I am an actor, singer, dancer, writer and producer whose art and advocacy focuses on intersectional social issues. Pursuing my BFA in Acting with a Social Science minor at CalArts, I have grown up in the vibrant city of Monrovia since the age of two. Throughout elementary, middle and high school, I have been deeply involved in the Monrovia community through the arts and organizations such as Rotary, American Cancer Society, Monrovia Public Library, Foothill Unity Center, and KGEM. I strongly believe in accurate representation in all fields and recently received the California Arts Council “Individual Artist Fellow” grant for my interview series “A QISSAA with Ishika: Quintessential and Inspiring Stories of South Asian Artists.” I have trained in multiple forms of acting, dancing, and singing for more than 15 years, performing locally at A Noise Within, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, LKT Performing Arts Center, and Centre Stage Inc., and internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I also had the honor of serving on the executive committee of the National Women’s Political Caucus San Gabriel Valley Caucus and have worked on several political campaigns in different capacities.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents are both involved in the Monrovia community as well, through work and community.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My passion for the arts started in Monrovia, from small skits and shows in elementary and middle school, to full productions in high school and now in college! I have done my first short film here, my first musical, and my first solo recital. I am currently studying acting at the California Institute of the Arts, having written and performed in multiple curricular and student productions, so far. Before and beyond that, I have been a part of multiple community theater groups and performed locally at A Noise Within, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, LKT Performing Arts Center, and Centre Stage Inc. My love for the arts stems from its power to produce social change and create human connection through storytelling.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Rudy’s, Thai Divine Bistro, Peach Café, Blaze, Something Healthy Café

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in Monrovia for 19 years now, since I was two.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Betty Sandford, may her soul rest in peace, has been a huge inspiration to me through her past work and her support for the arts and socio-political causes.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would love to visit New Zealand, Spain or Japan to be immersed in their culture, art and food!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite show would have to be Madam Secretary, and I don’t have a favorite movie at the moment.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Progress takes courage and the path is often lonely, but you must walk toward it anyway.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I’d love to write and perform my own one-woman show in at least one country on every continent!

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
I don’t have a particular band, but I will put my pop/R&B/rap/jazz playlist or Broadway playlist on shuffle.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Dollmakers’ Kattywompus! I grew up dancing outside their store during Friday Festivals to the music their family played!

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with Mindy Kaling at Rudy’s because she has been an inspiration to me for years! She is a true trailblazer for South Asians in the entertainment industry and has paved her own path while creating a path for others to follow in.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how connected we can become when a person or business needs support, and how much we believe in the arts, community and preservation of history. In Monrovia, everyone can feel like they contributed to the Monrovia legacy, regardless of what they do.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I hope to be acting professionally in film and TV in LA and maybe even run for political office!

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love interior design and organizing spaces!

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Paris, France

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month – May, Holiday – International Women’s Day, Day – December 31st

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A consensual, loving hug

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents and Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Jasmine

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Warmth, Memory

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