Multi-award-winning artist Ria Meera Munshi has been given an honorary degree from the University of Salford for her outstanding contributions to cultural industries.
The Salford graduate, who as an actor has appeared in Coronation Street, will receive her doctorate in recognition of her 14-year career as an artist and cultural entrepreneur.
The Salford alumna will receive a Doctor of Arts today, Friday, December 6, in recognition of her achievements in the cultural sphere, such as dancer, choreographer, writer, director, presenter and businesswoman.
This was all whilst facing multiple strenuous health conditions. Ria has spent significant time tackling Lupus, Raynaud’s syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease.
Ria Meera Munshi, 35, graduated through the BA Performance course and founded an Indian-inspired dance and theatre production company, Ri Ri’s Dance Academy, which has been open for thirteen years.
It was only last year that Ria was diagnosed with lupus erythematosus, a long-term condition that causes joint pain, skin rashes and tiredness – there is currently no active cure for the syndrome which affects her performance.
When speaking on the honorary doctorate, Ria said: “I really believe that by throwing myself into my work, I have been able to fight these conditions and have also allowed my body to heal.
“Since the age of 14, I have faced these long-term chronic conditions but faced every day with the resolve that by performing and working to the fullest of my potential that I would be making myself better.”
“I get so much joy seeing someone smile whilst watching me dance and its motivated me to bring more smiles, kindness and love to all through dance, and the arts. I want my work to be magical, colourful and inspirational to others.”
Ria is the holder of a Bollywood Guinness World Record, and has worked as a celebrity choreographer for Hollyoaks, and featured on Coronation Street as Dr Chatterjee in 2022 and 2023 and also performed as the lead in a British Airways India Commercial.
“Every day, I ask myself the question ‘have I made someone feel positive, have I introduced them to a new feeling, a new culture, a new dance move, did I make them smile?’
“That’s been my focus every day and that’s got me through it despite the fact my body was dealing with all these conditions at once,” Ria added.
When receiving news of the honorary degree, Ria said: “I was quite speechless just thinking about it. It felt very surreal!
“For any student, I feel that they should always do what they can to keep the relationship going after graduating and I am very grateful to have met so many beautiful people and have hopefully inspired and enriched other people’s lives. They have also equally been as inspiring to me.”
Recent Comments