We recently connected with Aarti Tiwari and have shared our conversation below.
Aarti, 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?
When I first started auditioning, I was often the only one in the room who looked or sounded like me. Indian women are widely seen in fields like tech, medicine, and law, but an Indian immigrant woman pursuing acting in the U.S.? That is still unfamiliar—not just for me, but perhaps for others in the room as well. It was nerve-wracking. I had left a secure and thriving career in tech to follow my passion for storytelling, and in those early moments of doubt, I sometimes wondered if I had made the right choice. Over time, I found my grounding in storytelling. I immersed myself in plays by diverse playwrights and world cinema and explored stories of women across cultures. I realized that, at the core, our struggles, challenges, and triumphs are universal. That understanding became my anchor. Now, when I walk into an audition, I focus on one question: Can I tell this human’s story as honestly as possible? That shift lifts the pressure.
There have been moments when I feel unseen when the industry doesn’t quite know where to place me. But I see that as an opportunity—to expand the landscape of storytelling and bring forth narratives that haven’t been explored enough. Rather than waiting for the industry to define me, I want to take steps to carve my own space. Writing and performing my solo show, <i>Thank You for Trending</i>, was one way to do that. Every audition, every performance, and every story I tell is a step toward expanding representation
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 am an Indian multilingual actress and writer based in Seattle. What excites me most about acting is the constant state of discovery—it allows me to step into different lives, explore human experiences, and, in the process, learn more about myself. Every role is an exploration, a chance to uncover deeper truths about people and the world we live in. I have performed across India and internationally, bringing stories to life on stage. My regional theater credits include Hedda Gabler (General Gabler’s Theatre), The Pericles Project (Freehold Engaged Theatre), Twelfth Night, The Winter’s Tale (Seattle Rep), and This and That (Baltimore WhiteFlag Performance Group). My first solo performance, Mansha Ki Shaadi, took me to national and international theater festivals in India. My international stage credits include Three Sisters, Parting with Words, Sultan, Kiss & Tell Children of Hiroshima, and Ismat Manto.
Currently, I’m working on writing a short film—an exciting new chapter where I get to shape a story from the ground up. It’s a deeply personal project, and I’m eager to bring it to life.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things have been most impactful in my journey: -Taking risks – Growth comes from stepping into the unknown. I once took a train to an international Theatre festival alone when last minute I got to know that my entire team couldn’t join me due to a last-minute issue. I still went on and did my show. That was my first solo travel alone in a remote village in India. And, I am so happy I did that show. I made some lifelong friends and had one of the best show experiences on a starry night. Say yes before you feel ready—you’ll figure it out along the way if you are committed.
-Surrounding myself with curious people and Seeking out communities that inspire me.
-Being self-sustainable – Financial stability gives creative freedom. Learning to budget and plan—it’s key to sustaining an artistic career.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes! I’m looking to build a team of like-minded artists in cinema—writers, filmmakers, producers, and creatives—who are passionate about telling compelling stories by and about brown women. These stories can span any genre or theme, but they should reflect the depth, complexity, and richness of our experiences. If this resonates with you, let’s connect and create something meaningful together.
You can reach me via –https://www.instagram.com/aartistiw/
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aartistiw/
- Other: email- [email protected]
