Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dip Patel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dip, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Film: MANCH

When I first landed in LA, something incredible happened. Within the first fifteen days, I found myself flooded with work that would keep me busy for at least two months. Among the projects I was fortunate to be a part of was a film titled “Manch.” It’s a poignant tale about a young man navigating life in the US, grappling with homesickness, yearning for his roots, and harbouring dreams of becoming a poet, all while working in a restaurant to make ends meet. I portrayed the character Raja, who is closest to the protagonist.

Playing Raja allowed me to deeply empathize with Samar’s struggles and aspirations. His longing for his dreams mirrored my own journey, having travelled all the way to LA to chase my own ambitions. The atmosphere on set was electric, with everyone fully immersed in their craft. It was evident that each person was not only immensely talented but also deeply passionate about filmmaking.

Being a part of “Manch” was a dream come true. It gave me a profound understanding of what it means to be an artist and set a high standard for my future endeavours. My introduction to LA was nothing short of enchanting; every interaction and experience left me captivated. Getting to know the diverse backgrounds and journeys of my fellow creatives was incredibly enriching.

Above all, the experience taught me the importance of perseverance. It reinforced the notion that as long as you have passion in your heart, you have the willpower to overcome any obstacle. Together with my fellow artists, we embarked on a journey of creation and exploration, constantly pushing the boundaries of our craft.

Dip, 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?

The world of art is wonderfully absurd, and that’s what drew me to acting in the first place. It’s a craft that holds the power to reach every corner of our globe. What keeps me hooked is my insatiable thirst for knowledge. If I’m not learning something new each day, it feels like the most boring day imaginable.

Acting doesn’t come with a syllabus; it’s an endless journey of exploration. Through it, I’ve delved into fields I never imagined, like psychology. Now, I find myself deeply engrossed in understanding characters on a psychological level, a fascinating aspect of the craft.

Growing up in India, surrounded by its vibrant social fabric, I was constantly intrigued by the diversity of people around me. Observing their behaviours, body language and interactions fueled my passion for acting even more.

What excites me most about acting is the constant challenge to stay on the edge. It’s far from a typical 9-to-5 job; it demands my full attention and commitment. Yet, it’s a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything else. It’s through acting that I’ve developed a deep appreciation for all forms of art.

Scenes like Irfan Khan opening his lunchbox in ‘The Lunch Box’ or the simple yet powerful dialogue between Leonardo DiCaprio and Matthew McConaughey in ‘The Wolf Of Wall Street’ are like gems that inspire me to dive deeper into this world, regardless of the risks. It’s a thrilling adventure, and I’m all in, parachute or not.

In the entertainment world, I’ve learned to prioritize mastering the craft of acting over anything else. Regardless of your appearance, honing your skills is what truly lasts a lifetime. So, I’ve stopped worrying about looks and instead focus on continuous learning, which fulfils me far more. Stay focused and always show up—that’s the mantra.

Being an actor requires being a jack of all trades. Understanding various fields enriches your portrayal on screen. As they say, “The person you are is a thousand times more interesting than the best actor you could ever hope to be.” For instance, my recent role as Nurse Raj in ‘St. Denis Medical’ for NBC Networks prompted me to delve into the world of medicine. Drawing from personal experiences, like caring for my grandmother, I learned the intricacies of being a doctor, from procedures to medical devices. It’s like being an undercover spy; observation is key to nailing characters.

My approach to acting is ever-evolving. I believe every actor needs a process to breathe life into their characters on screen. The camera can sense authenticity, so character study goes beyond appearance and lines. Studying the performances of great actors worldwide has helped me refine my process. It’s a blend of techniques, imagination, and personal experiences. Doubts arise, but experience and preparation keep me grounded and confident.

I’m grateful to Dharmesh Metha, the directors, and the casting agents who’ve contributed to my success. Special thanks to Raghav Aggarwal for introducing me to cinema and to Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film for nurturing my acting skills. It’s been a journey of learning, growth, and gratitude.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being an artist is extremely rewarding, although it may not feel that way initially. I remember when it was incredibly tough to find projects. But when you finally get to work on something close to your heart, it’s like pouring your soul into it, and the rewards can be immense. In the entertainment world, there’s no such thing as failure; even those who work on a project that flops might find themselves on a multi-million-dollar project the next month. So, I’d say it’s one of the most thrilling industries on the planet, especially if you love creating art. One of the things I love about being an actor is the opportunity to travel extensively. I’ve been fortunate enough to explore many parts of India as well as other countries, all while enjoying the luxuries that come with it. Travelling enriches me as an actor; it exposes me to different cultures, people, cuisines, and languages. It’s like being a global citizen, and I feel extremely lucky to be part of an industry where diversity thrives, and we’re constantly learning and growing together.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

“Yes, sometimes I regret not reading books when I was younger. But my childhood was incredibly joyful. Instead of books, I spent my time riding my bicycle around town with my brother, often travelling 5 to 8 miles to get mangoes from nearby farms. We got caught a few times, but it was all part of the fun.

One scary experience was when I acted in the film ‘VISH.’ The script was in a language I’d never encountered, and understanding the character from the director’s perspective was tough. The story was based on a Japanese novel about belief.

Then, I landed the lead role in the off-Broadway play ‘ADMAKHORI SUHAGRAAT,’ which was in the Bundelkhandi language. It was filled with laughter, but I had to grasp the character quickly as I was deeply immersed in books and films by then, feeling like I was making up for lost time from my childhood.”