lands) for writing, workshops, and readings. They will also have access to the Bechdel Project staff, who will provide support in any additional ways they can, from feedback to networking and producing.

With over 50 years of combined experience in arts management, advocacy, and the creation of new work, Bechdel Project is ready to move nimbly to deliver a unique blend of art, activism, and education.

FINALIST FOR MIRANDA THEATRE COMPANY

I am 1 of 21 finalists in consideration for a workshop grant from Miranda Theatre Company, a New-York based institution. Founded in 1989, MTC has developed and presented over 30 NY and world premiere of plays by writers that include Adam Bock, Cusi Cram, Jeff Daniels, Bronwen Denton Davis, Israel Horovitz, Laurel Ollstein, Adam Seidel and Emily Whitesell. MTC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development and production of new plays that offer hope, while they explore the challenges that face us both as individuals and as members of the global community.

Unlock Her Potential Announces Its 2022 Mentee Class

I’m delighted to share that I’m a 2022 mentee of the Unlock Her Potential initiative. Created by Sophia Chang, this mentorship program selects 100 mentees from thousands of applicants nationwide to pair with established artists across various industries. My mentor, Liz Brixius, is the creator of Showtime’s Nurse Jackie, one of my all-time favorite shows.

Period Piece Hits NYC (and the World)!!!

I’m delighted to be one of 36 playwrights commissioned to write for Period Piece, a series aimed at destigmatizing menstrual cycles. A portion of the proceeds from Period Piece will benefit I Support the Girls, an international organization providing period products and bras to those in need.

“More than half of the people in the world experience periods, yet they’re still taboo to talk about,” Tony Award-winning producer Tracey Knight Narang said. “Not only are these stories funny, heartbreaking, and eye opening, but they’ll also help to destigmatize menstruation.”

Performers, ranging from Tony Award winners and nominees to film and television stars, include Mandy Moore, Jessica Hecht and Agneeta Thacker.

Each performance will stream April 12, April 19, and April 26 at 8 pm ET. For more information and ticketing, visit PeriodPiecePlay.com.

I'm a 2021 Salon Fellow!

I’m delighted to share that I’m a member of the inaugural class of the Salon XYZ Program. Established by noteworthy South Asian artists and executives (Reena Singh, Rishi Rajani, Bash Naran, Nik Dodani, Vinny Chhibber), the Program seeks to bolster South Asian visibility in front of and behind the camera. The year-long program offer a mentor, panels and networking opportunities. The 23 fellows were selected from 850 applications. 

Mentors include an impressive list of actors, writers, directors and execs of South Asian descent: Sara Rastogi (VP, Issa Rae Productions), Nirokhi Raychaudhuri (Manager, Netflix), Nick Krishnamurthy (VP, Esmail Corp.), Anu Valia (Writer/Director, Never Have I Ever, Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens), Punam Patel (Actress, Special), Sim Hothi (Manager, Three Six Zero), Sanjay Shah (EP, Central Park), Simran Baidwan (Co-Executive Producer, Manifest), Meera Menon (Writer/Director, Farah Goes Bang), Manish Dayal (Actor, The Resident), Melanie Chandra (Actress, Code Black), Sri Rao (Writer/Director, The Actress) and Aneesh Chaganty (Writer/Director, Searching).

The Salon was formed in 2019 and served as a forum for South Asian artists and executives in the entertainment industry. The group hosted networking events and facilitated meetings. The Salon is looking to launch a development program to grant funding to narrative films by South Asian filmmakers the U.S. For full details on the mentorship program visit thesalon.xyz/mentorship.

 

I'm a 2021 Cimientos Fellow with IATI Theater

I’m delighted to be one of 10 playwrights selected from around the world to participate in this NYC-based theater’s development program. The program is a six-month workshop which culminates in a performance at their theater in June 2021. The 2021 Cimientos will have two phases: 1. Weekly workshop meetings for each playwright to discuss his/her/their play. 2. Staged reading of each playwright’s play with professional directors and actors. A talkback will follow each reading.