The Matchmaker

Saman Shad (Author)
Saman Shad is a writer, editor, journalist and teller of stories. Much of her work is inspired by her experiences as a third culture kid, growing up and living in Pakistan, the Middle East, the UK and Australia. Her writing credits span mediums, including radio scriptwriting for the BBC in the UK and the ABC in Australia, and playwriting, with works commissioned by theatres across London and Sydney. She is a regular writer for several publications, including the Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald and SBS. She has also worked on screen projects, including developing the feature film One of Us with funding from Screen Australia. She is currently working as a screenwriter on a number of upcoming projects. Saman is a proud mum of three children and lives with them and her husband in Sydney.

Abhilash Kaimal (Reader)
Abhilash Kaimal is a graduate of Actors Centre Australia (ACA) with a Bachelor
of Performing Arts (Stage & Screen).

At ACA, Abhilash performed in numerous productions some of which include
Frankie and Johnny in the Claire De Lune, The Importance of Being Earnest and
Italian American Reconciliation.

On screen Abhilash can be seen in Pieces of Her for Netflix and will next be seen
in the upcoming Disney+ series, Nautilus.

Deepka Ratra (Reader)
Having grown up around the colourful world of Bollywood films and classical music, Deepka adores her work as an actress, singer and voice artist. She recently made her Hollywood debut as Lakshmi in Apple TV's Shantaram, as well as
Channel 9's After the Verdict as Sienna Lang.

Deepka has a solid foundation in classical music, having studied a Bachelor of Music in classical voice and a Masters in Opera at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She regularly works as a session vocalist and concert performer and thoroughly enjoys the challenge of using her voice and stage skills in a variety of genres and styles.

Some of her career highlights include performing in the Hans Zimmer Live show and as a soloist as part of Leonard Bernstein's MASS at the Sydney Opera House for the 100th Anniversary of the Conservatorium. She has also performed as part of Carols in the Domain, The Seven Sopranos, and ABBA Spectacular at the State Theatre in Sydney.

During her rigorous study at the Conservatorium, she worked on a number of operatic roles including Despina from Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte, the Herald of Dawn from Purcell's The Fairy Queen, and Princess Caraboo in Williamson's English Eccentrics. After the conclusion of her studies, she went on to make her debut with Operantics, performing the role of Adele from Strauss II's Die Fledermaus. During these years, she also crafted her capabilities as an ensemble member for many operas including La Boheme, Carmen and La Traviata. Her studies at the Conservatorium also gave her the opportunity to explore her love for choral music as she toured Europe with the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Choir and performed at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Westminster Abbey and St Alban's Cathedral.

Deepka has just completed filming two roles and is very excited for their upcoming releases on Stan and Paramount Plus in 2023. She cannot wait to continue learning and exploring in the world of acting, voice and music and is thrilled to be taking on such fulfilling work as a career.

Saman Shad (Author)
Saman Shad is a writer, editor, journalist and teller of stories. Much of her work is inspired by her experiences as a third culture kid, growing up and living in Pakistan, the Middle East, the UK and Australia. Her writing credits span mediums, including radio scriptwriting for the BBC in the UK and the ABC in Australia, and playwriting, with works commissioned by theatres across London and Sydney. She is a regular writer for several publications, including the Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald and SBS. She has also worked on screen projects, including developing the feature film One of Us with funding from Screen Australia. She is currently working as a screenwriter on a number of upcoming projects. Saman is a proud mum of three children and lives with them and her husband in Sydney.

Abhilash Kaimal (Reader)
Abhilash Kaimal is a graduate of Actors Centre Australia (ACA) with a Bachelor
of Performing Arts (Stage & Screen).

At ACA, Abhilash performed in numerous productions some of which include
Frankie and Johnny in the Claire De Lune, The Importance of Being Earnest and
Italian American Reconciliation.

On screen Abhilash can be seen in Pieces of Her for Netflix and will next be seen
in the upcoming Disney+ series, Nautilus.

Deepka Ratra (Reader)
Having grown up around the colourful world of Bollywood films and classical music, Deepka adores her work as an actress, singer and voice artist. She recently made her Hollywood debut as Lakshmi in Apple TV's Shantaram, as well as
Channel 9's After the Verdict as Sienna Lang.

Deepka has a solid foundation in classical music, having studied a Bachelor of Music in classical voice and a Masters in Opera at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She regularly works as a session vocalist and concert performer and thoroughly enjoys the challenge of using her voice and stage skills in a variety of genres and styles.

Some of her career highlights include performing in the Hans Zimmer Live show and as a soloist as part of Leonard Bernstein's MASS at the Sydney Opera House for the 100th Anniversary of the Conservatorium. She has also performed as part of Carols in the Domain, The Seven Sopranos, and ABBA Spectacular at the State Theatre in Sydney.

During her rigorous study at the Conservatorium, she worked on a number of operatic roles including Despina from Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte, the Herald of Dawn from Purcell's The Fairy Queen, and Princess Caraboo in Williamson's English Eccentrics. After the conclusion of her studies, she went on to make her debut with Operantics, performing the role of Adele from Strauss II's Die Fledermaus. During these years, she also crafted her capabilities as an ensemble member for many operas including La Boheme, Carmen and La Traviata. Her studies at the Conservatorium also gave her the opportunity to explore her love for choral music as she toured Europe with the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Choir and performed at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Westminster Abbey and St Alban's Cathedral.

Deepka has just completed filming two roles and is very excited for their upcoming releases on Stan and Paramount Plus in 2023. She cannot wait to continue learning and exploring in the world of acting, voice and music and is thrilled to be taking on such fulfilling work as a career.

Saman Shad (Author)
Saman Shad is a writer, editor, journalist and teller of stories. Much of her work is inspired by her experiences as a third culture kid, growing up and living in Pakistan, the Middle East, the UK and Australia. Her writing credits span mediums, including radio scriptwriting for the BBC in the UK and the ABC in Australia, and playwriting, with works commissioned by theatres across London and Sydney. She is a regular writer for several publications, including the Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald and SBS. She has also worked on screen projects, including developing the feature film One of Us with funding from Screen Australia. She is currently working as a screenwriter on a number of upcoming projects. Saman is a proud mum of three children and lives with them and her husband in Sydney.

Abhilash Kaimal (Reader)
Abhilash Kaimal is a graduate of Actors Centre Australia (ACA) with a Bachelor
of Performing Arts (Stage & Screen).

At ACA, Abhilash performed in numerous productions some of which include
Frankie and Johnny in the Claire De Lune, The Importance of Being Earnest and
Italian American Reconciliation.

On screen Abhilash can be seen in Pieces of Her for Netflix and will next be seen
in the upcoming Disney+ series, Nautilus.

Deepka Ratra (Reader)
Having grown up around the colourful world of Bollywood films and classical music, Deepka adores her work as an actress, singer and voice artist. She recently made her Hollywood debut as Lakshmi in Apple TV's Shantaram, as well as
Channel 9's After the Verdict as Sienna Lang.

Deepka has a solid foundation in classical music, having studied a Bachelor of Music in classical voice and a Masters in Opera at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She regularly works as a session vocalist and concert performer and thoroughly enjoys the challenge of using her voice and stage skills in a variety of genres and styles.

Some of her career highlights include performing in the Hans Zimmer Live show and as a soloist as part of Leonard Bernstein's MASS at the Sydney Opera House for the 100th Anniversary of the Conservatorium. She has also performed as part of Carols in the Domain, The Seven Sopranos, and ABBA Spectacular at the State Theatre in Sydney.

During her rigorous study at the Conservatorium, she worked on a number of operatic roles including Despina from Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte, the Herald of Dawn from Purcell's The Fairy Queen, and Princess Caraboo in Williamson's English Eccentrics. After the conclusion of her studies, she went on to make her debut with Operantics, performing the role of Adele from Strauss II's Die Fledermaus. During these years, she also crafted her capabilities as an ensemble member for many operas including La Boheme, Carmen and La Traviata. Her studies at the Conservatorium also gave her the opportunity to explore her love for choral music as she toured Europe with the Sydney Conservatorium Chamber Choir and performed at the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Westminster Abbey and St Alban's Cathedral.

Deepka has just completed filming two roles and is very excited for their upcoming releases on Stan and Paramount Plus in 2023. She cannot wait to continue learning and exploring in the world of acting, voice and music and is thrilled to be taking on such fulfilling work as a career.