A QISSAA with Ishika

Welcome to the 11th episode of A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists.  My guest today is Ranjita Chakravarty, a renowned actor and director who also works as a Systems Auditor at Stanford University. Most recently, you may have seen her in Season 2 of Mindy Kaling’s Never Have I Ever on Netflix as Nirmala or Pati - Devi’s paternal grandmother. Ranji...

Welcome to the 10th episode of A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists. My name is Ishika Muchhal.   My guest today is Sheetal Sheth, a renowned actor, producer and author.  Sheetal graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. She has had an extensive career in TV and film, with credits including The World Unseen, I Can't Think Straight, Grin, Lo...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists!   I am so excited to introduce you to my guest today, Vijayalakshmi, a renowned Mohiniyattam dancer, choreographer, and artistic director. Her unique interpretation of the dance form resonates with contemporary universal relevance, destroying stereotypes to delve deeply into femininity and beyond. &n...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists!   My guest today is Tharini Shanmugarajah, a professional Bharatanatyam dancer, model, assistant artistic director, and make-up artist.  She has trained in the Kalakshetra style of Bharatanatyam under her mother and guru Smt. Kalyani Shanmugarajah, Sheejith Krishna of the Sahrdaya Foundation in...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists! My guest today is Ravi Rajan, musician, creative producer, and President of the California Institute of the Arts.  Mr. Rajan has served as Assistant Dean of Art+Design and Dean of the School of Arts at Purchase College. As Dean, his initiatives helped renovate the art and design facilities, strengthe...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists!  My guest today is Iram Parveen Bilal, a filmmaker, activist, and owner of the Parveen Shah Productions company. Raised in Nigeria and Pakistan, Iram has had a vast variety of artistic experiences and credits. She studied Environmental Science and Engineering at CalTech before making the shift into f...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists! I'm your host, Ishika Muchhal! My guest today is Behzad Dabu, an actor, writer, activist, and producer. Behzad has had an illustrious career on screen and stage, in LA, Chicago, and NY. He originated the role of 'Abe' in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, "Disgraced" which he performed at...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists! My guest today is Pragati Sharma,  an artist, curator, industrial designer, architect, AND art educator! Pragati mixes fine arts, calligraphy, mythology, architecture, and spirituality in her artwork!!  Born in India, Pragati Sharma has had the influence of many cultures and traditions. At a you...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists. I'm your host, Ishika Muchhal, and I'm an actor, singer, dancer, writer, and director.  A bit about my guest today: Raaginder Singh Momi is a violinist and music composer whose music, as you heard, blends Indian classical music with various contemporary musical styles like hip-hop, Punjabi folk, R&am...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika: Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists! My name is Ishika Muchhal, and I am an actor, singer, dancer, and storyteller.    My guest today is Aishveryaa Nidhi.  Aishveryaa has been a performer across three continents, working in  India, New Zealand, Australia, and the USA. In her illustrious career, she has performed in numerous films, television...

Welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika: Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists!  My name is Ishika Muchhal, and I am an actor, singer, dancer, and storyteller.  Website    Instagram    YouTube    Subscribe A bit about my guest, Arianna Afsar: Website singer, songwriter, storyteller played Eliza Hamilton in the Chicago cast of Hamilton starred i...

Hello and welcome to A QISSAA with Ishika, Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists! I'm your host, Ishika Muchhal! From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be a performer and artist, and I have always been inspired by the trailblazing South Asian artists who have challenged the norms and carved the path for themselves and others in the arts. They followed their hearts and stri...