We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Neeltarni Pratap. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Neeltarni below.

Hi Neeltarni, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have trained with renowned improv schools such as iO West, UCB, and Second City, while also delving into the Uta Hagen acting method under the guidance of one of the finest acting teachers, Howard Fine. The combined experience has been nothing short of transformative. These institutions and teachers are legendary for a reason, and their insights have not only sharpened my acting skills but also enriched my understanding of stories and how to tell them. The positive impact on my skills, both in the world of improvisation and dramatic acting, has been profound, and I’m deeply grateful for the knowledge and expertise I’ve gained along the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My fascination with acting dates back as far as I can remember, but I initially hesitated to pursue it due to self-doubt and various reasons. Fortunately, my parents always encouraged me to follow my passion, urging me to focus on what I love rather than what’s practical. After graduating from Illinois State University, I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. With no prior acting experience or industry connections, I dove into every available workshop and class, from Howard Fine Acting Studio to iO West, Second City, UCB, and more. While working full-time, I seized every opportunity, interned, and assisted, doing everything from photography to updating websites for these schools. As I honed my craft, I approached agencies, gained representation, and started auditioning, eventually landing roles in short films and shows. I left my full-time job to become a full-time actor and even created my own mock talk show, “Neel’s Show,” with two episodes on YouTube. Life took a turn when I got stuck in India due to COVID-19, but I used the time to connect with industry professionals, leading to numerous opportunities. Amid the pandemic, I co-wrote and filmed my first feature film, broadening my skills as a writer and creative producer. The Indian industry has been very good to me. I have three projects, one feature, one short and one web series, scheduled for release in 2023 and I plan to continue to be a part of the Indian industry for as long as they’d have me. I now split my time between Los Angeles and Mumbai, working in both the American and Indian entertainment industries. I’m excited about upcoming projects in 2023 and continue to be passionate about storytelling that transcends borders.

I am also writing an Indo-American feature to be directed by Krishan Hooda, an award-winning Indian director. The film will be shot in Atlanta and Bombay. It makes me happy to have the opportunity to work on stories that go beyond borders.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Being stuck in India for two years due to COVID-19 initially felt like a career setback. I didn’t know a single person there, and I was worried about falling behind in the industry back in LA. It was a challenging time as I found myself in a remote location in a bare house with minimal amenities, navigating a country I hadn’t been to in a decade. However, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for my career. I started from scratch, putting in relentless effort and connecting with hundreds of people in the Indian entertainment industry. This unexpected twist opened up a whole new level for me, bringing exciting and challenging opportunities. It kick-started my writing career, gave me the chance to work alongside Indian legend Naseeruddin Shah, and allowed me to produce numerous projects. What I initially feared would be the end of my career turned out to be the beginning of an entirely new and exciting chapter.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The driving force behind my journey is the opportunity to translate the stories I observe in the world and the characters in my mind onto the screen. It’s a true blessing to have the ability to breathe life into your creative vision, and I’m fully committed to making the most of it. Beyond storytelling, I’m deeply passionate about animals, and I aim to leverage my storytelling opportunities to reshape the way people perceive and appreciate them. Through my narratives, I aspire to kindle a transformation in how we view and interact with the animal kingdom, fostering a deeper connection and empathy towards these incredible creatures.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neeltarnipratap/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neeltarni-pratap-b3b314106/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@neeltarni