We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Rohith Guttamidhi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Rohith below.

Rohith, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Growing up in Hyderabad, India, I found myself in a society where conventional careers like IT, engineering, and medicine were highly regarded. Pursuing a path in the arts was often seen as impractical, with the prevailing belief that it couldn’t provide a stable livelihood. However, my heart was captivated by the world of art, especially the transformative power of movies that evoked a deep sense of emotion and humanity within me.

Before my journey to New York, I had never ventured beyond the borders of my homeland. Boarding the airplane for the first time was a mix of excitement and nervousness, as I embarked on a path to pursue my passion. I reminded myself that life is too short not to chase what truly ignites my soul. That, to me, was the true essence of success.

As I arrived in the vibrant city of New York, I was immediately struck by its bustling energy and diverse cultural tapestry. It was a whole new world, both thrilling and overwhelming. In this foreign land, I took the plunge into the realms of acting and filmmaking. The journey was not without its challenges, but it also brought forth incredible opportunities to connect with fellow artists who shared my unwavering love for creativity. Collaborating with like-minded individuals who recognized the importance of art was a blessing that I hold close to my heart.

Taking the risk of leaving behind the familiar and starting anew in a foreign land has shaped the course of my life. I am immensely grateful to the fantastic people I’ve met along the way who have supported and believed in me. Their love and encouragement have been an unwavering pillar of strength.

While many tend to fixate on the outcomes when taking risks, positive or negative, I have come to cherish the journey. The ability to introduce myself as an actor and filmmaker, to immerse myself in storytelling and bring narratives to life, fills me with an indescribable sense of fulfillment. Everything else that follows—recognition, financial stability, or acclaim—becomes secondary to the joy I find in pursuing my artistic dreams. The risk I took to follow my passion has rewarded me in ways I could have never imagined, and I am grateful for every step of this deeply personal and meaningful journey.

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.

I am Rohith Guttamidhi, an actor and filmmaker based in New York. My journey into the world of arts began with a profound fascination for storytelling and the transformative power of movies. Growing up in India, where traditional careers like IT, engineering, and medicine were highly valued, I took a leap of faith to pursue my passion for acting and filmmaking.

After leaving behind the familiar and embarking on a new adventure in New York, I immersed myself in the craft at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, honing my skills and meeting two of my long-time collaborators, Emely de Paiva and Ermete De Boni. Together, we founded the Chekov theatre company in New York, called “The Chekovians” Theatre Company. I have had the privilege of directing and acting in productions such as Anton Chekhov’s “The Festivities,” which garnered acclaim both in New York and Italy. Additionally, I played the lead role in the play “Y?” by Frank E Robinson, presented at the esteemed Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL). Furthermore, my short film “One Last Sunrise” has won multiple awards at film festivals around the world. Moreover, a short film in which I acted as a supporting actor and served as the director of photography, titled “In the Still of the Night,” directed by Emely de Paiva, won the best thriller award at the Gothamite Monthly Film Awards. I am passionate about collaborating with talented artists and directors who share a common vision for creating meaningful and impactful stories that resonate with audiences.

The joy I find in immersing myself in storytelling and bringing narratives to life far surpasses any external markers of success, such as recognition or financial stability. For me, it’s about the profound fulfillment that comes from following my artistic dreams.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to pursue what I truly love. In my journey as an artist, I have experienced a shift in my understanding of success. Initially, I was influenced by societal notions of fame and fortune, but as I grew both as an artist and as an individual, my perspective evolved.

I vividly remember the moment when I boarded the airplane for the first time, on my way to New York. It was a profound realization that I was embarking on a path that aligned with my deepest passions and desires. I felt incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I loved, knowing that not everyone from my background had such chances.

While my artistic journey has had its fair share of challenges and moments of struggle, I have come to appreciate those experiences as they have shaped my understanding of the significance of being an artist. These moments have taught me the value of the opportunity I have been given to express myself creatively and contribute to the world through my art.

The most rewarding aspect, therefore, lies in the genuine fulfillment I find in pursuing my artistic passions. It is the joy and satisfaction that come from immersing myself in the creative process, True success, to me, is in doing what I love and embracing the unique journey of being an artist, knowing that I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through my work and being able to collaborate and see other people’s artistic expression is also a huge part of my idea of success.

I cherish every moment that reaffirms my commitment to my artistic path, and I am grateful for the experiences that have allowed me to grow, both personally and artistically. The journey as an artist is not always easy, but the rewards come in the form of personal growth, self-expression.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

An important lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that people are born with a special gift. As a child, I always believed that those who achieved fame or were considered stars must have been born with innate talents that set them apart. Coming from my background, it seemed like reaching those heights was an unattainable dream. This notion was never challenged or questioned in my socio-economic circumstances while growing up.

However, as I embarked on my own journey of self-discovery, I realized the importance of reshaping this perspective. I had to teach myself that commitment and consistency are the true catalysts for achieving what I aspire to be. I understood that I needed to implement these tools in my own life to pursue my dreams. It became clear to me that anyone, regardless of their background, has the potential to accomplish great things. I had to unlearn the notion that certain pursuits were reserved for only a select few deemed “special.”

Through this transformative journey, I have been led to places I could have never imagined as a child. It has been a profound realization that being human grants us all the ability to pursue our passions and achieve greatness in our own unique ways. I have grown to understand that limitations and barriers are often constructs we create in our own minds.

With this newfound perspective, I am excited and ready to embrace the path that lies ahead. I strongly believe that there is still a long way to go, and I am committed to continuing my journey of self-growth and self-expression. I have come to realize that the power to achieve lies within each and every one of us, and I am determined to explore the boundless possibilities that await me.

Contact Info:

• Website: rohithguttamidhi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rohithguttamidhi/