We were lucky to catch up with Nikhil Thombare recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nikhil, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I have been dabbling in acting and directing since my high school, but the craft of method acting I learned in Lee Strasberg theatre and film institute. Here in the institute I learned what method acting actually is and what are the different components of method acting. the basic fundaments of acting is to experience life and to be aware of yourself and your surroundings always, so as to become a good actor you need to ingrain the life that’s happening around you and with the experiences inculcated in you basically making you just a medium to convey an event truthfully. knowing this now I I started to be more aware of myself and my surroundings inculcating all the experiences in myself apart from this, obviously the exercises which were taught to us in school with this self awareness and life experiences combined are the skills essential for the craft. however easy it sounds our society and upbringing has made us to grow a thick shell around us, which is very hard to penetrate, this Shell stop us from being aware of our surroundings and experiencing the life, removing the shell and becoming vulnerable again isn’t as easy as it sounds, but it is most important and has to be done, this was the obstacle that stood in my way of learning more.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Nik (Nikhil), and I am an artist from Mumbai, India, currently navigating the dynamic landscape of New York. My journey is a synthesis of diverse passions—I am an actor, director, entrepreneur, painter, and single-engine jet pilot, all driven by an insatiable curiosity and an adventurous spirit.
From the earliest moments of my life, I have been drawn to the transformative power of the performing arts. This fascination was first kindled by my grandfather, a musician whose performances mesmerized me and left an indelible mark on my young mind. Attending his shows as a child, I felt an almost magnetic pull towards the stage, sensing even then that my destiny was intertwined with the world of performance.
A pivotal moment arrived when I was just 10 years old, during a school theater exercise that required us to mimic, deliver dialogues, and improvise. The overwhelming applause and admiration I received from my peers after my performance were more than just validation; they were a revelation. For the first time, I experienced the intoxicating thrill of performing, an experience that reshaped my outlook on life and solidified my passion for the craft.
This passion extended far beyond the confines of the stage. I would immerse myself in the characters I saw on screen, mimicking their mannerisms and inhabiting their personas for days on end. It was not merely play—it was an instinctive exploration of identity and expression. This drive led me to seize every opportunity to perform, whether in singing, dancing, acting, or personality competitions throughout my school years.
My college years marked a significant expansion of my creative endeavors. I began choreographing and directing one-act plays and team-based fashion shows, pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression. My efforts were met with recognition, earning me titles such as Mr. Thane 2017, an official district pageant that tested talent and poise, and Rising Star 2018. These experiences were not just accolades; they were affirmations of my growth as an artist.
In parallel with my artistic pursuits, I dedicated myself to physical and mental discipline. I trained in Krav Maga, salsa, and Bollywood dance, each discipline enriching my understanding of movement and expression. Moreover, my commitment to social responsibility found an outlet in my role as Youth President of VMWS, an NGO committed to organizing social initiatives and contributing to societal welfare.
In 2023, I made the pivotal decision to move to New York, a city synonymous with artistic innovation and opportunity. Here, I embarked on an immersive learning journey at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, under the guidance of profoundly experienced mentors such as Robert Ellerman, Lola Cohen, and Jacqueline Jacobus—individuals who were taught and influenced by Lee Strasberg himself. Their rigorous training in acting and direction, through numerous exercises, expanded my capabilities and refined my artistic sensibilities.
Simultaneously, I pursued my passion for the visual arts at the New York School of Arts, where I studied painting, sketching, and fine arts under the guidance of renowned artists such as Arslan M. and Eric Michelson. Their teachings profoundly shaped my perspective on art, encouraging me to see the world through a more nuanced and imaginative lens. Under their mentorship, I delved deeply into the complexities of the art world, developing a richer understanding of both technique and conceptualization.
During this time, I also embraced another long-held aspiration—learning to fly single-engine jet aircraft and getting my Private Pilot’s License. This endeavor was more than just a physical challenge; it was a means of experiencing life from a new vantage point, further fueling my creative and intellectual pursuits.
I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments and achievements I have earned in this transformative year in New York. These experiences have not only deepened my expertise in various creative fields but have also equipped me with the skills to contribute meaningfully to the artistic community. Whether through collaboration, mentorship, or creative consultancy, I am eager to leverage my knowledge and experiences to assist individuals and organizations in realizing their creative visions.
At the core of my journey is a deep love for storytelling—a passion that has been my constant companion since childhood. Whether through acting, directing, or painting, I am driven by the desire to explore and convey the myriad stories that inhabit my imagination. My ultimate aspiration is to be recognized as a versatile actor, capable of bringing any character to life with authenticity and depth.
The introduction to method acting and the techniques pioneered by Lee Strasberg resonated with me on a profound level. It was as though I had found the key to unlocking new dimensions of performance. This intellectual and artistic journey in New York has immersed myself in the study of method acting, fine arts, and the broader nuances of the craft.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Driven by a deep curiosity for creativity, I found myself frequently shifting my academic focus during college. This journey ultimately led me to complete dual degrees in BSc Physics and Business Administration, while actively participating in various intercollegiate competitions. After college, I joined my father’s business, attempting to balance my passion for theatre alongside my professional responsibilities. However, it was challenging to give my full attention to both pursuits. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point; my father’s hospitalization profoundly impacted my perspective on life. Once the situation stabilized, I resolved to fully commit to my creative passions. I applied to the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, was accepted, and made the significant decision to relocate to New York—a city where I had never lived before. Starting anew in New York, away from the familiarity of home, and transitioning from a background in business to pursuing my creative aspirations, has been the most transformative decision of my life.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to take complex emotions, ideas, and perspectives and express them in ways that deeply connect with others. As Edgar Degas said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” This creative process goes beyond simple communication, creating deep and often subconscious connections with people. Turning abstract ideas into something real is incredibly fulfilling because it challenges and expands your creative and intellectual abilities. This mix of self-discovery and the positive impact your work can have on others makes the journey of being an artist truly satisfying.
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