Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2025 / URDU Shorts

Akhil Pandya

Akhil Pandya – Theatre Actor | Director DOB: November 23, 1969 1205- 20 Redgrave Drive, Etobicoke ON M9R3T8 Akhil Pandya is a dynamic and deeply committed theatre artist whose work as an actor and director spans a wide spectrum of genres, styles, and cultural narratives. Known for his layered performances and collaborative spirit, Akhil brings a unique blend of sensitivity, rigor, and creative intuition to both the stage and the rehearsal room. I have earned the degree in Dramatics in India, where I received rigorous training in classical and contemporary theatre. With a background in classical and contemporary performance, Akhil’s acting work is rooted in emotional truth and physical precision. He has portrayed a diverse range of characters—from timeless tragic heroes to conflicted modern protagonists—with nuance and compelling presence. His performances are marked by a deep engagement with character psychology, voice, and the lived rhythms of human experience. As a director, Akhil is recognized for crafting visually arresting and thematically resonant productions that bridge tradition and experimentation. He approaches directing as an act of listening and leadership, fostering an environment where actors, designers, and collaborators are empowered to take creative risks. Whether adapting classical texts, devising original works, or reimagining contemporary plays, his productions are known for their clarity, emotional depth, and political awareness. Akhil is particularly passionate about theatre’s role in reflecting and challenging social structures. His work often explores themes of identity, memory, marginality, and power, with a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices and stories. He views the stage as both a sacred space and a site of interrogation—where empathy can flourish, and transformation is always possible. In addition to his artistic practice, Akhil is an advocate for inclusive theatre-making and has mentored young performers and directors. His contributions to the theatre community are grounded in a belief that performance is not only an artistic expression but also a vehicle for dialogue, healing, and cultural connection. Akhil Pandya continues to evolve as a theatre-maker dedicated to the craft, the community, and the ever-changing, ever-challenging art of live performance. Creative Partnerships Akhil Pandya’s artistic journey is deeply enriched by his ongoing creative partnerships with some of the most vibrant and socially engaged theatre collectives. His collaborative work as both an actor and director with these organizations reflects his commitment to meaningful, multidisciplinary storytelling. 🎭 Sawitri Theatre Group Akhil is a regular collaborator with Savitri Theatre Group, known for its socially conscious and community-driven theatre. His work here includes directing and performing in plays that address issues of identity, justice, and transformation. His productions with Savitri Theatre Group are marked by powerful ensemble work, visual storytelling, and a grounded sense of place and purpose. He has acted and directed notable play with Sawitri Theatre Group to name a few as under: As an Actor “Jene Lahore nathi Joyu E Janmyo J Nathi” – Gujarati Full Length Play As a Director: • “Kudarti” – Gujarati One act play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2024) • “Hairpin” – Gujarati One act play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2024) • “San 2025” – Hindi One act play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2025) • “Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji” - Hindi One act play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2025) • “Woh Chale Gaye” - Hindi One act play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2025) • “Ashaadh Ka Ek Din” – Full Length Hindi Play ( Upcoming 2025) 🎭 Mizaaj Arts With Mizaaj Arts, Akhil explores experimental and contemporary performance-making. His collaborations as a director and actor span devised theatre, multilingual scripts, and hybrid formats that challenge conventional forms. Through Mizaaj, he engages with emerging voices and new writing, contributing to a bold and evolving theatre language. These creative alliances have not only shaped Akhil’s artistic voice but continue to inspire a practice rooted in collaboration, cultural dialogue, and the collective power of live performance. As an Actor “Aao Akhbaar Padhein” – Urdu One Act Play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2024) As a Director: • “Shakkar Ke Paanch Daane” – Urdu One Act Play (Mississauga Multilingual Fringe Festival – 2023) • “Park” – Urdu One Act Play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2023) • “Lihaaf” - Urdu One Act Play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2024) • “Lihaaf Ke Khilaaf” - Urdu One Act Play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2024) • “Aao Akhbaar Padhein” - Urdu One Act Play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2024) • “Manto” - Urdu One Act Play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2024) • “Dhoop Ka Ek Tukda” - Urdu One Act Play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2025) • “Connaught Place - Urdu One Act Play ( Sawitri Theatre Shorts Festival – 2025) 🎭 Swar Sadhana With Swar Sadhana, Akhil has contributed to a series of performance projects that explore the synergy between theatre and Indian classical music. As a director and actor, he has helped develop productions that fuse narrative, movement, and live music, creating immersive experiences rooted in cultural tradition and artistic innovation. As an Actor • “Bandh Darwaza” – Gujarati One Act Play • “Kaanch Na Sambandh” - Gujarati One Act Play • “Paththar Thar Thar Dhruje” - Gujarati One Act Play As a Director: • “Perfect Husband” – Gujarati Full length Play • “Bandh Darwaza” – Gujarati One Act Play • “Kaanch Na Sambandh” - Gujarati One Act Play President ADAAKAR Events ( A Not-for-Profit Organization) www.adaakar.com Instagram: @adaakar0322 Facebook Page: @Adaakar X : @adaakar