Mysuru: Biddanda Diya Ponnappa of Mysuru has been selected to represent India at the InteRussia Theatre Arts Fellowship 2026 in Moscow from  Aug. 24 to Oct.3.

She is among 12 artistes chosen from BRICS+ nations including Brazil, Argentina, China, Malaysia, Egypt, Ethiopia, South Africa, Turkey and Iran.

Hosted at the world-renowned Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS), the programme is organised in collaboration with the Gorchakov Fund, TV BRICS International Media Network and ‘Mezhdunarodniki,’ under Rossotrudnichestvo’s ‘New Generation’ project backed by the Presidential Grants Foundation.

Diya completed her 10th grade from NPS International School Mysore and 12th grade from Sapient PU College.

She holds a BBA degree with a specialisation in Film & Television Management and Theatre & Performance Studies from FLAME University, Pune. The fellowship aims to immerse young global theatre practitioners in Russian physical and theatrical traditions, fostering cross-cultural artistic exchange.

Diya is the daughter of B.G. Ponnappa & Preet Kushalappa Kodira and granddaughter of Dr. Kodira A. Kushalappa, retired IFS Officer, residents of  Ramakrishnanagar, Mysuru.