FOUNDERS
Ajay Khatri
Founder
Ajay Khatri - Founder
Creative Director | Theatre Artist | Educator | Film Maker
Ajay Khatri, a graduate of the National School of Drama, New Delhi, and the founder of Dir’Actors Studio, is a theatre practitioner and filmmaker based in Mumbai, India, whose work bridges performance, pedagogy, and visual storytelling.
With years of immersive experience across theatre and film, he brings with him a deep commitment to nurturing expression and craft. Through Dir’Actors Studio, he proposes a film & theatre workshop thoughtfully designed for children, students, and adults—aimed at creating a meaningful space for learning, exploration, and performance within your esteemed organisation.
Having collaborated with a wide range of institutions—including film schools, IB board schools, NGOs, colleges, and universities—his work focuses on shaping personalities, expanding creative horizons, and equipping participants with skills that extend beyond the stage into life and future careers.
He holds a postgraduate degree in dramatic arts from the National School of Drama and has built a diverse body of work as an actor, director, and theatre facilitator. His repertoire includes a range of experimental and classical productions such as Shastra Santan, Surya ki Pehli Kiran se Antim Kiran Tak, Yayati, Hamlet, 1984, Big Mama’s Funeral, Saturday Night, and Privacy. His work has been showcased at prestigious platforms, including the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (2019), Bharat Rang Mahotsav (2019), and the Theatre Olympics (2019). He has also directed Macbeth (2021) and more recent productions like Khazana (2025–26), Naagin: A Spy (Neera Arya) (2023), and Bhediya (2021), among others.
Beyond theatre, Ajay actively works as a director in films, documentaries, corporate films, and television commercials. His creative journey extends into Bollywood, where he is associated with the upcoming film Khazana.
His approach to storytelling—whether on stage or screen—is rooted in exploration, collaboration, and emotional truth, making his workshops not just training spaces but also transformative artistic experiences.
Ashlesha Parshuram
Co-Founder
Ashlesha Parshuram - Co-Founder
Theatre Artist | Actor | Director | Educator
Ashlesha Parshuram is a seasoned theatre practitioner whose journey spans over two decades—rooted deeply in performance, pedagogy, and the evolving language of stagecraft.
A postgraduate in acting from the National School of Drama, New Delhi, and a graduate in theatre from Lalit Kala Kendra, Savitribai Phule Pune University, her foundation is both rigorous and diverse. Complementing her theatrical training, she is a Visharad in Bharatanatyam, carrying within her a strong sense of rhythm, discipline, and expressive storytelling.
Her association with the stage began early, earning her the Best Child Artist Fellowship from the State of Maharashtra, marking the beginning of a lifelong engagement with the performing arts.
Post her training at NSD, Ashlesha co-founded Dir’Actors Studio—an initiative dedicated to nurturing talent and integrating theatre into education. Her work reflects a deep commitment to young performers, creating spaces where children not only learn acting but also discover confidence and self-expression.
Her experience extends across platforms, including her role as an assistant director for the children’s reality show Drama Juniors and her contribution as a theatre educator at The Orchid International School, Mumbai.
Ashlesha is known for her keen observation, emotional sensitivity, and layered understanding of character. Whether she is on stage, behind the scenes, or in a classroom, she brings a rare blend of classical grounding and contemporary perspective—making her a versatile and compelling voice in the theatre.