An actor in Disney India's latest theatre production, Nisa Shetty talks about her journey on stage

​"I should start by thanking my stars that I was born in such a wonderful, artistic family. My grandmother, Jalabala Vaidya, is a stage actress and one of the most amazing women i have met. She performed The Ramayana solo on Broadway playing all 22 characters herself and my grandfather, Gopal Sharman, a brilliant playwright and musician, was the genius behind the script that took this play across the world. My mom, Anasuya Vaidya, did lights and technicals on Broadway when she was 14 and my dad, Ajay Shetty, is a cinematographer. I have grown up with these legends! They've taught me all I know about music and acting. My grandfather built the Akshara Theater in Delhi where I have been learning and performing my entire life."

I have been doing plays since the age of 13. My grandfather taught me classical Indian music. I have always loved western music as well and started performing when I went to Woodstock School In Mussoorie. Since then, I've been doing gigs with various established artists in the country. I’ve been pursuing music and theatre full-time alongside my school and college education. 

2015 was a great year for me; it started with performing at the ‘Signature Derby’ in Mumbai where I shared the stage with Indian Ocean, Monica Dogra and Nucleya. Soon after, Beauty and the Beast happened. The journey with Disney helped me discover the intricacy of stage performance. Working in a production of this scale made me realise the importance of the finer details that make a character and a show. People always ask me "Do you want to act or sing?” Here I was living my dream of doing both.

Being a shy person, it’s always been slightly difficult for me to let go. However, as a performer I’m always trying to work outside my comfort zone. This has enabled my growth as a performer through the years.”

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