Education & Academia

Priyankshi Keswani, an Assistant Professor Also Excelling as a Theatre Artist and Director, Delivering Performances That Engage & Inspire Audiences

Assistant Professor, Arya College of Engineeringjaipur

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Be fearless and become a leader of your own life.
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Multi-talented Priyankshi excelled in academics, did voice-overs, became a recognised theatre artist, and her recent directorial debut, adapting Imroz's "Dastavez," has garnered acclaim. Additionally, she's contributed as a video presenter for companies like Astrotalk and Tax2Win.

Priyankshi Keswani is an Assistant Professor at Arya College of Engineering in Jaipur. Apart from teaching, she's also into acting, choreography, and voiceovers. She completed her bachelor and master degrees in Journalism and Mass Communication from Manipal University, Jaipur.

As a professor, Priyankshi strives to empower her students with comprehensive communication skills, encompassing both verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication. She also dedicates herself to teaching students how to confidently face the camera, preparing them for various professional contexts.

Priyankshi explains that at Arya College of Engineering, students benefit from a nurturing and secure environment where faculty members and management are readily available to assist them, regardless of their field of study. She emphasises the crucial role of communication skills for all students, whether they are in technical or non-technical disciplines. Effective communication is essential for everything from classroom discussions to interviews and group discussions.

Priyankshi takes pride in her academic achievements, having consistently excelled in her studies and earning a gold medal in her post-graduation.

As a recognised theatre artist, she has been actively involved with the Taaj Theatre Artist Association of Jaipur. Notably, she will be the youngest presenter of her paper at the ISTR conference in the Philippines, representing her Sindhi culture through her scholarly contributions. Her directorial debut in March 2024, based on the book "Dastavez" by Imroz, marked a significant milestone in her career. Not only did she write the play, but she also portrayed the role of Amrita, receiving high praise from the audience for her performance.

Beyond theatre and film, Priyankshi is a trained Kathak artist and proficient in Salsa, Bachata, and Bhangra. She is also learning belly dance, highlighting her passion for dance forms. She believes that her life would be incomplete without dance and theatre, which continue to be integral parts of her identity and journey.

Sharing her enriching journey in the world of theatre, Priyankshi says her career began when she chose drama as a subject, leading to an opportunity to participate in the Jaipur theatre festival, Jairangam. After completing her schooling, she became associated with TIE (Theatre in Education), where she worked with a director for six months, honing her skills. It was during this time that she met Dr. Ravi Chaturvedi, who became her mentor in her theatrical journey. For the past seven years, she has been actively involved in theatre, showcasing her talent in short films, plays, and camera acting.

In addition to her theatre work, Priyankshi has also worked as a video presenter for companies such as Astrotalk and Tax2Win and has also ventured into the radio industry.

Priyankshi shares that she decided to pursue the field of Journalism and Mass Communication at a young age. It all started when she chose drama as a subject in the ninth grade. Intrigued by the art of public speaking, she felt drawn to it. However, she soon realised that this field is filled with uncertainties. Despite this, her love for interacting with people persisted. She found that becoming a teacher would allow her to engage with creative and dynamic individuals, which ultimately led her to pursue a career as a professor.

Originally from Jaipur, Priyankshi feels immensely grateful to have been born into a loving and supportive family. Growing up, she experienced abundant care and affection from her family members, who have always stood by her decisions.

Fondly reminiscing about her childhood, she recalls her earliest solo performance on stage at the tender age of two and a half. The nerves she felt before stepping onto the stage remain vivid in her memory. Priyankshi credits her parents for nurturing her interest in dance, which subsequently led her to explore various forms of performing arts, including drama, dance, poetry, and voice-over artistry.

Unlike many others, Priyankshi's parents never pressured her to prioritise academics over her creative pursuits. Their unwavering support allowed her to develop her personality holistically, engaging in diverse creative endeavours while excelling academically. She attributes much of her personal growth and achievements to her parents, whose encouragement has continuously motivated her to make them proud.

When asked about her role models, Priyankshi says she finds inspiration from various persons in her life. She fondly recalls a school teacher who encouraged her to pursue poetry, which eventually sparked her interest in drama. She admires her parents, especially her father, who, despite facing numerous challenges in life, remained remarkably composed and patient.

Additionally, Priyankshi draws inspiration from figures like Surekha Sikri, renowned poets Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Kaifi Azmi, and Amrita Pritam, as well as painters M. F. Husain and Imroz. She also looks up to theatre director Dr. Ravi Chaturvedi. These individuals have played a significant role in shaping her aspirations and fueling her passion for the arts.

The phrase “Aur bhi dukh hain zamaane mein mohabbat ke siva, rahatein aur bhi hain vasl ki raahat ke sivaa” inspires her a lot. She finds inspiration in its message, interpreting it as a reminder that love is much more than just romantic relationships. For her, love exists in various forms, such as the bond between parents and children, friendships, and the connection with nature. This perspective highlights the importance of platonic love and the different ways it enriches our lives beyond romantic experiences.

Priyankshi acknowledges that no career path is without its challenges, and she has faced her share of struggles, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted her acting career. The unpredictable nature of the profession, where success can fluctuate, adds to the difficulty of sustaining oneself. However, the greatest hardship she faced was the loss of her father when she was 21. This profound loss left her feeling anxious and socially withdrawn for a period of time. Despite the immense pain, Priyankshi managed to overcome her grief and emerge stronger.

Priyankshi advocates active citizenship by encouraging everyone to give back to their country. She encourages associating with NGOs and fulfilling tax obligations. She also urges individuals to be fearless and take charge of their lives, becoming leaders in their own right. Furthermore, she highlights the significance of being a good listener, one who seeks the truth. By being open to different perspectives, individuals can cultivate curiosity and intrigue, fostering personal growth and understanding.

For those aspiring to pursue a career in journalism, Priyankshi extends an invitation to contact her for further guidance and advice.

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Watch the Story of Priyankshi Keswani | Assistant Professor | Theatre Artist

Meet Priyankshi Keshwani, an Assistant Professor at Arya College of Engineering, Jaipur. As a recognised theatre artist, she has been actively involved with the Taaj Theatre Artist Association of Jaipur. Know more about her diverse pursuits.