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panelists
Nadia Jagessar
Nadia Jagessar is a multifaceted talent who has made a name for herself in a variety of fields. Many may recognize her from her appearance on the hit Netflix show Indian Matchmaking, but Nadia is also a dancer, TedX speaker, and entrepreneur. As the founder of Euphoria Events, she brings her passion for creativity and celebration to every project she takes on.
In addition, Nadia is also a fashion and runway model, known for her striking presence and style. With her diverse range of talents and experiences, Nadia is a dynamic and inspiring force within the South Asian American community.
Annika Sharma
Annika’s debut romcom novel, “Love, Chai, and Other Four-Letter Words,” the first in the Chai Masala Club series, earned starred reviews from the Library Journal and BookList, and was described as a “love letter to both Indian culture and the streets of New York City,” by Publisher’s Weekly. It was named an Amazon Best Book and Annika was named an Apple Books’ Writer to Watch. Her next, “Sugar, Spice, and Can’t Play Nice,” releases May 2, 2023.
Annika is a co-founder and co-host of That Desi Spark podcast, one of the largest independently run South Asian podcasts in the world, which has led to appearances on the BBC, Forbes, and on a Spotify billboard campaign.
She currently lives in the New York City area. She is a lover of long conversations, superhero movies, reading, and travel, and can be found @annikasharma on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
Amrit Kapai
Amrit Kapai is currently a partner at Goldstein & McClintock LLLP in Miami, FL, where he specializes in corporate restructuring and litigation. In addition to practicing law, Amrit found another meaningful calling: serving as a voice for the South Asian LGBTQ+ community through his cast member role on Bravo TV's Family Karma.
Amrit has been recognized internationally for his groundbreaking role in Family Karma. Most recently, Amrit earned a spot on the coveted Out 100 list, which recognizes members of the LGBTQ+ community for their trailblazing, ripple-inducing, and culture-shifting impact around the world. In addition, Emory University, his alma mater, recognized Amrit in their 2021 class of 40 Under Forty, a program spotlighting selected alumni across a variety of vocations for having made a significant impact in business, research, leadership, public service and/or philanthropic endeavors.
Finally, his televised coming out to his late grandmother was instrumental in Family Karma securing a nomination for Best Outstanding Reality Series at the 2022 GLAAD Media Awards
Rohit Gijare
Rohit is a renowned choreographer, dancer, and creator based in New York City. He gained national attention when he was runner-up on the hit Indian television show Dance India Dance. Rohit is also currently a cast member and dance captain on filmmaker Aditya Chopra and Yash Raj Films' play based on the iconic Bollywood film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, "Come Fall in Love." His growing YouTube presence (368,000 subscribers) has led to collaborations with artists globally, including choreographing and dancing in the music video for "Ambarsariya" by Vidyavox.
Rohit has also returned to his roots as the director of the choreography for the nationally touring production Bollywood Boulevard, which premiered at the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival. He has also choreographed two NBA halftime shows for the 76ers and performed at BuzzFeed, Spotify, LVHM, Etsy, Neuman's Kitchen, Sling TV, and JetBlue. Rohit's videos have gone viral for his latest "Husband and Wife" series. As an inspiring South Asian American artist, Rohit has made a significant impact in the world of dance and entertainment.
