Ria Meera Munshi is to be awarded an honorary degree from The University of Salford.
A Salford alumna, she will receive a Doctor of Arts today in recognition of her achievements as a dancer, choreographer, writer, director, speaker, actor, model, presenter and businesswoman, all whilst facing multiple major health conditions.
The 35-year-old, who founded the Indian-inspired dance and theatre production company Ri Ri’s Dance Academy in 2011 is the holder of a Bollywood Guinness World Record, has worked as a choreographer for Hollyoaks and featured on Coronation Street as Dr Chatterjee.
All this despite being diagnosed with Raynaud’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease and systemic lupus erythematosus.
“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,” she said.
“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.
“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.”
