Mid-Day Anniversary: How this theatre platform sets the stage for aspiring neurodivergent actors

Anupama Chouhan. Pic/Satej Shinde

We do not insist on attendance," quips Anupama Chouhan. The founder of Raasha Theatre understands the necessity for such freedom and a touch of rebelliousness that comes with being in theatre. It is part of her initiative that offers neurodivergent individuals and those on the spectrum to perform, and express themselves on the stage. A dream Chouhan herself shared when she arrived in the city in 2016.

"I wanted to be an actor myself," she says. As any Mumbaikar, she would take on multiple roles over the years. One such job was to help with the casting of the Aamir Khan production, Sitaare Zameen Par (2025). "That's when it struck me that while these individuals were being picked for a role, they were capable of a lot more," she shares.

This led to her first theatre workshops aimed towards neurodivergent individuals. Why theatre, we ask? "Everyone starts as a beginner on the stage. I did not know much about neurodivergence myself. In the initial years, I would turn to parents to lend a hand. But the children always had the answer," the former Jodhpur resident says. Chouhan admits there were times she would struggle. "There were times it would get to me, but they would calmly tackle the problem. In fact, they have taught me discipline, a sense of joy, and focus," she says.

In 2025, the troupe created and performed Woh Khula Aasman that opened at Rangshila Theatre. "The audience saw them, not as neurodivergent individuals, but as actors. What delighted me more was to see them walk out into the audience after the show, talk to them, including the famous faces in the crowd, and answer questions. It did not faze them," Chouhan recalls. That was proof that her methods worked.

It is this lack of hesitation that Chouhan seeks to foster through the workshops. "My challenge is to instill confidence, teach them to work together, and think independently," the 30-year-old points out.

The efforts are taking root. One student recently returned to assist her with her workshops. Another is keen to help run the initiative. "We have also had a few production houses approach us for actors. Our workshops with corporates also throw open opportunities. But there is still a perception among the masses that needs to change," she says.

Not that it has fazed them. The young students have turned to the next medium to find their own way. "We are now set to make our own short films. We are already in the process of marking down scripts. My task is simply to help them find their way," she concludes.

Did you know?

Sir Anthony Hopkins was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, a disorder on the autistic spectrum, in his late ‘70s, and even credited it for his ability to ‘look at people differently'