We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ash T. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ash below.

Ash , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

“Everyone dies, but not everyone really lives”.

I once walked the halls of the renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, donning the white coat of a physician. My days were filled with patients, research, and accolades. Yet, within the confines of my heart, an unyielding yearning beckoned me towards an untrodden path – the path of becoming an actor.

It was during my tenure as a physician that I met Komal Aurora, one of my bright and diligent fellows at the center. We shared the camaraderie of research and countless hours working together. As she prepared to transition to a new job after her fellowship, I witnessed the sparkle in her eyes dim as she struggled to find the opportunities she desired. Encouragement and motivation became my gift to her that day – the assurance that she could achieve anything with unwavering determination and resilience.

But little did I know that those very words would become a mirror reflecting back at my own journey. Despite my career achievements, I realized I had been silently suffocating my lifelong dream of becoming a TV actor. Fear had kept me bound, a prisoner to the shadows of doubt, and I had settled for a life that lacked the vibrancy I craved.

Externally, I seemed to possess it all – a successful career, financial stability, and a marriage that met societal expectations. However, my heart whispered the truth – I was dissatisfied, physically unwell, and longing for more. Life had become monotonous, and I found myself at a crossroads, questioning why I hadn’t taken the reins of my destiny.

It was in a moment of introspection, a night of soul-searching, that I confronted my past and future selves. Memories of my carefree 8-year-old self filled with boundless curiosity and dreams of grand adventures flooded my mind. Yet, as I grew older, I had allowed myself to be molded by society’s expectations, forsaking the very essence of who I was. As I peered into the distant future, a future self burdened with regrets echoed the same sentiment – I had played it safe, shying away from the risks that held the promise of fulfillment.

In that profound moment of clarity, I realized I had to change the trajectory of my life. I had to unshackle the dreams that had been stifled for far too long. And so, I took a leap of faith, enrolling in acting classes at night. The sheer exhilaration of stepping into the world I had longed for enveloped me with pure ecstasy. Laughter came from the depths of my soul, and happiness embraced me like an old friend.

With every step on this new journey, my past and future selves found solace, united in agreement that I was finally on the right path. The craft of acting became my canvas, and I painted my emotions on its surface, rediscovering the colors of life that had dulled over the years.

Ash , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I never believed I was artistic or creative when I was younger. Sure, I knew I loved acting from a very young age, but the idea of making a living out of it seemed too far-fetched. Instead, I chose to follow in my father’s footsteps and pursued a career in medicine. I went through medical school, residency, and finally became an Assistant Professor of Transfusion Medicine at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Despite the academic and financial success, deep down, I felt an emptiness in my soul. The passion I once had for acting had been buried under the responsibilities of my medical career. But one day, I decided to take a leap of faith. I started taking acting classes at night, and that’s when the magic happened.

With each scene I performed, the unbridled thrill I once felt in acting came rushing back to me. It was a revelation. I realized that I couldn’t ignore my true calling any longer. I made a bold plan to leave medicine behind and pursue my passion for acting wholeheartedly.

Fast forward to today, and here I am in L.A., five years later. My journey as an actor, comedian, and filmmaker has been far from easy, and I might not be making as much money as I did as a doctor, but I’ve never been happier. The fulfillment I find in this creative career is worth every sacrifice.

I stand proud, knowing that I had the courage to break free from societal expectations and chase my dreams relentlessly. Embracing this new path, I’ve discovered a sense of purpose and authenticity that sets me apart from the crowd. My journey is a testament to the power of following one’s heart and the incredible fulfillment that comes from living a life aligned with true passion. It’s never too late to rewrite your story and find your own version of success.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Underestimating my own abilities has been a recurring theme in my life. Initially, I chose the path of a physician – perhaps because it seemed more comfortable to follow the well-trodden family tradition of doctors than to venture into uncharted waters. The notion of becoming an actor and actually making a living from it felt distant and unattainable. However, what fills me with pride is breaking free from society’s preconceived notions to honor my higher purpose – to spread laughter, inspire belief, and uplift others.

This journey has been an arduous one, marked by the transition from doctor to actor. I found myself starting anew, accepting a downsized lifestyle, and immersing myself in rigorous 100-hour workweeks. Strangely, this challenge feels right – a testament to my resilience and commitment. Regret won’t find me on this path. I’ve chosen to chase the artistic aspirations that danced in my mind as a child.

Stepping into the realm of acting demanded a total shift. Gone were the days of analytical left-brain thinking, replaced by the uncharted territory of creative right-brain expression. The technical precision of medicine gave way to the spontaneity of performing, and the comfort of established routines was replaced by the uncertainty of auditions and live shows.

One of the most striking differences was the embrace of authenticity. As a doctor, precision and predictability were paramount; being robotic, in a way, was essential for accurate diagnoses and treatments. But as an actor, authenticity became a strength. I had to lay bare my emotions, connect deeply with characters, and expose my true self to the audience.

The challenge was immense. To stand on stage or in front of a camera and reveal the depths of my emotions – this was a level of vulnerability I had rarely experienced in my medical career. It meant dismantling the walls I had so carefully built, letting go of the safety of detachment, and allowing myself to be fully present and genuine.

The transformation wasn’t easy. It required breaking down mental barriers, quieting the voice of self-doubt, and embracing the possibility of failure. But with each step into authenticity, I discovered a profound sense of liberation and connection. It was as if I was tapping into a wellspring of human experience that had been untapped for far too long.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that embracing vulnerability doesn’t diminish strength; rather, it magnifies it. It takes tremendous courage to peel back layers and reveal one’s true self, and it’s this very courage that has driven me forward. As I continue to navigate this uncharted path, I carry with me the lessons of resilience and adaptation.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

The most impactful way for society to support creatives is through active engagement and genuine appreciation. It’s about recognizing the immense value that independent artists bring to our culture and daily lives. One of the most direct ways to show support is by simply showing up. Attend independently produced comedy shows, music venues, plays, art exhibitions, and any form of creative expression that resonates with you.

Your presence not only provides encouragement to the artists but also contributes to the vibrant atmosphere that fuels their creativity. It’s a way of saying, “I see you, I appreciate your work, and I’m here to experience it firsthand.”

In our digital age, the power of social media cannot be underestimated. It’s a platform that has the potential to amplify the voices of creatives far and wide. If you encounter a performance, a piece of artwork, a musical composition, or any creative endeavor that strikes a chord with you, take a moment to share it on your social media channels. Your endorsement can introduce these talents to a broader audience and create a ripple effect of support.

When you share a post, attend an event, or purchase a piece of artwork, you’re contributing not only financially but emotionally as well. You become part of a community that acknowledges the vital role that artists play in shaping our society and challenging our perspectives.

Beyond attendance and promotion, offering constructive feedback and fostering a culture of constructive critique can also be incredibly beneficial. Creatives thrive on evolving their craft, and well-informed feedback can provide valuable insights that help them refine their work.

Ultimately, supporting creatives is about recognizing the power of individual expression and valuing the diversity of voices that enrich our world. By actively engaging with and championing the work of independent artists, we create a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish, innovation can thrive, and the arts can continue to inspire, provoke, and connect us all.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/big_ash_t
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/asht
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaELdHwi725Sq7w0KWxkgrw