The Wild Child

I am Indian,but live in the US. My grandparents emigrated to England in the ’50s,and my parents were born in England. I have visited India several times when I was younger. I watch Indian cinema,and would be open to offers that are interesting. One of my favourite movies is Main Hoon Na with Shah Rukh Khan.

Game For:

I go to school in Manhattan,which I really enjoy. I play the piano,and really enjoy music. I am learning jazz and tap dance. My other passion is soccer. I have played for many years at school and outside. I also enjoy basketball.

Play Date:

I liked being on stage at school and enjoying acting,so when we moved to NYC,I asked my parents if I could do some acting. They said that would be fine,and so helped me find a short acting course,which I did. My mother started to look for auditions for me in a magazine called Backstage and she found an audition for Les Miserable with Kidz Theater. This was my first ever audition and I could not believe when I got the part of Gavorche. Through the director,we found my manager Jody Pursan and agent Nancy Carson. All this happened just over a year ago.

Man Cub and I:

My manager sent my mother the audition details in March and I had to learn two sides and sing a song. I sang The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars. The first audition went really well and I was asked to come back,and had to lean another side and sing another song,I sang Mama a Rainbow from Minnie’s Boys. I got through this round too and was asked back for the final audition. About three weeks later,my parents got a call to say that I have booked the role. I could not believe I have booked such an amazing part,I remember saying to my parents this is the biggest role ever.

Being Mowgli:

I found the role of Mowgli challenging as the character has been raised by wolves and does not know the ways of man. I could not play a normal little boy. Once I knew I had the role,I watched the Disney movie so I could see how Mowgli acted. The real work came once I started rehearsals. I was taught how to pronounce my words clearly and how to project my voice. I also had to learn not to laugh during the funny scenes,which was not always easy.

Star Cast:

Working with Mary Zimmerman is an amazing experience. She gives great direction and brings out the character. She told me to play Mowgli as an innocent child. Working with the cast members has been so much fun. Usman Ally,who plays Bagheera,always tells me to stay in character and keep eye contact. With Kevin Carolan or Baloo,I have a lot of fun. I have great chemistry with all members,so it makes the show very natural. It was wonderful how all cast members gave each other small gifts or cards to congratulate each other on the opening night; the atmosphere was magical.

Mowgli and Me:

Mowgli travels through the jungle meeting different animals. I,too,have travelled to different counties. For Mowgli,this is a journey where he is trying to find the right place to fit in,I can understand how he may feel.