Celebrating Marvel-ous talent
share
We’re proud that Rish Shah has been named Emerging Artist of the Year at Eastern Eye’s Arts, Culture and Theatre Awards. The award, sponsored by the Arts Council, celebrates and brings into the limelight the incredible creative and cultural talent that exists in Britain’s Asian community.
Superpowered rising star
Rish is best known for his role in one of the latest global hits of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Ms Marvel. The Disney+ series tells the story of Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager who inherits a bangle originally owned by her great-grandmother. The heirloom gives her access to cosmic powers allowing the teenager to become a superhero like her role model Captain Marvel. But it also puts Kamala, played by Canadian actor Iman Vellani, her family and friends in danger. Rish stars as Kamran, Kamala’s friend and confidante, who is coming to terms with his own superpowers and mysterious family history.
Celebrating diversity and inclusivity
The series has been applauded by critics and fans alike for showcasing a diverse and inclusive vision of superheroes. Ms Marvel has even won praise on social media from Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai who described the series as a “joy” for its “positive” reflection of Pakistani family life.
Rish said: “I’m proud to be part of this community that’s fighting for better representation and really pushing the needle. And just to be acknowledged for my work that strives for change means the world to me. I hope to continue to do work that makes us proud as a community because I am beyond inspired to be standing by your side.”
Breaking down barriers
His words echo those of last year’s winner the amazingly talented singer-songwriter, Joy Crookes. She’s spoken of the inspiration she finds in drawing on and reflecting the strong story telling traditions of her Bangladeshi and Irish heritages in her work.
Both Joy’s and Rish’s sentiments mirror the vision of our strategy in Let’s Create and its ambition to open-up opportunities in creativity and culture so everyone, whoever they are, whatever their background, wherever they live, can get the chance for their talent to be nurtured and to flourish.
Our continued support of the award shows our commitment to making the creative and cultural sector more reflective and inclusive of England as it is today, and celebrating talent wherever it is found.
The multi-billion-dollar Marvel Cinematic Universe is based on the stories that first appeared in the popular Marvel comic books .
Find out more about how the Arts Council has supported comics as a catalyst for change.
