Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rupaalii Sonwani. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rupaalii, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Absolutely! Earning a full-time living from my creative work has been a remarkable journey, shaped by perseverance and a commitment to continuous growth.

I started my career in theater in India, immersing myself in various roles that honed my craft. Each performance was a stepping stone, building my skills and confidence. When I moved to New York for further training, I embraced the opportunity to learn from the best. This blend of practical experience and education laid the foundation for my career.

One of the pivotal moments was my role as Kasturba in Kasturba vs. Gandhi, which I also directed. This project showcased my acting skills and my ability to lead and bring a vision to life. The success of those 12 off-Broadway shows helped me establish a reputation in the industry.

More recently, performing at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre in productions like The Owl and the Pussycat and Angels in America has further solidified my standing. My portrayal of Doris in The Owl and the Pussycat earned me a place in the Hall of Fame at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, a significant honor that reflects my hard work and dedication.

In addition to acting, I’ve embraced teaching, sharing my passion and insights with aspiring actors. This not only provides a stable income but also enriches my own understanding of the craft.

I’ve also had the opportunity to shine in the film industry with lead roles in two award-winning short films. In Vamos Carajo, I portrayed a determined woman striving to achieve her weight loss goals, earning accolades for Best Editing and Best Smartphone Film at the Lee Strasberg Film Festival in Los Angeles. In the cleverly crafted Abs by Chance, directed by Aabir Vyas, I played a fitness mentor on a mission to transform a young man into the embodiment of physical excellence, garnering nominations for Best Directing, Best Screenplay, and Best Comedy at the same festival.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that authenticity in my work and a willingness to diversify my skills have been crucial. The connections I’ve made have opened doors to opportunities across both theater and film. Ultimately, my journey has been about persistence, passion, and embracing challenges, all of which have allowed me to turn my love for the arts into a fulfilling career.

Rupaalii, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Certainly! My name is Rupaalii Sonwani, and I’m an actor, director, writer, and acting teacher. My journey into the creative arts began with a deep love for storytelling and a passion for expressing the human experience through performance. I started my career in theater in India, where I spent five years performing in various productions, honing my craft, and learning from some of the best directors. After moving to the U.S., I furthered my training at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York, which truly shaped me as an actor.

As a creative, I wear multiple hats. I provide performances in theater and film, direct stage productions, and also teach acting. I’m most proud of the work I’ve done in off-Broadway theater, especially my role in and direction of the play “Kasturba vs. Gandhi,” which had a successful run in New York. I’ve also had the opportunity to create and star in my own short films and am currently directing a new project titled *A Light in the Shadows*.

In addition to acting and directing, I teach acting and improv, sharing the techniques that have shaped my journey with students who are just starting or looking to deepen their craft. What sets me apart is my diverse background—I’ve worked in both Indian and American theater and film industries, which gives me a broad perspective and a unique approach to storytelling.

The problems I aim to solve for my clients—whether they are producers, directors, or students—lie in helping them bring authenticity and depth to the characters and stories we are working on together. As a teacher, I strive to guide my students in finding their true voices and navigating the emotional and technical challenges of acting.

The thing I’m most proud of is being able to build my career from the ground up while staying true to my artistic vision. My goal is always to create meaningful, thought-provoking work that resonates with audiences, while also nurturing the next generation of actors through teaching. I want potential clients and collaborators to know that my work is rooted in a passion for storytelling and a deep commitment to my craft. My production company, Geetaa Productions, is an extension of that mission, as it aims to bring impactful stories to life through film and theater.

Ultimately, what I hope to convey through my work is a dedication to authenticity, whether it’s in a character I’m portraying, a story I’m directing, or a student I’m mentoring.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that stands out from my journey, which truly illustrates resilience, is when I was directing and acting in the off-Broadway play *Kasturba vs. Gandhi* in New York. It was a project that meant a great deal to me, but like most creative endeavors, it came with its share of challenges.

We faced countless obstacles—budget constraints, tight timelines, and unexpected setbacks with the venue. At one point, it felt like everything was against us, and I started to question whether we could pull it off. On top of managing these production issues, I was also stepping into the role of Kasturba, a character with immense depth and significance. Balancing both directing and acting felt overwhelming at times.

But, rather than let those challenges discourage me, I leaned into the struggle. I reminded myself of why I started this journey in the first place and took things one step at a time. My cast and crew were incredibly supportive, and together, we pushed through late-night rehearsals and problem-solving to make the play happen.

In addition to theater, my journey into filmmaking also provided valuable lessons in resilience. One of my short films, *Vamos Carajo*, earned accolades for Best Editing and Best Smartphone Film at the Lee Strasberg Film Festival in Los Angeles. The project had its own hurdles, from limited resources to the technical challenges of shooting with a smartphone, but once again, perseverance paid off. Similarly, another project, *Abs by Chance*, was created in just five days and directed by Aabir Vyas. It was selected and nominated for Best Directing, Best Screenplay, and Best Comedy at the Lee Strasberg Film Festival.

Both the stage and the screen have tested my resilience, but each time, I’ve learned that challenges are part of the process. These experiences taught me that if you stay focused and keep pushing forward, even when things feel impossible, the results are worth it. Resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s about staying connected to your passion and vision no matter what comes your way.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

To truly support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to embrace the value that creativity brings to every aspect of life. The arts aren’t just entertainment—they shape culture, challenge perspectives, and inspire innovation across industries. To create an environment where artists can truly flourish, a few exciting steps could be taken:

1. **Funding and Accessible Opportunities**: One of the most impactful ways society can support creatives is through dedicated funding for artistic projects. Imagine a world where artists don’t have to struggle for resources or rely on side jobs just to make ends meet. Grants, scholarships, and artist-in-residence programs could be expanded, allowing creatives to focus on their work full-time, unleashing their true potential.

2. **Art in Education**: Art should be at the core of our education systems. If we cultivate creativity from a young age, we nurture future generations of thinkers and innovators. Schools and universities could offer more opportunities for students to experiment with various forms of expression—whether through visual arts, theater, film, music, or dance.

3. **Public Art Spaces and Festivals**: Imagine cities transformed into living canvases, where public spaces are dedicated to installations, performances, and interactive experiences. Art should be woven into the fabric of daily life, not just confined to museums or galleries. Festivals that celebrate both emerging and established talent could create vibrant communities of collaboration and inspiration.

4. **A New Era of Digital Platforms**: With the rise of technology, we could develop innovative digital platforms that connect artists with global audiences, funders, and collaborators. These platforms could make it easier for creatives to share their work, gain visibility, and receive support without gatekeepers standing in their way.

5. **Mental and Emotional Support for Artists**: The creative process can be emotionally intense, and mental health is crucial for long-term success. Society could foster networks that provide emotional and psychological support to artists, ensuring they are cared for as whole individuals, not just as producers of content.

By nurturing creativity at every level—through education, funding, access to spaces, and emotional support—we could build a future where art isn’t just an afterthought, but a driving force that shapes how we think, feel, and innovate. The exciting part? A thriving creative ecosystem means a society that’s more connected, empathetic, and alive with possibilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://rupaaliisonwani.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rupaaliisonwani/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rupaaliisonwani/