A rare feat for a South Asian in a lead role in a prestigious theatre production in London

Chaya Gupta is an experienced stage, screen and audio actor who recently graduated with an MFA in Professional Acting from LAMDA, one of the top drama schools in the world. Prior to this, she completed an MA in Music with First Class Honours from the University of Glasgow. She is a confident drummer, with skills in piano, guitar and sound design. Since graduating, she worked as an actor-musician in ‘We’ll Have Nun of It’ at the Underbelly Cowgate venue during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She has begun working in a lead role in an exciting theatre production in London, which is to be announced. Chaya hopes to create more stories with accurate contemporary representation of British/South Asian women, as well as uncovering stories from our history.Speaking to Asian Voice, Chaya said, "I was very fortunate growing up that my parents encouraged creativity and extra-curricular music and drama lessons, so I was able to discover my love for it very young. I spent most of my lunchtimes in the music department at school, either creating with my friends or playing in the school bands and orchestras, and most of my weekends participating in drama, dance and singing classes. Through all the major changes in my life (finishing GCSE, sixth form, moving out and through university) I found that my love and search for the creative world never phased. I had a clear vision in mind for my future and it has driven me to work and strive for the achievements I’ve had so far, for where I plan to go next, and most importantly has kept me persevering. I’m very grateful to have had this clarity from a young age. It has just shown me that it is possible to achieve whatever you set your mind to, you just have to be brave enough to allow yourself to see it and go for it! Furthermore, on my journey so far I have learnt so much about the importance of creativity and storytelling in understanding our world, ourselves and those around us, and I hope to continue on this path so I can share that wonder and importance."