Gaurav Kriplani - Alumni of the Year Award Winner

Alumnus Gaurav Kripalani (1989 cohort) represents a multifaceted career defined by creativity, leadership, and foresight. As Artistic Director of the Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), Gaurav is a household name in the Singaporean arts scene. With his legacy spanning over 150 productions in the last three decades, it is no surprise that he has become synonymous with theatre on the island.

The Singapore Repertory Theatre is one of Singapore’s leading non-profit professional theatre companies, and with Gaurav at the helm, has become a cultural cornerstone, bringing international works to local audiences while also championing homegrown stories that reflect Singapore’s diverse identity.

At the heart of this story lies a humble beginning, over 40 years ago in Portsdown Road, where Gaurav first dabbled and fell in love with performing.  His time at Raeburn Park School and Tanglin Junior School, he explains, offered something invaluable:

permission.

“I was given opportunities to perform, to take risks, and to be taken seriously. That built confidence.”  More importantly, it sparked in him a deeper understanding of storytelling - not just as performance, but as connection.

“You stand on stage and share something with an audience. That stayed with me.”

It was undoubtedly ‘a full circle moment’, as Gaurav affectionally describes it, when we were able to present him with the Tanglin Alumni of the Year Award (Excellence in the Arts) on campus, bringing his journey firmly back to where it all began.

“Tanglin is where I first stepped on stage, so this feels like coming full circle! Personally, it brings back many memories; professionally, it is a reminder that the seeds of a life in the arts are often planted early. To be recognised by the place where it all began means a great deal.”

Addressing invited students, staff, alumni and parents in his acceptance speech, Gaurav shared stories from his time as a young schoolboy at Tanglin and how a few key teachers were instrumental in allowing him to take the road less travelled and eventually achieve success at such a high calibre.

Gaurav did not shy away from acknowledging the challenges and struggles he faced. In fact, he highlighted the resilience and determination required to overcome them.

For our young minds in attendance, it was both grounding and inspiring to hear from someone at the pinnacle of success who started exactly where they are today.

“Meeting Gaurav was so informative. It gave me real perspective on pursuing a career in theatre and insight into Singapore’s contribution to the arts. I was inspired by his passion, and it motivated me to take on any challenges I may face.” - Jocelyn W (Year 12 Student)

“Be clear about why you want to do it. It is not an easy path. Work hard. Be resilient. Stay curious. Build things. Do not wait for permission. Create your own opportunities. That is how careers in the arts are built.”

Gaurav also recalls how he was first introduced to the works of Roald Dahl at Tanglin.

“The books felt different. They were mischievous, dark, funny, and completely original,” he recalls. “It opened up a world where imagination had no limits.”

That early inspiration has come to life in one of his most recent projects: a major international co-production of ‘The BFG’ – one of Roald Dahl’s greatest works.  Working alongside major players like the Royal Shakespeare Company, Chichester Festival Theatre, and the Roald Dahl Story Company, the production represents a significant leap for Singapore’s theatre scene.

At its core, Gaurav’s story is one of purpose, shaped by early encouragement and sustained by passion. From a school stage at Tanglin to international collaborations, his journey reflects the enduring impact of creativity and courage.

As he puts it simply, “The arts matter. They help us understand ourselves and each other. If you feel drawn to them, take that seriously. It might just shape your entire life.”

Gaurav Kripalani (1989 cohort) attended Raeburn Park School and Tanglin Junior School in the 1970s and 1980s, and has been presented with the Tanglin Alumni of the Year Award (2025)  for Excellence in the Arts.

Book tickets to watch the BFG in Singapore, here.