International Theatre Festival 2026 — Hoofddorp

Rakesh Pai

Executive Management Team Board Member

Jignesh Karnik

Executive Management Team Board Member

Alok Sharma

Executive Management Team Board Member

Mahesh Vallabh Pandey

Executive Founder Board Member & Director

Seema Sharma

Executive Founder Board Member & Director

Shilpam Chandra

Executive Co-Founder Board Member & Director

Dr. Pooja Karnik

Head: Women, Health & Social Initiatives

Jignesh Karnik

Marathi Drama

You will see him in a Marathi Natak/Ekankika. Jignesh Karnik loves literature and art. Has done multiple drama, natak, storytelling, event hosting performances on stage.

Rakesh Pai

Hindi Drama

Rakesh is passionate about theatre, script writing and direction. In ITF, Rakesh along with his talented performers is presenting an original Hindi drama which spreads about the satire of the prevalent societal issues.

Mallika Alai-Bakshi

Marathi Drama

Mallika has performed in school plays and helped organize cultural events throughout her college years. She enjoys all forms of art and is always happy to learn something new. She is excited and passionate about returning to the stage after many years! You will see her in the Marathi play.

Monique Anuradha Binda

Co-host

Monique Anuradha Binda brings clear communication, cultural awareness, and a warm stage presence to co-host this International Theatre Festival, connecting audiences with performers through genuine storytelling and uplifting experiences.

Marith Venderbosch

Theatre

Marith is de powervrouw van het gezelschap: energiek, doortastend en altijd scherp. Zelfs wanneer het chaos dreigt te worden, grijpt zij precies op het juiste moment in. Ze zet krachtige, robuuste personages neer die stevig blijven staan.

Shikha Bajaj

Theatre

A formerly shy and socially awkward soul, Shikha now weaves stories both on stage and in her marketing work. Known for her meticulous event planning and soul-nourishing cooking, she’s inspired by her lifelong love of cinema to create rich, layered characters in theatre. Recently, she’s ventured into singing lessons and musical theatre… though we can’t promise she’ll break into song in Fragments.

Ollie Mason

Theatre

A familiar presence in Amsterdam’s theatre scene, Ollie teaches, performs, and does tech. His specialty is building characters that feel layered, grounded, and deeply human. He’s performed in the dark and chilly Polar Nights and co-directed the beautifully complex Could They Be Wrong. What he brings to the stage lingers long after the lights go out.

Pooja Raghav

Hindi Drama

Returning to theatre after many years, she carries a deep love for performing. Joining the ITF platform for the upcoming Hindi Drama directed by Rakesh marks an encouraging new step to reconnect with the stage and the comfort of being surrounded by creative people.

Selina Hetem

Theatre

Selina is a true creative at heart, with a passion for exploring the world both on and off stage. Known for her diverse tastes — from opera to metal festivals like Graspop — she channels this range into her work. When she isn’t performing, she can often be found hunting for treasures in local thrift stores.

Kalina Chupetlovska

Theatre

Kalina has explored a range of hobbies and pursuits, including theatre, photography, painting, and professional meme-making. She recently dipped her toes into scripted theatre with Four-Play, organized by Niharika Iyengar. She also writes and tells stories, and is continuously working on reconnecting with her creativity after years of intense workaholism.

Tom Manussen

Theatre

Tom is de nestor van Rocky Amaretto en brengt zijn ervaring met verfijnd muzikaal gevoel in het spel. Hij voelt feilloos aan hoe een voorstelling technisch in elkaar moet grijpen. Met rust en precisie helpt hij verhalen soepel vooruit.

Ben van Bokhoven

Theatre

Ben is sinds het allereerste uur een van de drijvende krachten achter Rocky Amaretto en geeft hij elke scène een stevige creatieve impuls. Zijn kracht ligt in het fysieke spel, waarmee hij het publiek telkens opnieuw meesleept.

Supriya Rakesh

Theatre

Supriya moved to Amsterdam in 2022 and found herself at an improv workshop her very first weekend. Since then, she’s followed her improv curiosities down many magical rabbit-holes. On stage, she loves big emotions, dramatic plot twists, and characters who fall in love—thanks to her Bollywood upbringing. Offstage, she’s often by her window with a coffee, plotting the next chapter of her mystery novel or sighing in Mumbai nostalgia.

Sanjoy Saha

Bengali Drama

Took a keen interest in acting recently and started clubbing up with MAJLISH Netherlands since 2024, performing in their latest production in June 2025. Sanjoy will play the role of Kaw-Mondal in 'Ekti Obastob Golpo' to be staged by MAJLISH Netherlands at the ITF on 25 Jan 2026.

Kausik Sengupta

Bengali Drama

Passionate about theatre, he started appearing on stage for the first time with MAJLISH Netherlands since 2023. He will play the role of a police officer in the play 'Ekti Obtastob Golpo (A Reverie)' to be presented by MAJLISH Netherlands at International Theatre Festival on 25 January 2026.

Peter Duifhuis

Theatre

Peter brengt personages tot leven in hun puurste, meest eerlijke vorm. Hij maakt bewuste, doordachte keuzes die de kern van het verhaal versterken. Met zijn spel verbindt hij scènes en spelers tot een krachtig geheel.

Manan

Theatre

Manan, a natural-borm performer, has showcased his talent through many drama and dance performances. He is thrilled to take the stage once again and collaborate with an incredible group of performers. Thanks Rakesh Uncle for giving this opportunity.

Soumalya Nath

Bengali Drama

A Bengali theatre enthusiast from Kolkata, passionate about acting and filmmaking, and part of MAJLISH Netherlands. For the ITF, he and his comrades will present a social satire, 'Ekti Obastob Golpo (A Reverie),' highlighting hypocrisy in the judicial system. Soumalya will play the role of an ostentatious and greedy priest.

Atul

Theatre

Atul has given several stage appearance known for natural acting. He is again ready for one more performance at International Theatre Festival

Esha Bhatt

Theatre & Dance

Esha has performed various drama and dance shows during her school and college life. She continued her passion by joining Abhivyakti and showcasing her character adaptation skills. In ITF, Esha, along with her talented actors, will bring a stunning modern Gujarati Bhavai performance that will let you experience a spectrum of emotions — happiness, sadness, and laughter — right here in the Netherlands.

Pranesh Chatterjee

Bengali Drama

A dedicated thespian expert in bringing realism, psychological depth, and modernity to on-stage theatre using minimalism. He will direct and play the lead role ('Jailor') in the Bengali drama 'Ekti Obtastob Golpo (A Reverie)' for MAJLISH Netherlands at ITF on 25 January 2026.

Erish

Theatre

Hi! I’m Erish Ratra, your Uithoorn’s Spiderman 🕷️😄 and I’m making my debut in the theatre world! I’ve always been in awe of my sister’s performances on stage, and then I thought—why should only girls have all the fun? 😉 Thank you, Rakesh Uncle and Atul Uncle, for giving me this opportunity. You are going to be the Yash Chopra uncles for this newborn star 😆⭐

Chetan Bhate

Hindi Drama

A passionate and versatile Performing Arts professional with significant experience in Anchoring and Theatre, including successfully performing farcical plays across the Netherlands and Belgium. He is now collaborating with the ITF platform on an upcoming Hindi Drama, directed by Rakesh.

Aparajita Tiwary

Hindi Drama

An amateur trying her hand at theatre for the first time. She is passionate about Hindi literature and is broadening her experience and knowledge by being part of ITF and this form of art.

Abhirup Das

Bengali Drama

An active and resolute patron of Bengali drama. He started participating a few years ago and played an important role in a full-length drama staged by MAJLISH Netherlands in mid-2025. He is acting in the upcoming play 'Ekti Obastoib Golpo' to be staged under the banner of the International Theatre Festival.

Priyanka

Theatre

Anup Bhatt

Gujarati Drama

Passion for writing poetry led Anup to join Abhivyakti. He reinvented his love for writing drama scripts, learning the process to create life of a character on stage and inspire from many talented members. In ITF, Anup along with his talented actors will bring the stunning modern Gujarati Bhavai performance that will let you experience a spectrum of emotions - happiness, sadness, and laughter - right here in the Netherlands.

Sanjay Ghosh

Bengali Drama

Has performed multiple plays since his childhood. He will be a part of the Bengali one-act play 'Ekti Obastob Golpo,' which explores flaws in the social and legal system. Sanjay is playing the role of a senior police officer in the play directed by Pranesh Chatterjee and produced by MAJLISH Netherlands.

Amanda

Theatre

Tanima Chatterjee

Bengali Drama

A theatre enthusiast proudly performing in the Bengali play 'Ekti Obastob Golpo (A Reverie)' at the International Theatre Festival on behalf of the theatre group MAJLISH Netherlands, on 25 January 2026 in Hoofddorp, Netherlands.

Karishma

Hindi Drama

A passionate and dedicated stage actor known for her strong lead performances and versatility in multiple stage productions. She is set to continue her artistic journey with the International Theatre Festival in the upcoming play "Pyaar Ka Bhoot", directed by Rakesh Pai.

Nirma Patel

Theatre

Nirma has performed roles as a child artist and continued her passion for drama and music with Abhivyakti. Her versatile acting skills have been noted by audiences. In ITF, Nirma with her talented actors will bring the stunning modern Gujarati Bhavai performance that will let you experience a spectrum of emotions - happiness, sadness, and laughter - right here in the Netherlands.

Kavit Pandya

Theatre

Sofie Edelbroek

Theatre

Sofie is onze briljante nieuwkomer, die met haar verbeeldingskracht iedereen weet te verrassen. Ze creëert bijzondere personages die zowel spelers als publiek blijven intrigeren. Haar natuurlijke talent spat van het podium.

Hannah Jonker

Theatre

Hannah beweegt ogenschijnlijk moeiteloos en lichtvoetig over het toneel. Maar juist vanuit die ontspannen houding weet ze plotseling een verhaal open te breken met een verrassende wending. Haar spel houdt iedereen alert en nieuwsgierig.

Jurriaan Kamp

Theatre

Jurriaan is onze denkende gevoelsmens: gevoelig, scherp en altijd met een helder idee. Zijn theatertalent is net zo indrukwekkend als zijn lengte. Met verfijnde spelkeuzes geeft hij elke scène diepte.

Harsh

Theatre

Harsh Tandon is a 37-year-old from Lucknow, currently living in the Netherlands for over a decade. A husband and proud father of two, he stays closely connected to his values and upbringing. With experience in several dramas and a lifelong association with Ramleela since childhood, his journey reflects a deep connection to storytelling and tradition.

Tathya Antani

Actor & Director

Passionate for acting and direction, Tathya has been on-stage or backstage for more than 20 years. He has acted, directed and written many plays throughout school, college and professional years. His willingness to continue his passion and showcase his skills led him to gather a group of equally talented and willing people to start Abhivyakti Theatre group in the Netherlands (predominantly performing in Gujarati).

Tathya, with talented artists of Abhivyakti, is ready to perform a drama with a flare of modern Bhavai at the ITF.

Ashish Kumar

Hindi Drama

Performed as a young girl fighting 'dahejpratha' at age 9-10, winning accolades. After a long break, he has had a few acting opportunities since arriving in the Netherlands. He is passionate about performing and excited to act in the story "pyaar ka bhoot" under Rakesh's direction.

Ravinder

Theatre

Ravinder, a passionate performer gave multiple dance performances on various ocassion, is venturing into a new realm of artistic expression- Drama. While he is both excited and neevous about his fresh challenge, It marks the begining of new journey inti fascinating world of Theatre. Thanks Rakesh for giving this opportunity.

Maulik Barot

Theatre

Maulik is the true example of moving from backstage to act on the stage. He has evolved in theater to become a performer. In ITF, Maulik with his talented actors will bring the stunning modern Gujarati Bhavai performance that will let you experience a spectrum of emotions - happiness, sadness, and laughter - right here in the Netherlands.

Kekin Chandan

Gujarati Drama

Longstanding passion for theatre and the performing arts since college years led Kekin to connect with Abhivyakti, a group that provides a meaningful creative platform full of opportunities for continuous learning and reconnecting enthusiasts with the stage. In ITF, Kekin with his talented actors will bring the stunning modern Gujarati Bhavai performance that will let you experience a spectrum of emotions - happiness, sadness, and laughter - right here in the Netherlands.

Prakash Chauhan

Gujarati Drama

A strong passion for theatre and storytelling inspired Prakash to step into the world of drama with Abhivyakti. Through this journey, he rediscovered the art of bringing characters to life on stage, understanding emotions, expressions, and the power of performance while learning from many talented artists. At ITF, Prakash with his talented actors will bring the stunning modern Gujarati Bhavai performance that will let you experience a spectrum of emotions - happiness, sadness, and laughter - right here in the Netherlands.

Dharti Sheth

Choreography & Theatre

A professional choreographer, Dharti channelled her skills to associate with Abhivyakti and will bring life to an important character on stage. In ITF, Dharti with her talented actors will bring the stunning modern Gujarati Bhavai performance that will let you experience a spectrum of emotions - happiness, sadness, and laughter - right here in the Netherlands.

Abhishek Solanki

Gujarati Drama

Abhishek is a seasoned actor who has performed various roles. His love for on-stage performance led him to join Abhivyakti. He will be playing an impactful role in the upcoming Gujarati drama. At ITF, Abhishek with his talented actors will bring the stunning modern Gujarati Bhavai performance that will let you experience a spectrum of emotions - happiness, sadness, and laughter - right here in the Netherlands.

Mayank Mahajan

Hindi Drama

Making his theatrical debut, proving it's never too late to answer a calling. Always drawn to the stage, he is excited to explore, learn, and discover what he's been missing. Thanks to Rakesh for the opportunity.