With over four decades of experience teaching Drama and Theatre at Kirori Mal College, Keval Arora has shaped generations of young theatre practitioners. As Faculty Advisor to THE PLAYERS, he has championed theatre as a space for inquiry, creativity, and performance guiding students in both critical engagement and stagecraft.

He has curated the Old World Collegiate Theatre Festival since 2003, and has served on the jury for leading institutions including the National Film Awards, Hindu MetroPlus Original Script Awards, Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards, and Sanhita Manch Script Awards.

A published theatre commentator, his work has appeared in The Pioneer, First City, and Theatre India (National School of Drama).

Navneet Nishan is a postgraduate in Acting from the National School of Drama (Batch of 1989). With a career spanning over three and a half decades, she has worked extensively across the Indian performing arts featuring in 90+ Hindi and Punjabi feature films, 3,000+ episodes of television, and seven web series on major OTT platforms. Her diverse experience has shaped a deep understanding of character, performance dynamics, and the evolving visual language of cinematic storytelling.

Alongside her acting career, Navneet has pursued creative practices that enrich her artistic vision. She has designed costumes for seven feature films, and is an accomplished painter working across multiple mediums including acrylics, oils, watercolour, fabric, glass, and leather paints.

Professor Devendra Sharma is a senior faculty member at California State University, USA, and a global authority on Svang and Nautanki performance traditions. A Fulbright Professor/Fellow and USC Fellow, he has been invited to leading institutions including the University of Oxford, SOAS London, Columbia University, UC-Berkeley, FTII Pune, and Presidency University, Kolkata. His artistic and scholarly work has brought Svang and Nautanki to global audiences with 1,000+ international performances, most notably at Théâtre du Soleil in Paris. His family has been central to the evolution of North Indian folk theatre, with his father, Pandit Ram Dayal Sharma, receiving both the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Padma Shri.

A recipient of the $150,000 Hewlett 50 Arts Commission America’s largest grant for traditional theatre Professor Sharma created the contemporary women-centered musical Princess Nautanki, which premiered in San Francisco in 2025. His portfolio includes collaborations with Devdutt Pattanaik, Shyam Benegal, Gillo Theatre, USAID, and Johns Hopkins University, as well as over 10,000 live performances promoting health awareness in India. He currently serves as Vice President of Development and board member at ACTA (Alliance for California Traditional Arts). His forthcoming book, Nautanki: The Musical Theatre of North India (Bloomsbury/Methuen Drama, 2025), reflects his continued leadership in the field of performance studies and cultural storytelling.

With over 10 years of theatre experience and 25+ years as a working screen actor, Pawan Chopra has built an accomplished career in Indian entertainment. He has appeared in 100+ commercials, around 30 TV serials, 15+ films, and 10+ major web shows.

Pawan has worked with leading production houses such as Yash Raj Films, Dharma Productions, and Balaji Telefilms, and collaborated with acclaimed directors including Zoya Akhtar, Raj & DK, and Nikkhil Advani. His extensive experience across stage and screen, alongside India’s top talent, makes him a respected voice in the craft of acting.

Jayati Bhatia is a celebrated Indian actress known for her powerful screen presence, exceptional versatility, and a career spanning theatre, television, and film. With decades of experience, she has become one of the most recognisable and respected faces in the Indian entertainment industry.

With over three decades of work across theatre, television, film and ott. Jayati Bhatia brings deep artistic mastery and craft-based experience to our academy's faculty. A trained Odissi dancer who developed her theatre foundation under legendary director Ebrahim Alkazi at Delhi's Little Theatre Group, she has performed in celebrated stage productions including The Vagina Monologues, Khatijabai of Karmali Terrace and Salaam, Noni Apa.

Jayati Bhatia became a household name with her acclaimed portrayal of Nirmala "Mataji" Bharadwaj in the long-running series Sasural Simar Ka. She continues to evolve with powerful performances on digital platforms - most recently in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, where her portrayal of "Phatto" received high praise including appreciation from Rekha. Her career stands as a living lesson for students in discipline, versatility and lifelong dedication to the performing arts.

Divya Dutta is one of India's most acclaimed and expressive actors, known for her remarkable versatility across Hindi, Punjabi, regional, and international cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, she has built a reputation for bringing extraordinary emotional depth, nuance, and authenticity to every character she portrays.

She first gained widespread recognition for her unforgettable performance as Shabbo in Veer-Zaara, a role that established her as an actor capable of delivering profound impact with subtlety and grace. Over the years, her unforgettable work in films such as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Delhi-6, Irada, Badlapur, Stanley Ka Dabba, and Manto has earned her multiple awards, including the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for Irada. What distinguishes Divya is her rare ability to make even the smallest moments shine a skill honed through years of courageously choosing layered, meaningful roles. Whether playing a strong rural woman, a conflicted urban character, or a deeply emotional presence, she transforms every role into a lived experience. Today, Divya Dutta stands as a celebrated figure in Indian cinema respected for her craft, admired for her sincerity, and regarded as an actor who elevates every project she becomes a part of.

Vahbiz Dorabjee is an accomplished Indian actress, entrepreneur, and public relations expert , known for her impactful presence both on screen and off. She made her television debut with the popular series Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani in 2010 and went on to win audience’s hearts with her performances in shows like Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant, Kashmakash, SaraswatiChandra, Deewaniyat with a strong command over expression, confidence, and character building, she has emerged as a dynamic personality in the entertainment industry.

Beyond acting, Vahbiz is a powerful voice for body positivity and women’s empowerment. Having spoken openly about her experiences with body shaming and personal challenges, she continues to inspire countless individuals by championing self love, mental strength, and breaking societal stereotypes.

With a natural flair for communication and audience engagement qualities encouraged and recognized globally Vahbiz has built a respected reputation in the PR and branding space. Today, Vahbiz Dorabjee stands as a multi-faceted professional actress, a businesswoman, a PR specialist, and an advocate for confidence and self-worth. Her journey of resilience and reinvention makes her an inspiring mentor for aspiring actors at the DhroovTara Acting Workshop.

Gandharv Dewan is an accomplished actor and theatre-maker with over a decade of experience across stage, film and digital media. An alum of Modern School, Barakhamba Road and Kirori Mal College, he went on to complete his Post Graduate Diploma in Acting from the prestigious National School of Drama. His theatre journey began with The Players at Kirori Mal College, after which he collaborated with leading theatre groups such as The Yellow Cat Theatre Company, The Tadpole Repertory, Class Apart Productions, aRANYA Theatre and Prime Time Theatre Company. Over the years, he has performed in a diverse range of productions, from adaptations of Shakespeare and Manto to contemporary Indian and international works. Alongside acting, Gandharv has also made significant contributions as a co-director with companies like Turn Table Productions, Third Space Collective and The Gathered. His co-directed production Avalanche has travelled to major festivals including Serendipity Arts Festival, META and Windermere, earning critical acclaim and multiple awards.

On screen, Gandharv has appeared in several web shows such as The Railway Men (Netflix), Thoda Adjust Please (Apple TV), Office vs Office (TVF) and Life Sahi Hai 2 (Zee5). His film work spans independent cinema and studio-backed projects alike, with performances in De De Pyaar De, The Extraordinary Journey of a Fakir, The Zoya Factor, Shiddat, Gulmohar and notable indie features including Written With Ashes, The Pick Up Artist, I'm Not The River Jhelum and Mai Ladega.

Gandharv is also the founder of The Gathered, an arts collective based in Mumbai, and serves as visiting faculty at Whistling Woods International and the National School of Drama. His work reflects a deep commitment to storytelling, craft and the evolving landscape of contemporary Indian performance.

Sudha Chandran is one of India's most revered performing artists a globally acclaimed Bharatanatyam dancer and a distinguished actor known for her commanding presence on stage and screen. Her biographical film Mayuri, based on her own journey, earned her a National Award and established her as a cultural icon.

Across film and television, she has delivered memorable performances in shows like Kahin Kisi Roz, Naagin, Kaajjal, and several mythological and dramatic series. Her characters are known for sharp expression, emotional strength, and powerful screen presence. As a mentor, Sudha Chandran offers a rare blend of classical discipline and modern acting technique.

She teaches the art of expressive storytelling, body language, rhythm, emotional memory, and character creation. Her philosophy helps students find authenticity in movement and truth in performance.

With decades of experience, global recognition, and an unwavering passion for the craft, she inspires aspiring performers to approach acting with courage, presence, and deep artistic purpose.

An actor, trainer, and performance-maker originally from Bhopal and now based in Mumbai, he brings more than 20 years of artistic experience to contemporary theatre and performer training. He is an alumnus of Goldsmiths, University of London, the National School of Drama, New Delhi, and the Madhya Pradesh School of Drama, grounding his work in rigorous academic and artistic lineage. Over the years, he has collaborated with distinguished directors such as Padma Bhushan Late Shri K. N. Panikkar, Padma Shri Neelam Mansingh Chowdhry, Firoz Abbas Khan, Anna Furse, and Mario Baigini, among many others. He also contributes to the next generation of artists as visiting faculty at the MP School of Drama and Tagore University, Bhopal.

His approach to acting training is rooted in a unique blend of methodologies including the techniques of Jerzy Grotowski, Michael Chekhov, and Sanford Meisner combined with body-centred disciplines such as Kalarippayattu, Yoga, and Butoh. This holistic perspective shapes his long-running workshop Trial and Error (est. 2018), through which he has trained over 1,000 actors across India, fostering heightened bodily awareness, authenticity, and performative “presence.”

As a performance-maker, his practice is built on interdisciplinary collaboration and devised processes, with a keen interest in exploring socially relevant themes. His notable works Apno Ghar, College Room, We Individuals, As We Are, Boro Hor Mar Chuka Hai, and adaptations of Sizwe Bansi Is Dead and A View from the Bridge examine loneliness, escapism, displacement, gender inequality, and the layered complexities of human identity

His latest production, “Boro Hor Mar Chuka Hai,” weaves realism, satire, and poetic intimacy to narrate the journey of Boro Hor, an Adivasi man displaced by industrial expansion creating a theatrical experience that is as emotionally resonant as it is thought.

Vikram Kochhar is one of the most authentic and quietly powerful performers in Indian cinema today. An actor who blends training, instinct, and lived experience, he has built a career rooted in truth and craft.

Born in Gurgaon and raised in an Army family, Vikram grew up with discipline, structure, and a deep sense of observation - qualities that later shaped his approach to acting. He completed his schooling at Army Public School, Noida, studied in Delhi, and went on to train at the prestigious National School of Drama (NSD), graduating in 2009. Before films, he lived and breathed theatre, performing with multiple groups and learning the nuances of voice, physicality, and character building.

Vikram made his film debut in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola and soon went on to appear in projects like Ghanchakkar, Angry Indian Goddesses, Trip to Bhangarh, Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, and the action epic Kesari. His breakthrough moment for many audiences came with Rajkumar Hirani's Dunki, where he played "Buggu" - a role that showcased his natural humour, emotional depth, and effortless screen presence.

What sets Vikram apart is his philosophy: he believes great acting begins with research, empathy, and grounding a character in real human experience. He studies local behaviours, draws from personal memories, and focuses on making every role relatable, believable, and layered. Whether in theatre or cinema, he treats each project as a responsibility a chance to reflect society and connect with people through storytelling.

In recent years, Vikram stepped into more prominent territory, taking on the lead role in the 2025 film The Networker, proving his ability to carry narratives with maturity and strength. Despite his growth on screen, he continues to stay close to theatre, often returning to stage work to stay sharp and rooted.

Married to Kuhu Malla, he balances a demanding industry life with simplicity, humility, and a constant desire to evolve as an artist. Vikram Kochhar's journey stands as a reminder that longevity in acting comes not from shortcuts, but from training, truth, and an unshakable commitment to the craft.

Vishnu Sharma is a distinguished Indian actor whose work across Hindi cinema is defined by sincerity, emotional depth, and a refined command over performance. With notable appearances in films such as Gangaajal, Hum Pyaar Tumhi Se Kar Baithe, and several other mainstream titles, Vishnu Sharma has built a reputation for bringing natural realism and grounded authenticity to every character he portrays.

A defining aspect of Vishnu Sharma's craft is his remarkable voice. Known for its warmth, clarity, and resonance, his voice carries a sophisticated narrative power that enhances both his screen presence and his spoken performances. With impeccable diction, tonal balance, and an instinctive understanding of rhythm, Vishnu Sharma is often recognised for elevating scenes through vocal nuance alone - a quality that adds depth and emotional intelligence to his characters.

At DhroovTara, Vishnu Sharma brings this vast reservoir of artistic and vocal expertise to his students. His teaching focuses on voice as an instrument - breath, resonance, modulation, character-driven vocal choices, and the subtle craft of storytelling through sound. He trains actors to develop command over their voice, helping them find strength, authenticity, and individuality in their performances across stage, camera, and microphone

Indresh Malik is a distinguished Indian actor whose career spans theatre, television, film and ott platforms. With more than two decades of experience, he is celebrated for his versatility, depth, and a uniquely refined command on performances.

A alumni of Kirori Mal College, honed by the players, the dramatic society. Trained under the legendary, the doyen of indian theatre, Sir Ebrahim Alkazi, one of India's most respected theatre gurus, Indresh brings a rare blend of classical theatre discipline and modern screen craft to every role. His foundation in theatre not only shapes his artistic process but also gives his characters, an emotional truth, technical clarity, and a strong physical presence.

He has appeared in 25+ television serials, 15+ films, and 10+ OTT projects, delivering acclaimed performances across different mediums. His memorable roles include Ustaad Ji in "Heeramandi", Bittu Ji in "Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon", and Bhalla in "12/24 Karol Bagh" and other characters portrayed in Gangubai Kathiawadi, Paatal Lok, Gumraah, Yum Hain Hum, 1983 World Cup, Love Aaj Kal 2, Maska, Bajao, Naagin 2, Haar Jeet, I Love My India, margarita with a straw and many more. With his extensive experience, signature style, and rigorous training, Indresh Malik continues to inspire actors and audiences, establishing himself as a respected and influential figure in the Indian performing arts.

Shernaz has been an integral part of English theatre in India for over four decades, playing leading roles in numerous critically acclaimed and commercially successful productions. She is a partner in Rage, one of Mumbai's most respected and influential theatre companies, which has entertained audiences across India and internationally with its bold and innovative body of work. Alongside theatre, she has built a distinguished career in Indian cinema, web series, and television, earning prestigious honours including the Filmfare and Screen Awards for Best Supporting Actress, as well as the Goa State Award for Best Actress. A Charles Wallace Scholar, she holds a Master's degree in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. In addition to her performance career, Shernaz is a highly sought-after voiceover artist with an extensive body of work spanning thousands of commercials, audiobooks, corporate films, and feature films. Beyond acting and voice work, she has consistently championed initiatives to strengthen and elevate the theatre ecosystem in India. Her commitment to nurturing new writing and talent has led her to spearhead playwriting and development projects in collaboration with renowned theatre companies in London, Edinburgh, Belfast, and San Francisco. She has also served as the Artistic Director for the Aditya Birla Group's theatre initiative, Aadyam, and led the National Centre for the Performing Arts' Connections India schools' programme. Shernaz headed the acting department at Whistling Woods International, India's premier film school, for several years, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of performers. She also works extensively as a voice coach and is certified to teach Presence, Voice, and Speech by Patsy Rodenburg, one of the world's most respected voice teachers. Most recently, she trained 25 dubbing artists for the Netflix Voices of Tomorrow initiative, continuing her long-standing commitment to professional excellence and mentorship in the performing arts.

Rajit made his debut on stage in 1978. His theatre credits include Love Letters, Class of 84, a solo performance of Girish Karnad's Flowers, A Walk in the Woods, Siddhus of Upper Juhu, Twelve Angry Jurors, A Few Good Men and Mosambi Narangi. He has donned the Director's hat for many plays including The Glass Menagerie, Mahua and Naqgaash (Hindi). He is also a Co-founder of Rage Productions, which has produced some of the finest English plays in the country. His television breakthrough came with a role in the teleserial - "Ghar Jamai" in 1986. Rajit has recently played the title role of Sardar Patel on Doorshan in a series called Sardar - The Game Changer. His critically acclaimed short films include Kalakaar, Cola, Fitrat, Birha and Shaam Hi To Hai. His popularity soared with Basu Chatterjee's Byomkesh Bakshi in 1991- 92. Rajit's silver screen debut was in Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda, directed by Shyam Benegal in 1993. His 80 other film credits include Ghulam, Guzaarish, Raazi, Uri, Bypass Road, Maja Maa and The Threshold. His web series: Mithiya 1 & 2, Rocket Boys, Pharma. His performance as Mahatma Gandhi in Shyam Benegal's The Making of the Mahatma fetched him the National Award for Best Actor in 1995. His other awards include the Kerala State Award for Best Actor in 1998 for his Malayalam film debut Agnisakshi and the Best Actor award in 2010 at the Imagine India Film Festival, Spain for Do Paise Ki Dhoop Chaar Aane Ki Baarish.