Rashmi Kotriwala


Rashmi Kotriwala, a sensitive and empathetic individual, is a multi-faceted artist; at home with various forms of art — literary, visual and performing.


While growing up in culture-rich Kolkata, she explored and enjoyed poetry writing, painting, classical Hindustani music, folk dance, etc. Her talent was recognized by varied organizations in the form of awards and felicitations. Till date, she has written over a thousand poems, one of which has recently been set to music. She is working on publishing her poems and other writings in the near future.


As a young woman, her sensitivity drew her to teaching in the Montessori system – a profession where her artistic ability found encouragement to flourish. Working with children allowed Rashmi to develop an in-depth understanding of the child mind.


Having moved to Dubai and having taken a gap to raise her own children, Rashmi discovered the exciting world of community theatre in the city which was now her home. She joined Backstage, a leading theatre group, where she got opportunities not only to act but also to learn the techniques and nuances of production and direction. This accidental tryst with theatre was to become the turning point of her artistic life. Theatre became the driving passion of Rashmi’s life.


The stage was set (pun intended!) to her directing award-winning plays and producing successful shows in the UAE, Qatar& India. Combining her multiple roles as performer, director and sole producer, Rashmi has over 200 show nights under her belt.


Her success in these roles encouraged her to establish herself as a creative entrepreneur. With like-minded partners, she designed and set up The Junction, fulfilling a pressing need for a purpose built venue for performing arts in Dubai.


Rashmi’s latest endeavour EnAct was founded in 2019 to develop, nurture and showcase creativity in the performing arts. Under this banner, she also teaches Drama to children and adults, training them for, the Trinity examinations.



Repertoire and Awards:


Actor


  • Yaar Julahe
  • Still Dancing
  • Mum Had Said
  • Sam’s Friend
  • The Pink Ribbon
  • Jasma Odhan
  • Tashon Ka Desh
  • Do Patan Ke Beech
  • Bhor Ke Raahi
  • Is RaatKa Ant Nahi
  • Kathputliyan’ and ‘MakeAWish’ (short films)

Director


  • Beemar’ by Manto
  • Andhon Ka Haathi
  • He Said and She Said
  • Perfect Stillness – Winner of Short +Sweet Dubai, 2013
  • Compos Mentis
  • 12 Angry Jurors
  • Last Drinks – Top 5 plays of Short +Sweet Dubai, 2014
  • Screams and Whispers– Winner of the Judges’ Choice award in Short +Sweet, Kolkata

Assistant Director


  • The Mouse that Roared

Producer


  • Kaumudi in the event Ek Shaam Manto ke Naam

Prop Designer


  • 39 Steps
  • Dracula
  • And Then There Were None

Costume Designer


  • Ashadh Ka Ek Din

Others


  • Festival Director of Queens of Drama, 2017
  • Regional qualifier – World Monologue Games, 2020
  • Penned over 100 poems in Hindi and English languages
  • Organized the Art of Storytelling workshop by Roshan Abbas
  • Organized Stand-up Comedy Shows by Amit Tandon, Jeeveshu Ahluwalia, Atul Khatri, Vipul Goyal, Manan Desai and others

Awards Received:


  • Outstanding Young Persons Award by NC Junior Chamber, 1997
  • Best Play Judges’ Choice,Short+Sweet 2013, Dubai
  • Best Play People’s Choice, Short+Sweet, 2013, Dubai
  • Best Director Short play, Backstage, 2013, Dubai
  • Best Supporting Actress, Backstage, 2015, Dubai
  • Best Play Judges Choice, Short+Sweet, 2017, Kolkata