Shoba Narayan (actress)
American actress
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shoba Narayan (born November 5, 1989)[citation needed] is an American musical theatre actress. She was the first South Asian to play Princess Jasmine in the Broadway show Aladdin.[1][2][3]
Shoba Narayan | |
|---|---|
Shoba Narayan at Galaxy Con Columbus 2025 | |
| Born | November 5, 1989 Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Boston Conservatory at Berklee (2012) |
| Occupation | Musical theatre actress |
| Spouse |
Jay Shah (m. 2019) |
| Children | 1 |
Early life
Narayan was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to Indian immigrant parents.[4] The only Indian family in town, Narayan has said she was mocked by her classmates for her name.[5] She took dance classes in ballet and bharatanatyam,[1] as well as classes in voice, violin, and Carnatic music.[4] Interested in performing at a young age, her first leading role was as Dorothy in her eighth grade school production of The Wizard of Oz.[4]
She graduated from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2012 and moved to New York City to perform in theater.[1]
Acting career
Narayan's first Broadway role was as Natasha in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. In that role, she was the first South Asian woman in a lead role on Broadway since Bombay Dreams in 2004.[1][6]
She played Eliza Hamilton in the North American tour of Hamilton and Nessarose in Wicked.[1][2][3] She was the first South Asian actress to play Nessarose.[4] She is also the voice of Emily on the TV show Hazbin Hotel.
Personal life
Shoba married Jay Shah in January 2019. The couple welcomed their first child, their daughter Leela, in August 2024.
Theater credits
| Year | Musical | Role | Type | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2017 | Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 | Ensemble, Natasha (understudy) | Broadway | [4][6] |
| 2018 | Hamilton | Eliza Hamilton | North American Tour | [7] |
| 2019–2020 | Wicked | Nessarose | Broadway | [8] |
| 2021–2023 | Aladdin | Jasmine | Broadway | [9][10] |
| 2022 | Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical | Simran | Regional | [11] |
Filmography
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Gossip Girl | Don Nightingale | Episode: "Save the Last Chance" |
| 2015 | Halal in the Family | Whitney Qu'osby | 4 episodes |
| 2015 | Quantico | Teenage Alex | Episode: "Run" |
| 2024–present | Hazbin Hotel | Emily (voice) | 5 episodes |
Film
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Mistress America | Hallway Girl | |
| 2015 | Growing Up Smith | Asha Bhatnagar | |
| 2017 | Coin Heist | Junibel | |
| 2017 | Price for Freedom | Bijou | |
| 2022 | To the East | Neena | Short film |
Discography
Studio albums
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Soft Hours |
|
Album track listing
The album features minimalist, lullaby-style reimagining of Broadway classics alongside traditional Indian musical elements, dedicated to her daughter Leela.
Soft Hours
- "The Music of the Night" (from The Phantom of the Opera)
- "Children Will Listen" (from Into the Woods)
- "Not While I'm Around" (from Sweeney Todd)
- "A Whole New World" (from Aladdin)
Featured soundtracks
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Hazbin Hotel (Original Soundtrack) |
|
Dance
Narayan has worked as a teacher of bharatanatyam and has performed at weddings.[12]
Concerts and live performances
Narayan has performed as a soloist at several high-profile live concert events, blending her classical musical theater repertoire with cultural celebrations.
| Year | Event / Concert | Venue / Location | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Official White House Diwali Celebration | The White House | Became the first Indian-American artist invited to sing at the official White House Diwali event. | |
| 2022 | Solo Cabaret Series | Feinstein's/54 Below | Performed a series of solo musical cabaret engagements showcasing her Broadway career and vocal background. | |
| 2023 | Disney Animation 100th Anniversary Concert | Hollywood Bowl | Featured guest vocalist celebrating a century of Disney musical history. |