Indian creatives Rasika Agashe and Zeeshan Ayyub will launch DUA in UAE to support film and theatre talent and creative collaboration.
DUBAI: In a major boost to the UAE’s cultural landscape, Indian theatre and film personalities Rasika Agashe and Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub are set to launch DUA – Dreamtime Union of Artists, an international artist collective headquartered in the Emirates. The initiative is poised to nurture emerging talent and drive artistic collaboration across theatre, film, and storytelling.
DUA aims to foster UAE-born artistic voices while building bridges between the Indian diaspora, Emirati creatives, and international artists. Its founders envision Dubai as a natural base for global cultural exchange. “Dubai is a unique cultural meeting point where people from diverse backgrounds live and create together,” said Rasika Agashe. “We believe we can develop a UAE-born community of talent that can showcase theatre and the arts both locally and globally.”
The platform will feature initiatives such as Drawing Room Theatre performances, acting and filmmaking workshops, and cross-cultural collaborations designed to build an inclusive and sustainable creative ecosystem in the region.
DUA’s debut initiative, Canvas of Dreams, will serve as a talent discovery showcase focused on mentorship rather than competition. It will offer selected participants the opportunity to grow through creative exploration and professional guidance, positioning itself as a performance-led and learning-driven programme.
Rasika Agashe is known for her acclaimed directorial debut Ticha Shahar Hona and her contribution to theatre and television, while Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub has gained critical acclaim for roles in Raanjhanaa, Raees, Article 15, and web series like Scoop and Criminal Justice.
Alumni of India’s prestigious National School of Drama, the couple brings extensive experience in performance and socially relevant storytelling to the UAE, aiming to contribute meaningfully to the region’s growing arts scene.
