Background
Sangini Majmudar Bedner is a first-generation Indian American who was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia (yes, an Indian with a southern accent!). She is a former Miss India USA, Stanford University graduate, professional actress/dancer/choreographer and dance instructor who now lives in Portola Valley, CA with her husband Ilja, their sons Indra (age 13) and Bodhi (age 10), Bernedoodle Miss Moxie, cats Dr. No-Cat and Honey Ryder and eight chickens ("The Ladies"). Life is never boring with this scenario!
ATLANTA YEARS
From the age of four, Sangini began rigorous dance and acting training at the prestigious A.R.T.S. (Atlanta’s Rising Theatre Stars), under the instruction of Dolores Werner. Her artistic commitment led to countless wins in national/international competitions, various prestigious events and televised programs, including “Star Search” (the Ed McMahon years). Sangini was equally dedicated to excelling in academics, school participation and cultural activities. She split her time between studying, three hours of dance class a day, cheerleading (yes, she admits it!), Student Council, Atlanta’s IYA (Indian Youth Association), and of course having fun with her friends. She graduated from Henderson High School with a 4.3 GPA and an acceptance to Stanford University.
STANFORD YEARS
While at Stanford, Sangini was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma (yes, she admits that, too!), was a Stanford Dollie (the Dollies are five dancers who represent Stanford at all sports events and university-related activities), did a six month abroad program in Madrid, Spain (where they all thought she was Spanish until she opened her mouth), and was “Miss India USA” her senior year (she represented Georgia in New York and won the national title). Sangini majored in American Studies, with a particular interest in the history of African-Americans in the United States (Sangini thought she was a Black Panther in her former life). As always, these involvements in no way shape or form hindered Sangini from fully enjoying the social offerings of college life, and she made lifelong friends in the process.
LOS ANGELES YEARS
Upon graduating from Stanford in 1996, Sangini moved to Los Angeles to give her all to show business. She studied for six years at the esteemed Beverly Hills Playhouse, during which time she acted in many television, film, and theatre projects (see Acting Resume). Without question, Sangini’s character Yvonne, in a play called Fluffy Bunnies in a Field of Daisies, is her favorite role to date. Written by her good friend Matt Chaffee, “Bunnies” began as a tiny shoebox theater project that erupted after killer reviews by Los Angeles Times, Daily Variety, and Backstage West (see Performance Reviews). The play ran on and off for two years in Los Angeles, culminating in a “Best Ensemble” award in the 2005 New York International Fringe Festival. “Bunnies” had seven sold out shows at The Soho Playhouse and was the perfect finale for this “little engine that could” production (see Performance Reviews under Acting).
While in LA, Sangini also taught jazz, tap and hip-hop classes at The Hollywood Dance Center, choreographed many music videos, television and film projects, and ran an academic tutoring business. As she threw herself one hundred percent into all of the above, she gained a second family in the students and peers she encountered. And family is of utmost important to Sangini! She grabs any chance to visit Atlanta and spend time with her treasured nephew Hans (22), niece Arya (20), sister Nija, brother-in-law Joe, mother Uma, and father Bhagirath (Dr. Maj). As Sangini remained single during her LA years, these visits and wonderful friends were her most favorite form of company…until she met Ilja Bedner in 2005! One year later, being whisked off her feet, Sangini happily accepted Ilja's proposal. They had a September 2007 Indian wedding in Atlanta, Georgia, which was a true “East meets West,” “salt-and-pepper,” cultural extravaganza!
CURRENTLY
Living in Portola Valley, CA, Sangini is a passionate community builder and has introduced her dance program to various schools in the Bay area; she continues to add her energy to Portola Valley schools, as an artist and involved mother. Sangini, Ilja, and sons Indra and Bodhi continue to live great life adventures, on their crazy farm life and beyond!
