My name is Nima, and I have been a Kathak dancer for the past 15 years. Three years ago, I began writing the story that would become Kathputli, a dance-theatre performance inspired by traditional Indian string puppets. Living in Houston, I have seen firsthand how human trafficking can exist in our own neighborhoods—just a few years ago, a massage parlor behind my house was shut down for trafficking. This experience, and the knowledge that Houston is a major hub for human trafficking, deeply moved me to create a work that could shed light on these hidden realities.

Kathputli tells the story of a recently orphaned girl who is forced to become a string puppet in order to survive. Through movement, music, and storytelling, the performance explores how trafficking often begins with subtle manipulation and emotional abuse—sometimes disguised as love and kindness. The woman who trafficks the girl takes her in with apparent warmth, but beneath the surface, there is love bombing and gaslighting. My goal is to reveal the nuances of covert emotional abuse and the strength of human resilience through this ambitious project.

With the backing of IMPA (Indian Music and Performing Arts), I am now preparing to audition dancers and assemble a committed team, including choreographers and a composer. However, there are still many essential costs I must meet to bring Kathputli to life. Your support will help cover studio and auditorium rentals, professional photography and videography, costume design, original music composition, and more. Every donation directly supports the artists and professionals involved, and together, we can give voice to a story that deserves to be seen and heard

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to this GoFundMe.

For official sponsorships, please contact Nima directly +1 (281) - 806 - 0714