Our Story
Our Story
CREATE foundation was established in loving memory of theatre veteran Pearl Padamsee, as a Charitable Trust in 2002.
The aims and goals of CREATE Foundation were based to address the needs of local communities from mid to low economic sector for soft skill education and empowerment providing them the platform to enhance their communication and soft skills. This improves their chances of employability resulting in a higher salary scale. CREATE foundation works with children and youth from this sector, who strongly desire to achieve their dreams and live an empowered life with dignity and respect.
- About
Pearl Padamsee
Actress • Director • Educator • Visionary
Pearl Padamsee (Born in 1930) was a pioneering Indian theatre actress, director, producer, and educator whose profound contributions left an unforgettable mark on the landscape of Indian performing arts. With a career defined by brilliance, bold choices, and a deep love for nurturing talent, she brought grace, substance, and purpose to every role she undertook—on stage, on screen, and in the classroom. A key figure in The Theatre Group Bombay, (which was started in 1941 by 20 year old Sultan ‘Bobby’ Padamsee.) Pearl was one of the earliest champions of English-language theatre in India. Her stage performances were lauded for their emotional intelligence, depth, and social relevance. She was known not only for her stellar portrayals but also for curating a repertoire that bridged the classical and the contemporary, the personal and the political.
- Story
The CREATE Foundation
To honour her life and vision, the CREATE Foundation (Children’s Research in Education, Arts and Theatre Endowment) was founded on April 8, 2002, by her daughter Raëll Padamsee. This public charitable trust is now in its 23rd year and continues to carry Pearl’s spirit forward—working with children from diverse backgrounds and bringing them together through the arts.
CREATE empowers young people through drama, music, dance, and storytelling—integrating children from mainstream schools with those from underprivileged and challenged backgrounds. It provides professional platforms for expression, learning, and collaboration, reflecting everything Pearl stood for: inclusion, imagination, and excellence.
- Our Trustees
The People Behind Our Vision
Raёll Padamsee
Raëll a vibrant, versatile, dynamic, well-known theatre personality. She says “We want to make learning come alive. One of the ways we do this is through this Foundation.”
Sabira Merchant
Sabira is India’s finest etiquette trainer. She specializes in transforming youth into savvy personalities. She says “Teaching manners to teenagers gives them the tools to function and succeed as adults.”
Desiree Shangloo
Desiree is a person with a tremendous passion for theatre with 20 years’ experience in theatre and feels strongly to give back to society via this medium.
Dr. Sarina Shah
She is an exceptional dental surgeon, founder and proprietor of Global Smiles Dental Clinic, at the heart of Mumbai City that was established almost 20 years ago.
