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DARPAN MAGAZINE: SPOTLIGHT Cultivating the Arts
By Renu Singh-Joseph, 23 Nov, 2016
Speaking with Rohit Chokhani, you can hear the passion in his voice for the cultivation of the arts, in particular the medium of theatre, and forging a path for future generations of South Asian talent. Chokhani has had a rich, diverse career from completing his masters in computer science and producing video games for popular TV shows and movies to transitioning to the arts world as an award-winning producer and cultural leader.
For the last four years, Chokhani has been the Producer for Diwali Fest, the largest Diwali-themed festival in the Lower Mainland with events spanning over six weeks. He is also the Artistic Producer for South Asian Arts Society, which strives to create performance and educational opportunities for amateur to professional artists. This past summer, Chokhani was the Apprentice Director for Bard on the Beach and assisted Director Johnna Wright for the production of ‘Merry Wives of Windsor.’
VANCOUVER SUN: Spreads the unity message of diwali
By Erika Thorkelson, October 5, 2016
Diwali Fest’s artistic producer Rohit Chokhani is an extremely busy man. In the past year he has worked as an apprentice director for Bard on the Beach’s production of Merry Wives of Windsor, spent time as a producer in residence at the National Arts Centre in Toronto, and debuted the Monsoon Festival of Performing Arts alongside collaborator Gurpreet Sian.
When I catch up with him over the phone in mid-September, he’s talking at lightning speed about the slate of events for this year’s Diwali Fest. “It’s going to span over six weeks across multiple cities,” he says. “Definitely the biggest year we’ve had. This is the first time we’ve had so many theatre shows and a show for young audiences. There’s something for everybody.”
WESTENDER: WORLDS AWAY finding his path
By Kelsey Klassen, October 5, 2016
Rohit Chokhani has spent his entire career bridging different worlds. First, despite a passion for the arts, Chokhani uprooted himself from the vibrant, sweltering embrace of Mumbai for the relatively staid climes of Boston to pursue his master’s degree in computer science.
Then, seeking a more creative outlet, he transitioned a relatively dry technical degree into the design and management of video games, which brought him into contact with companies like Fox, Pixar and Disney, and rocketed him into multicultural boot camp as a project manager for teams in the US, India and China.
Then, in 2010, Chokhani decided to move from Boston to Vancouver on the encouragement of an uncle, where his career path would change entirely again. Determined to find footing in the film industry or something similar, Chokhani saved up enough money before coming to Vancouver to wait for the right opportunity. In the meantime, he volunteered, wrote his own plays, and created an arts program at his local temple.