From Dubai Dreams to New York Stages: Anuka’s Journey

Discovering Her Passion

At the tender age of 15, Anuka realized she didn’t want a traditional career. Instead, she envisioned a life on stage. “I decided that I wanted to be an actor, and I went full force,” she recalls. In her pursuit of success, she set her sights on one of the most prestigious acting programs globally—that of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Having graduated from Jumeirah English Speaking School in Arabian Ranches, Dubai, Anuka achieved her dream and gained admission to Tisch. “I spent my full four years in college there. It was really amazing, especially because I was always a shy kid and I never thought that I stood a chance among those loud theatre kids,” she shares. Yet, to her surprise, she fit right in.

Influential Mentorship in Dubai

Anuka credits her drama teachers at JESS for fostering her interest in acting. “My drama teachers were amazing because they really encouraged me. They saw my passion and kept that fire alive,” she asserts. However, her journey in the world of theatre wasn’t without challenges.

“I never got a main role in school productions. Honestly, I didn’t even think I was really that good. There were always students who had been acting from a young age and consistently stole the spotlight,” she admits. This led her to question pursuing acting as a career, particularly growing up in a South Asian culture where stable career paths like medicine and engineering are often prioritized.

Despite societal pressures, Anuka’s parents were incredibly supportive of her ambitions. “They understood my interests in science and psychology, but they knew those fields didn’t ignite my passion,” she explains.

Bridging Cultures: From Dubai to New York

Based now in New York City, Anuka has immersed herself in a diverse artistic landscape, working across theatre, film, and television. Currently, she stars in an adaptation of The Thousand and One Nights at the renowned La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club—an establishment celebrated for showcasing innovative artists.

“This adaptation features multiple languages, including Arabic, Hindi, Spanish, and Farsi. We all get to share our cultures,” Anuka details, reflecting the production’s commitment to diversity. The show has garnered immense popularity, selling out all eight performances.

“It celebrates diversity… it’s very political. It’s a call to action against colonialism. We’re fortunate to tell these stories,” she adds.

Drawing parallels between Dubai and New York, Anuka emphasizes their shared nature as cultural melting pots. “Dubai and New York are so similar. Being Indian surrounded by French and Arab friends has taught me the value of cultural exchange,” she comments.

While recognizing that Dubai doesn’t yet boast a theatre scene as expansive as Broadway, she highlights the value of community theatre. “We may lack big theatres, but community theatre can thrive, especially since kids from all over the world live in Dubai.”

Breaking Stereotypes

One significant challenge Anuka confronts in her career is the tendency for others to pigeonhole her based on her identity. “People often try to define what it means to be Indian or South Asian. I resist that,” she states. For her, prominent figures like Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra Jonas are beacons of hope, embodying the potential for South Asians to shine on global platforms.

“Seeing South Asian talent on major stages is life-changing. But I believe we need more substantial roles than what Hollywood generally offers,” she emphasizes, arguing that representation must go beyond mere visibility.

Embracing Creative Storytelling

Recently, Anuka starred in a short film titled The Beasts We Carry, a gripping narrative about a girl who sees people’s true selves manifested. The story unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11 and serves as a commentary on racism.

“It started as a boy’s role, but after auditioning, the creative team rewrote it for me. That was a significant change,” she notes. She recognizes the importance of continuous auditioning, stating, “The more auditions you participate in, the greater your chances of succeeding.”

Advice for Young Dreamers

Reflecting on her journey, Anuka is grateful for her parents’ unwavering support. “They’ve always been my biggest fans. When I presented them with my dream, they embraced it wholeheartedly, no matter the risks,” she reveals.

For Indian parents wrestling with unconventional choices for their children, her advice is straightforward: “If this is what makes your kid happy, they need to pursue it.”

The Global Stage Awaits

Anuka’s journey from a Dubai classroom to stages across New York serves as an inspiration for countless aspiring artists. Currently working as an Artist in Residence at Live & In Color, she is also developing new projects with Clubbed Thumb.

“I want kids from Dubai to understand: you can achieve your dreams. The world is vast, whether you stay and enrich the local art scene or venture abroad,” she concludes, embodying the spirit of artistic exploration and cultural exchange.