Who’s Who – Muskkan Samtani

Author/ Being Neighbourly
26 June 2025

Muskkan Samtani is somebody who’s living life to the fullest: she works as a licensed financial planner and co-hosts a radio show on RTHK; she’s on the cricket team of the Kowloon Cricket Club, and, these days, she’s on the stage as one of two lead actors in a contemporary production of the Bhagavad Gita. This is her first tryst with theatre.

What inspired you to take on this lead role in the Bhagavad Gita?

It may sound a bit airy fairy, but all amazing things/people in my life, have chosen me and not the other way around. I am beyond inspired and consider myself extremely privileged to have received this role, as the learnings have been no less than a college diploma in theatre, consciousness, mindset and the idea of living life.

Can you share a memorable experience or interaction that has left a lasting impression on you?

There have been so many extraordinary moments during the process of this play. There’s been bliss, lots and lots of tears of pushing my boundaries and taking a leap with my skills, assuring words and an endless supply of patience from my mentor/director- Tang Shu-wing and so many others from the team. But particularly, I remember the first time we did a scene that required us to balance a wooden plank on our heads and walk … for a good 5 mins. Initially, I thought this is some drill to teach us focus and concentration. But after those few minutes of absolute silence, not bothered by messages on my phone or what’s happening in the world, I lost myself to the process- almost like a deep meditation with my open eyes. I went home and wept after that experience because it felt that good. Silence is a gift!

What challenges have you faced along the way?

Many, many, many! Most difficult day was when I received the script in my hands with less than a month to go for the show. No prompters of the human or electronic kind; it was to be memorized.

Once I got past that mental block, the content itself raised so many questions, some very pertinent life altering questions. And as someone playing a lead role, it was important for me to go to the depths of it all to fully grasp my part.

What is your favourite part in the Bhagavad Gita show you’ll be performing?

Being the only South Asian cast! It’s truly been a privilege and an experience to be working with such an incredibly talented, renowned team that have treated me like family. When I first came to the city, these were the very things I was told that would stall my progress-not being able to speak the language or not growing up here. But it’s been such kind words, kind gestures from the entire cast and crew- the rehearsal set always felt like a display of everyday Bhagavad Gita where actions spoke louder than words.

What was your experience like working with a luminary such as Tang Shu Wing?

Tang Shu-wing brings a smile on my face. He encouraged me to meet myself where I was. He didn’t want me to be somebody I wasn’t, act like somebody I wasn’t. He allowed me full free-reign to express myself, respected my opinions and many times incorporated them in the play. He’s a director par excellence, a visionary who truly has a wealth of knowledge. A true disciplinarian who cares about how we feel when we arrive at the rehearsals, who ensures we are feeling fit and energized before we begin, he reminds us to breathe as without that no scene will come to fruition. I am so grateful for his guidance and the space he’s allowed me to explore.

What advice would you give to any aspiring actor who wants to take up theatre?

Theatre is not easy! There is so much at play, no pun intended. I have always enjoyed being behind a camera, but theatre truly takes things to a whole new level. So if you truly want to test your abilities in the field of drama and entertainment, theatre is the way to go. But find a genre that works for you, that allows you to truly explore your talents and grow. Lastly, stay committed to your passion. Today people take opportunities for granted or may think it’s too below them. Whether small or big, you make it yours and commit yourself to the process- success will be right there with you! I am grateful to my vocal guru Jayang Jhaveri and through him, our beloved, the legendary Kishori Amonkar Tai for teaching me some very important lessons in the world of fine arts.

The Bhagavad Gita will run in Cantonese on 20-22, 24-27, 29 June 2025 and in English on 28 June 2025. Tickets can be purchased here.