Meet Ketki Raut

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ketki Raut. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ketki, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

As an actor and performer, being the only one in the room who looks like me has really shaped my journey. It has taught me to focus on my strengths and stay true to myself. I’ve learned to be confident in sharing my ideas, recognizing that my unique perspective brings value to the table. Building relationships is crucial; I actively listen and connect with others, creating a sense of trust. I remind myself that diversity of thought is essential, and I use my voice to advocate for different viewpoints. Overall, staying authentic and open-minded has been key to my success in this industry.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Ketki Raut, a versatile actor with extensive experience in the entertainment industry. I hold a Master’s in Performing Arts in classical Dancing from Nalanda Nrityakala Mahavidyalaya (Mumbai University) and an alumni from the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.

As a passionate cultural ambassador and actor with over 12 years of experience in the performing arts, I specialize in content creation, show management, and live performance. My journey has taken me from the spotlight to behind the scenes, enriching my skill set in both artistry and management through various reality shows, live events, and musicals.

As the Founder and Partner of Nawab MKR Live Theatrical Show Production LLC in Dubai, I took the lead in managing all creative aspects of live entertainment, notably executing the Bollywood Music Festival in Saudi Arabia. My role as a lead actor in the UAE’s first Broadway-styled Bollywood musical, JAAN-E-JIGAR, allowed me to captivate audiences with two distinct characters, Gulpari and Jharna, in over 250 performances.

My extensive background includes performing at prestigious venues like the Kingdom of Dreams and collaborating with acclaimed directors and choreographers. I’ve had the honor of participating in notable productions, including the musical Mohini and leading roles with Chaurang Productions, where I contributed to over 500 shows.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore new projects that push artistic boundaries. I’m currently in the process of developing fresh content that merges traditional storytelling with modern themes, aimed at captivating both local and global audiences.

I believe in the transformative power of art and its ability to inspire and unite.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back at my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities have been:

Passion: Loving what I do keeps me motivated, even during tough times. My advice is to find what you truly enjoy in your work and let that drive you.

Authenticity: Being true to myself has been crucial. When I express my genuine self, it resonates more with others. I recommend that you embrace your unique qualities and let them shine in your work.

Communication: Building strong relationships with others is key. Good communication helps in collaboration and creates trust. I suggest practicing active listening and expressing your ideas clearly.

For those just starting, focus on these qualities. Take classes, join workshops, and seek feedback. Surround yourself with supportive people who inspire you, and never be afraid to take risks and learn from your experiences. Keep pushing forward, and enjoy the journey!

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s important to strike a balance between focusing on your strengths and improving areas where you might not be as strong.

Going all in on your strengths allows you to excel and shine in what you love, which can lead to greater success and fulfillment. For example, as an actor, my passion for performing drives me to constantly refine my skills in that area. When I focus on what I do best, I can deliver more impactful performances and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

However, being well-rounded can also be incredibly valuable. It helps you adapt to different situations and enhances your overall skill set. For instance, while I’m primarily an actor, I’ve invested time in improving my communication and management skills. This has not only helped me in my performances but also in my role as a founder of a theatrical production company. It allows me to collaborate effectively with others and lead projects successfully.

A relevant story comes from my time working on the musical JAAN-E-JIGAR. I played two lead characters, Gulpari and Jharna, and while I excelled in my role, I realized I needed to learn aerial training for Gulpari. I took the initiative to understand and practice this new skill, which ultimately helped the entire production run more smoothly.

In conclusion, while it’s crucial to nurture your strengths, developing other skills can provide a well-rounded foundation that enhances your primary talents. This combination allows you to adapt, grow, and thrive in various situations.

Contact Info:

• Youtube:  https://youtu.be/Sa4aOC9SUi4  https://vimeo.com/267309438  https://youtu.be/90LL49WS8mE  https://youtu.be/DOVrlWySNas