We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dhwani Shah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dhwani, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I moved to New York City in December 2021 to pursue a career in acting in the United States of America. The risk with this? I left a blooming career in Mumbai as an actor pursued by both theatre and TV producers alike. I could have stayed and did what my other actor friends were doing, but I wanted to experience world cinema and boy that was a great risk! Everyone in my life who supported my career in India advised against it but I was firm that it was my calling as an artist and I wanted to learn more. You could say I was heavily inspired by my idol Priyanka Chopra Jonas who stands for South Asian women in the American Performing Arts Industry. I packed my bags, completed the one year conservatory program at the reputed Method Acting school, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and worked in a bunch of films, theatre show tours and commercials which were fulfilling both creatively and well, financially.

Dhwani, 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?

Dhwani Shah, an Actor, dancer, producer & an event planner is currently based in New York City. Born and brought up in the heart of Bollywood, Mumbai, she finds joy in everything she does. She has travelled all over India and the USA performing multiple plays like Kaka ko Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Baaki Badhu First Class che and Var Daayo. She has also starred in the award winning film ‘Dhwani’ which has won multiple awards including at Calcutta International Film Festival and New York International Film Awards. Her film ‘Vamos Carajo’ won awards for Best smartphone film and Best editing at LSTFI 3*5 Film Fest, LA.
She also appeared in the web series and sitcom made for Shemaroo. She has starred in many commercials including for brands such as LG, Safi, Color Factory and Aveeno. Dhwani has had the best experiences during her quest for the best latte in the city. So she claims to know the best coffee spots in the city.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I believe the world doesn’t yet understand artists. And mostly how difficult it is for an artist to survive in such a demanding commercial world when they are new and beginning. I remember when I started out, I did projects which didn’t receive the response it deserved because the artist was ‘NEW’. It used to be frustrating when I was told I couldn’t yet play the leading role as people do not know me yet. It had nothing to do with whether I was right for the part or not but about Star Power as people draw in to that. I believe when such a thing happens in the early stages of an artist, they lose their confidence and feel less valued. I went through the same but was lucky to have the best mentors and friends around me who believed in me and encouraged me to not give up. I kept knocking doors now and found myself becoming a household name in the Gujurati Theatre industry from which I transitioned to Indian television where I found success and got offered meaty roles. But the journey from an absolute new comer with no god father in the creative field was a challenging one and a lonely one. I believe that’s the struggle non creatives will struggle to understand. You have to be persistent and consistent as an artist and have a never give up attitude while keeping self belief intact.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I adore the feeling I get on stage or in front of the camera. I feel more than just alive. I feel this is my canvas and I am the painter. I want to ignite conversations and remove stereotypes with my performances. I want the audience to leave with something after watching me perform. I want to offer them thought provoking cinema and shows. That just acts as my fuel and my reward. We as artists have great power in the world, to influence the thinking of a generation and the decisions they shall make in the future. We play our role in the society to shape up the best possible future while showcasing and solving the conflicts and errors of the current society. We make those who had a bad day laugh, those who miss their friends and family feel at home, those who want to live more watch themselves through us and those who wrong others retrospect their decisions. We live and inspire a million lives all at the same time. What more reward could I have asked for?

Contact Info:

• Website: www.actordhwanishah.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dhwaniishahhh/