about Avanthika

“Avanthika” in Sanskrit means “Princess of Ujjain,” an ancient city that was the most prominent cultural and artistic hub of North India around 600 BCE. Perhaps this is why I’ve always felt destined to pursue a life in the arts! I was born in Chennai India, moved to Singapore when I was one, and then relocated to Bridgewater, New Jersey when I was 13. My mother is an Indian Classical dancer and so, growing up watching her perform and being immersed in the Indian classical arts was incredible. My love for acting began quite early on when I started doing plays in Singapore such as Ali Baba and the 1000 Thieves and a tv show called The Doll. When I entered undergrad at Princeton University, my passion for acting only grew deeper as I explored French theater and took scene study courses in Chekhov and Shakespeare. Today, I feel super lucky to have been able to have spent the last 3 years as an MFA candidate at the American Conservatory Theater working with the most amazing faculty and classmates.

 When I’m not acting, I love to sing! I’m an Indian Carnatic vocalist and have been giving concerts in India, Singapore, and the U.S. for the past 15 years. I’m also an avid scuba diver, skier, and foodie!