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

Karishma, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Thanks for having me! It’s great to be able to share my story with you. When I think about how I ended up on this creative path, it takes me back to my childhood. I grew up in a household where both my parents had full-time jobs, so our family time often revolved around watching TV shows and going to the movies. Being part of an Indian family, I was lucky to be exposed to the vibrant world of Bollywood, as well as British and American cinema. Those experiences really ignited my imagination and sparked a deep curiosity about the entertainment industry.

As an only child, I craved attention and connection, so while my family enjoyed their favorite shows, I couldn’t help but imagine myself on the screen, making them laugh and capturing their attention. At first, it was just a fun daydream, but as I got older, I found myself more drawn to the performing arts.

I remember this significant moment like it was yesterday because it was one of those life-changing conversations that stuck with me forever. I used to go to work with my mother at the hospital sometimes. She was an anaesthetic nurse, and while she attended to her patients, I quietly did my homework in the break room. It was during one of those moments that I had a profound encounter with a lady who was battling cancer.

She would watch comedies on her laptop, and she shared with me how those moments of laughter brought her so much joy and strength during her treatments. It was a light in her darkest days when her family couldn’t be with her all the time. That conversation hit me like a bolt of lightning. I realized the incredible power that actors and the entertainment industry hold.

You see, it’s not just about the glitz and glamour or being in the spotlight. It’s about the impact we can have on people’s lives. We have the ability to bring happiness, joy, and a sense of escape to those who need it most. That realization sparked something within me. I thought to myself, if I can make someone’s journey of healing a little bit brighter, if I can touch someone’s heart and uplift their spirits through my work, then I would be living a life of purpose and fulfilment.

It’s not just about pursuing a career or chasing fame. It’s about making a difference, no matter how small or big, through the stories we tell and the characters we bring to life. Movies, TV shows, and performances have this magical way of capturing our hearts and taking us on extraordinary journeys. And if I could be a part of that, if I could be a source of inspiration, comfort, and laughter for someone in their deepest and lowest moments, then I knew I had found my calling.

So, from that heartfelt conversation with that brave lady in the hospital, my passion for acting became something more than just a dream. It became a purpose, a way to touch lives, and a means to spread joy and healing through the powerful medium of storytelling. In the end, it’s not just about being on stage or on screen, it’s about touching hearts, making a difference, and creating moments that stay with people long after the curtains close – that’s when I knew I wanted to take this seriously and I did exactly that. Our creativity has the potential to change lives, and when we embrace that, I truly believe we can make a positive impact on the world.

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.

Absolutely, let me give you a glimpse into my journey! So, I started dipping my toes into the entertainment industry by joining a commercial and modeling agency while also attending acting classes. When I was 16, I had this amazing work opportunity in a well-known modeling agency in London. It was an eye-opener for me because I realized that having knowledge in the modeling field could actually benefit my career as a performer. So, while I was taking drama classes, I also decided to go for commercial auditions and modeling gigs by getting a modeling agent. It turned out to be a smart move because it gave me some valuable experience in front of the camera, teaching me all about angles, lighting and how to work that camera like a pro. You know, coming from a theater background, I quickly realized that performing on camera required different skills compared to the stage. But hey, I didn’t stop there! My drama classes also allowed me to do on-screen work, which perfectly complemented the commercial and modeling auditions I was going for. Having both experiences really helped me navigate the industry with a well-rounded set of skills.

One of the breakthrough moments in my career was when I was just 18 years old, and I landed this significant role that took me all the way to India for three months of filming. Can you imagine the excitement? It was truly an incredible experience, and I truly believe that my fluency in Hindi and Punjabi played a big role in securing such roles. You see, these languages were spoken naturally in my family, so I had a genuine command of them without any awkward accents. This advantage not only helped me in India but also with productions filming in England. And let me tell you, being based in England had its perks. I could be cast locally, saving production teams the trouble of flying talent from India for those specific roles. It was a win-win situation!

Now, let’s fast forward a bit to the wild year of 2020. Ah, the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others in the industry, I faced my fair share of challenges during that time. I was in Los Angeles when everything came to a screeching halt. Work and auditions were put on hold for what felt like forever. But guess what? I didn’t let that setback define me. I embraced the magic of self-tapes; those auditions you do from the comfort of your own home. It was a whole new experience, and I booked some incredible projects that year. What I love about self-tapes is that you can keep trying until you get it right, perfecting that audition tape until it shines. But you know what? I’m a people person too. I enjoy the energy and personal connections that come from in-person auditions. There’s something special about being in the room, showcasing your personality, and making that real human connection with casting directors and fellow actors.

So, here I am, a British actress based in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, with Indian heritage. It’s a unique blend, and I absolutely love embracing my uniqueness while doing what I adore in this city that’s known for its vibrant entertainment industry.

Looking back at my journey, I’m incredibly proud of the resilience I’ve shown through the ups and downs, especially during that wild year of 2020. As I continue on this creative path, I’m excited to bring forth my unique perspective and experiences, captivating audiences with my performances. I cherish the opportunity to contribute to the ever-evolving entertainment industry, and I can’t wait to see where this remarkable journey takes me next!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Oh, you know what? There’s definitely something that non-creatives might find hard to wrap their heads around when it comes to the creative journey. So, picture this: You’re sitting in your job, and it’s one of those mornings where you hit snooze about a dozen times before dragging yourself out of bed. It’s exhausting, right? But let me tell you, when you’re on a film set, even if you had a crazy late-night shoot and have to wake up at the crack of dawn, it’s a whole different ball game. Seriously! When you’re doing what you absolutely love, it’s like this surge of energy and excitement that just fuels your entire being. You’re motivated, you’re pumped, and you’re ready to conquer the world, or at least that scene you’re shooting.

It’s that sense of family and connection that forms among the people you work with on set. It’s more than just co-workers; it’s like this little community of passionate individuals who come together to create magic. You bond over the long hours, the crazy challenges, and the shared love for what you do. It’s like summer camp, but with cameras and lights. And when the production wraps, oh man, it can be bittersweet. Saying goodbye to that tight-knit crew feels like leaving your family behind. But that’s also the cool part because it opens up new doors and opportunities to meet and collaborate with new people on future projects. It’s like the ever-expanding universe of creativity, and you’re the star, hopping from one constellation to another, forming new connections, and making lifelong friends along the way.

Here’s really the nitty-gritty of the creative life. When you’re studying lines, preparing for auditions, and working on your craft while your friends are out there, living it up, and having a blast. It may seem similar to doing homework or prepping for a big presentation, right? But here’s the kicker, what we do eventually reaches a wider audience through television or cinema. We’re not just doing it for the sake of doing it; we’re creating these captivating stories that touch people’s lives, make them laugh, cry, and feel things they never knew they could feel. It’s like this secret mission we’re on, bringing joy and entertainment to the masses. So, yeah, it’s a little more than just doing homework or putting together a slideshow. We’re creating art!

At the end of the day, it all comes down to one thing: passion and belief in ourselves. Sure, we may face rejections, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But you know what? We hold onto that fiery passion that fuels our creative souls. We believe that there are endless opportunities out there, waiting for us to seize them. And you know what’s even more amazing? We’re all driven by similar emotions and aspirations, whether we’re in a creative field or not. We’re all chasing that spark of joy, fulfilment, and connection. So, I encourage everyone to keep pursuing our passions, creating magic, and showing the world just how extraordinary the creative journey can be!

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

Hmmm, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is when you’re on set, and you’re working on a project where the writer or the creator of the concept is right there, watching everything unfold. And when you see that sparkle in their eyes, that excitement bubbling up, it’s like a surge of electricity runs through your veins. You know you’ve brought their vision to life, and that, is pure magic. It’s like you’re the wizard behind the curtain, making dreams come true. It’s such a collaborative process and being able to nail it and deliver exactly what they envisioned is like hitting a bullseye with a Nerf gun!

Now, in terms of efficiency, when you’re on set, and you’ve done your homework, practiced your lines, and polished your performance to perfection. When you finally step in front of that camera and deliver your best takes flawlessly, it’s like a well-oiled machine. Boom, boom, boom! You save time, you save energy, and you save the sanity of everyone involved. It’s like being the hero of the day, swooping in and getting the job done with style and finesse. I love one take wonders! And let me tell you, when you see the crew nodding in approval and the director giving you a thumbs-up, you know you’ve aced it!

Being a creative means, you get to explore, experiment, and bring your own flavor to the mix. It’s like adding a pinch of paprika to a dish—it spices things up! When you have the freedom to infuse a scene with your own nuances, to let your creativity run wild while staying true to the character and the project’s vision, it’s like riding a roller coaster of joy. You get to surprise yourself, surprise the audience, and create these unforgettable moments that leave a lasting impact. It’s like a dance, a beautiful dance between you, your character, and the audience. And when you hear that applause, that laughter, or even the collective gasp, it’s like a standing ovation for your creative soul.

I could go on and on but being a creative is all about bringing visions to life, delivering top-notch performances with the precision, and adding your own unique spice to the mix. It’s a journey filled with excitement, collaboration, and moments of pure exhilaration. And let me tell you, it’s oh-so-rewarding. It’s like getting a big, warm hug from the universe, saying, “Hey, you’re doing something amazing here, keep shining!” And that, my friend, is the most rewarding feeling in the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @karishmab_
• IMDb: www.imdb.me/karishmabhandari

Image Credits
Red Dress/White Suit – Photographer: Aria Askari Black Top – Photographer: Sheldon Botler All other Photography: Behind the Scenes