We recently connected with Raj Bhattacharyya and have shared our conversation below.

Raj, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I have been fortunate to direct and produce many theater shows over the past three decades, and each one holds a special place in my heart, allowing me to grow as both a creative and an enabler. However, if I had to choose one project that stands out as the most meaningful, it would be founding DFW Play—a home for Indian theater in North Texas—and the journey of making it sustainable.

DFW Play was born out of a deep desire to build a vibrant artists’ community locally while preserving and advancing the rich tradition of Bengali theater through enlightening entertainment. Our first production, ‘Dream On,’ told the story of a struggling immigrant artist from Kolkata trying to make it in New York City. Premiering at the 2015 North America Bengali Convention in Houston, the play was a resounding success, with the cast and crew experiencing the exhilarating thrill of receiving a standing ovation from an audience of a thousand.
From that moment on, we knew we were onto something powerful. We continued to stage productions year after year, and soon, DFW Play became a platform that amplified the voices of South Asians, providing a creative space and thriving ecosystem for artists who had previously been without one.

As we grew, I recognized a significant gap: our younger generation often lacked the opportunity to experience the nuances of Indian culture, while we, as immigrants, sometimes struggled to understand the social challenges, identity concerns, and issues faced by our teens. In response, I initiated a youth theater within DFW Play, using a devised theater style to bring their feelings, opinions, and narratives to the forefront. Over the past seven years, it has been incredibly rewarding to watch many kids go through the program and see many of them now excelling in higher education.

This project is deeply meaningful to me because it has not only allowed me to preserve and progress our rich culture but also to empower and connect with different generations within our community, creating a lasting impact both on stage and off.

Raj, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

To start with, I am a product strategist at a global firm with a background in engineering and management. However, my true passion has always been the craft of theater, a love that has been with me since my school days. As an introvert, theater provided me with a unique outlet to explore characters and human interactions in depth, allowing me to connect with the world in a way that felt natural.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in diverse environments, from thriving startups to Fortune 500 companies. Yet, despite the demands of my professional life, my passion for arts and culture remained constant, guiding me through life’s challenges. This dedication led me to co-found two non-profit arts organizations in the nineties, including the Mid America Bengali Association, which has been hosting the well-known Bangamela event for the past 25 years.

After moving to Texas from the Midwest, I felt inspired to push my creative boundaries even further, leading to the founding of DFW Play, a 501(c)(3) organization. DFW Play quickly became a platform not only for celebrating theater culture but also for inspiring others to embrace their roots and reignite their passion for the performing arts. Our work spans a wide range of productions—from adapting ancient ballads from rural Bengal to creating original works, such as a biopic on a legendary Bollywood music director, and exploring genres like historical thrillers, contemporary dramas, social justice, docu-play, and Tagore dance dramas.

Since our early days, we have lived by our credo, ‘acts that matter,’ recognizing that we operate at the intersection of arts, community, and social issues. We believe in the power of storytelling through performance to bring people together. By highlighting human conditions through theater, we also aim to connect our audience’s compassion to the causes we care deeply about.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist and creative is witnessing the profound impact that theater can have on people’s lives. One of the greatest joys has been working with the youth in our theater program. Watching them grow, not just as performers but as individuals, has been incredibly fulfilling. Through theater education, they delve into the nuances of their cultural roots, building a deep sense of community and connection. It’s inspiring to see them gain confidence and develop a strong sense of identity as they explore complex themes and emotions on stage.

Equally rewarding is seeing how the community theater provides an oasis for hardworking immigrants who may feel trapped in their daily routines or burdened by the mundane aspects of life. When they step into our world of storytelling, they find an escape—a place where they can immerse themselves in creativity, explore new perspectives, and rediscover their passion for the arts. It’s a reminder that, even amidst the demands of everyday life, there’s always room for creativity and self-expression.

Finally, knowing that our productions can positively influence and motivate others is incredibly gratifying. Whether it’s someone finding a new perspective, feeling inspired to pursue their own creative passions, or simply being moved by the stories we tell, the knowledge that we are making a difference in people’s lives is what keeps me driven as an artist.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Supporting artists goes beyond simply liking posts or sending ‘best wishes’ on social media. While those gestures are appreciated, what truly motivates us is when people show up—come to our performances, actively engage with our work, and encourage us with their presence. There’s nothing quite like a live audience to remind us why we do what we do.

Another way society can support artists is by offering feedback and getting involved. Tell us what resonates with you, what you’d like to see more of, and if you feel inclined, join us in the creative process. Your participation can help us grow and improve, making our work even more impactful.

Lastly, sustainability is key. Helping to spread the word about our work, bringing others into the fold, and contributing when possible, whether through donations or other forms of support, ensures that we can continue to create and share our art with the community. Artists thrive when they know their work is valued, and your support can make all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dfwplay.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dfw.play
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dfwplay
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dfwplay2015