Story
“CREATE aims to create a more equal society which is actually great as this foundation is giving opportunity to every child and helping in bringing out their talents” – Priti Sonar, 16 years, Salaam Bombay.
In 2002, driven by a deep desire to empower the marginalized and give a voice to those who had been silenced, Raëll Padamsee founded the CREATE Foundation with the vision of transforming lives through the creative arts. What began as a small initiative to provide children from underserved communities with access to theatre and creative expression has since blossomed into a powerful platform for change, impacting the lives of thousands. Through Life Skills Education , the Foundation has been empowering marginalized and challenged children since it’s inception, equipping them with essential skills to overcome adversity, become employable, and create a better future.
Over the years, the CREATE Foundation has evolved, extending its reach to Women’s empowerment, Leadership Development, Gender Sensitivity initiatives, and the Elderly, ensuring that no one is left behind. “The arts have the power to break barriers, inspire change, and create a world where every individual, regardless of their background, can flourish,” says Raëll. Today, the CREATE Foundation continues to be a beacon of hope, where creativity meets empowerment, and dreams know no boundaries.
The CREATE foundation was established in loving memory of theatre veteran Pearl Padamsee, as a Charitable Trust in 2002.
The aims and goals of the 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. The 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.
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.
Alyque Padamsee
THEATRE VISIONARY • AD FILM MAKER • ACTOR • BRAND ICON
Alyque Padamsee (1928–2018) was a pioneering Indian theatre director, actor, and advertising legend. Known as the “Brand Father of Indian Advertising,” his creative campaigns and impactful theatre productions reshaped both industries in India.
In theatre, Alyque directed iconic plays such as Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tughlaq, and Broken Images. His portrayal of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Gandhi (1982) earned him global recognition.
As an advertising pioneer, Alyque helmed Lintas India for 14 years, creating landmark campaigns that became cultural touchstones:
- Liril Soap – The “Liril Girl” under the waterfall.
- Hamara Bajaj – A patriotic, aspirational campaign.
- MRF Muscle Man – A symbol of strength and resilience.
- Surf detergent – Lalitaji, played by Kavita Chaudhary, promoted Surf in 1983 with the slogan “Surf ki kharidari mein samajhdari hai.”
Alyque’s legacy is celebrated for revolutionizing both advertising and theatre, bridging creativity, innovation, and social relevance. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2000, along with several other prestigious awards, in recognition of his lifetime achievements.
- Story
The CREATE Foundation
To honour their life and vision, the CREATE Foundation (Children’s Research in Education, Arts and Theatre Endowment) was founded on April 8, 2002, by their daughter Raëll Padamsee. This public charitable trust is now in its 24th 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.
