Today we’d like to introduce you to Harsh Gupta

Hi Harsh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I started off as a computer engineer in New Delhi with aspirations to be an actor, filmmaker & entrepreneur. Funnily I look back 6 years and what looked like a mountain has now been accomplished and I have made new targets for myself. I was 21 years old and had some experience in theatre. I began training under various mentors and learnt the craft of acting. I learnt filmmaking by making mistakes and making a few bad films, but I learnt. Over the years I got good at filmmaking and mastered the craft of acting. As an entrepreneur, I got my opportunity to start a business right after the pandemic and I grabbed it with both arms. I created a themed dining experience with PPE suits and covid precautions. The restaurant picked up and I returned back to acting in the USA post pandemic. The restaurant now has 3 units in Delhi NCR and heavily acclaimed for its good food and service.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

If it had been a smooth road, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Ofcourse there have been multiple challenges over the years be it financial, emotional or personal but they all helped develop a resilient character. I believe our struggles are what give us the experience required for the future challenges. To name a few I almost finished my training in the US when the pandemic struck and I had to abandon my acting education to return back home. That was a depressing time for all but for performers it was disastrous. It took away the very core of our lives, but a lot of artists found new ways to use their artistic energy. I started my restaurant, did some acting tutoring online, made some zoom films which went on to win film festivals and kept working on my craft. Another struggle along the way definitely has to be the learning phase where no one believes in you and calls you out on every thing that goes wrong after your efforts. But all you can do at that time is to pay no heed to them and rather find solutions, learn from your mistakes and be better.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am an actor, writer, director and entrepreneur currently based in New York City. Born and raised in the cultural hub of New Delhi, I am in constant search for truth and honesty in my work. I first started acting in Delhi theatre groups where I worked with renowned actors and theatre directors including Shilpi Marwaha and Arvind Gaur. I then went on to study The Method at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York. I study in depth the work of Lee Strasberg and Konstantin Stanislavsky.

As a filmmaker, I have found success in film festivals all over the world where my work has been recognized and awarded in numerous categories. At LSTFI’s own festivals, I was honored with the “Best Actor Award” at the Lee Strasberg Film Festival in New York and went on to win “Best Editing” and “Best Smartphone Film” at the LSTFI Los Angeles’ 3×5 Film Competition. I recently won the jury award at The Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival, Delhi, which is one of India’s most reputed and renowned independent film festivals.

I run an international production company, FA-36 Productions, and firmly believe that cinema has the power to initiate conversations, challenge stereotypes, and foster societal change. I recognize the critical role that filmmakers play in bringing marginalized stories to light and addressing them with sensitivity and authenticity.

As a teacher and mentor, I have been invited as a guest speaker and led masterclasses in acting at reputable universities and acting institutions. I believe that acting is a process and that the actor should always keep training to rejuvenate their creative process. I currently work as an acting teacher at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, New York.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

A surprising thing would be that I am a trained Barista and I can make your coffee orders be it a latte, a cappuccino or cortado very well. Another surprising fact would be that I used to be a powerlifter during my early college dates and had some decent lift records for my age and size.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.actorharsh.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkg_harshofficial