I am thrilled to share the exciting news that NYAL Magazine has just published an exclusive interview with the multi-talented Indian actor, Hitesh Kamra!
Hailing from the vibrant and culturally rich Punjab region, Hitesh has made a name for himself in the bustling city of New York. His journey from Punjab to the stages of New York is truly fascinating, and it is no wonder that NYAL Magazine chose to feature him this week.
What sets Hitesh apart from other actors is his versatility and range. He has not only portrayed characters from acclaimed playwright Shakespeare’s works, but he has also taken on challenging roles created by the brilliant Aaron Sorkin. From the eloquent and complex language of Shakespeare to the sharp and captivating dialogue of Sorkin, Hitesh has proven time and time again that he can tackle any role with grace and finesse.
New York Art Life: What makes your story even more compelling is your deep connection to your roots. Despite living thousands of miles away from your homeland, you remain proud of your Punjabi heritage and constantly strive to incorporate elements of his culture into his work. This fusion of cultures adds a unique flavor to your performances and makes you a standout in the industry.
Hitesh Kamra: India’s cultural heritage is an enormous baggage I always carry. It is a tapestry of diverse regional traditions, each with its unique style and techniques of acting. Whether it is the elaborate makeup and costumes of Kathakali or the subtle nuances of Abhinaya in Odissi, Indian art forms have taught me the importance of attention to detail and the power of storytelling through movement and expression. One aspect of the Indian art of acting that has particularly influenced me is its emphasis on connecting with one’s inner self. In many traditional Indian acting techniques, performers are encouraged to explore their emotions and experiences to bring authenticity to their characters. This approach has taught me the importance of introspection and self-awareness as an actor.
New York Art Life: New York is an extraordinary place for those who work in the world of theater. You have interacted with directors of the caliber of Jay Goldenberg and Alan Rackam.
Hitesh Kamra: New York City is renowned worldwide for its vibrant and thriving theater scene, making it an extraordinary place for professionals in the industry. As someone who has had the privilege of working in this dynamic environment, I have had the opportunity to interact with directors of the highest caliber, including Jay Goldenberg and Alan Rackam. Their expertise and artistic vision have not only been inspiring but also instrumental in shaping my career in the world of theater.
New York Art Life: You acted in the funny comedy “Sketch Comedy”. It is a laugh-out-loud riot in the hands of Joe DiNozzi and Darien De Maria, the creators, writers, and directors of A Sketch of New York. The show, which takes place at The Producers Club on 358 West 44th Street, is a hilarious portrayal of life in the Big Apple. As a performer in this production, you had the privilege of working with these talented individuals and experiencing firsthand the comedic genius they bring to the stage.
Hitesh Kamra: Joe DiNozzi and Darien De Maria have crafted a truly entertaining and relatable sketch comedy experience with A Sketch of New York. Their writing is sharp, witty, and full of clever observations about the quirks and eccentricities of life in the city. Each sketch is carefully constructed to deliver maximum laughs, and their comedic timing is impeccable.
They create an environment that fosters creativity and allows me as an actor to fully explore my characters and comedic potential. Their guidance and direction throughout the rehearsal process ensured that each performance was polished and delivered with precision.
New York Art Life: I would like to express my appreciation for your outstanding performance as an actor in several short films. Your roles in films such as Fake Tips, directed by Tristen Stafford, Perpetual, directed by Edward Clements, and Silent Storms, directed by Tzvi Eber, have truly left a lasting impact on audiences.
One short film that deserves special recognition is Silent Storms, which tackles the sensitive and difficult topic of male suicide. Your portrayal of the character in this short film was nothing short of amazing. You skillfully captured the emotional turmoil and internal struggles that individuals facing such circumstances often experience. Your ability to convey the depth and complexity of these emotions through your acting was truly commendable.
Hitesh Kamra: In the production of ‘Fake Tips’, I had the privilege of portraying the antagonist. As an actor, playing the role of the antagonist requires tapping into a different set of emotions and motivations, which challenges me to explore the depths of my craft. It is always intriguing to delve into the psyche of a character who opposes the protagonist and brings conflict to the story.
Speaking about ‘Fake Tips’, the film recently debuted on popular platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. The response from the audience has been overwhelming, with over 6 million views combined across these platforms. This level of engagement is a testament to the hard work and dedication put in by the entire cast and crew.
Silent Storms by Tzvi Eber has been an extraordinary experience for me as an actor. These short films provide a unique platform to explore various characters and stories within a limited duration. Each film presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for growth.
One of the most impactful short films I had the privilege to be a part of was Silent Storms directed by Tzvi Eber. This short film tackles the sensitive and difficult topic of male suicide. As actors, our responsibility is to bring authenticity and empathy to the characters we portray. In the case of Silent Storms, this meant delving deep into the mindset and emotions of someone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Empathy is crucial in portraying such complex and sensitive subjects on screen. It requires understanding the motivations, fears, and pain that the protagonist is going through. Through thorough research and discussions with the director, I was able to develop a deep sense of empathy towards the character’s journey in Silent Storms.
New York Art Life: In commercial advertising, another part of your acting ability is highlighted. An example of this is your performance in the promotion of Remitly, an ad directed by Sania Jhankar. The commercial features a relaxed and humorous video dialogue between the father and son.
Hitesh Kamra: An actor faces many acting roles and environments. One of these is the advertising world. I love having different roles and dealing with different types of acting. In this commercial the conversation adds an element of entertainment and relaxation to the advertisement, capturing the attention of viewers. The commercial effectively conveys its message and promotes the advertised product or service through this dialogue. Using humor and a relaxed tone in the conversation helped create a positive and memorable impression on my audience, making them more likely to engage with the brand.
New York Art Life: What are your thoughts on this beautiful job that is acting?
Hitesh Kamra: What I cherish about acting is its boundless creativity. There are countless paths to the same destination; it’s a realm where there are no wrong answers, only endless possibilities. Unlike other professions, acting does not confine one to a set of rules or limitations. Instead, it encourages exploration and experimentation, giving actors the freedom to explore various paths and interpretations. This boundless creativity is what makes acting such a thrilling and fulfilling art form, allowing actors to continuously push the boundaries of their craft and discover new depths within themselves.
New York Art Life: Last question, what is the relationship of an international and talented actor like you with a city like New York?
Hitesh Kamra: As an international actor, my relationship with a city like New York is one of admiration and inspiration. New York is a hub for creativity, culture, and diversity, making it the perfect backdrop for artists like myself to thrive. The city’s vibrant energy and bustling atmosphere provide endless opportunities for artistic expression and growth.
Additionally, New York’s rich history in the entertainment industry and its status as a global cultural capital make it an ideal place for actors to connect with industry professionals and showcase their talent. Being in New York allows me to be part of a dynamic community of artists and immerse myself in the thriving theater and film scene. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as Broadway and Central Park, serve as constant reminders of the immense talent and artistry that have graced its stages and screens over the years. Overall, my relationship with New York is one of mutual respect and mutual benefit, as the city continues to shape and inspire me as an actor.
Read Also:
Kenza Nejmi NYALife Speaks to Shining Star
