We were lucky to catch up with Sara Banerjee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?

I am incredibly fortunate to have an exceptionally supportive and dedicated team behind me in one of the most challenging professions. Their unwavering commitment and belief in my potential have been instrumental in my career. I am managed by Third Hill Entertainment, represented theatrically and for voice-over by Eris Talent Agency, and commercially by Aqua Talent. Each member of my team plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry

My journey with my theatrical agent, Amy, at Eris Talent Agency began through a serendipitous connection via a mutual industry friend. Following my decision to part ways with a prominent agent and manager due to creative differences, Amy and I met and instantly clicked. Her vision for my career aligned closely with mine, and I admired her fearless approach to advocating for me and getting me into rooms that I could only dream of. I think she decided to work with me because of my thick skin and tenacity.

Signing with Toni and Laura, my managers at Third Hill Entertainment, was a pivotal moment for me as well . Though, they had taken meetings with me before, it was our reintroduction, through Amy that secured the business relationship. Their honesty, and unwavering support have been a driving force in my career and are two of the qualities I love about them. For example if something does not meet the mark I am asked to do it again. What they love about me: I do it again.

Jazmin, my VO agent at Eris, and Blake, my commercial agent at Aqua, both entered my professional circle through connections with fellow actors. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and industry insights have been invaluable in securing diverse and exciting opportunities for me in the commercial and voice over realms.

I am grateful to work alongside such a powerhouse team of industry professionals who not only recognize my artistry but also my dedication to my craft.

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?

From the time I was a little kid, I knew my calling was in the world of creativity. Growing up in the Bay Area, I immersed myself in everything from classical Indian dance to hip hop, drama, and singing. I used to direct my friends in home video talk shows, make my own books on tape and choreograph my own dance routines.

When I made the move down to LA for university, I found myself auditioning my spare time. After UCLA I attended NYFA where I immersed myself in the art of acting, directing and soaking up all things film and television.

Shortly after graduating NYFA I auditioned for a role in an indie entitled “American Blend,” Directed by Varun Khanna, this indie gem not only gave me my first big break, but also opened the doors to join the Screen Actors Guild. It was a turning point in my journey as a serious actress.

Since then, it has been an exciting journey of taking artistic risks. I have worked on major network shows such as Criminal Minds and Passions, done voice over work for Audible, and most recently have shot for FitBit India and Remitly.

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

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an actor is the sheer joy of playing make-believe. It’s a career where you have the opportunity to embody different characters, stretch your imagination, and make a living out of it. It’s like being a child again, but with the power to evoke emotions and reactions from an entire audience, making them feel, think and even sometimes, heal.

What makes the journey even more fulfilling is the collaborative nature of the craft. As an actor, you’re not alone in the creative process. You’re part of a team that includes the writer’s words, the director’s vision, and the contributions of your fellow cast and crew members. Together, you breathe life into a story, transforming words and ideas on a page into a tangible thing that has an energy of it’s own.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn on my path as an actor was self-doubt. In an industry where everyone’s opinions about your performance can vary widely, it’s crucial to recognize that art is inherently subjective. I realized that I needed to release the need to be perfect or to please everyone, and instead, learn to trust my own instincts and creative intuition.

This lesson truly hit home for me during a pivotal moment in my career. I had been striving to be selected for a certain big network showcase for several seasons, only to find myself always overlooked. I would meticulously over-prepare my auditions, unwittingly stripping away the organic moments and spontaneity that bring a performance to life. Looking back in retrospect, my scenes fell flat and I can see why I was not extended an invite to this coveted opportunity.

However, everything changed one year when circumstances forced me to let go of my usual meticulous preparation. Stricken with the flu, I found myself with zero energy to prepare my sides for my showcase audition which was just around the corner. In my state of delirium I threw together some semblance of a self tape, too exhausted to thinking surely I would not be chosen for the next round.

To my surprise, that was the year I received a callback for this specific network! It was a powerful reminder that while preparation is essential, there is also immense value in letting go and allowing the authenticity of the work do most of the work.

This experience taught me the importance of embracing my instincts, letting go of self-doubt, and trusting in the journey of artistic expression. It’s a lesson that continues to shape my approach to acting, reminding me that sometimes the most powerful performances emerge from a place of vulnerability, spontaneity, and unwavering self-belief.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: sara_banerjee
• Facebook: sarabanerjee
• Other: IMDB: imdb.me/sarabanerjee

  TikTok: sarabanerjeeofficial

  Representation:
  Theatrical: [email protected]
  Management: [email protected]

Image Credits

HDJ Media Spotlight & Getty Images