We had the good fortune of connecting with Sanjini Bhakta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sanjini, what principle do you value most?

My family values or family unity matters to me most.

All of my films but especially my action film series, “Eye of the Empress” are based on my personal struggles and obstacles including ones with my father. Throughout “Eye of the Empress,” my character or alter ego, Skylar, is reminded of her father’s disappointment in her and in her career choices. In real life, my father has also been disappointed in my quest to become a successful actress and filmmaker, as well as my recklessness and sense of adventure which has led me into many scrapes that he has had to bail me out of numerous times.

My father is now retired but was a successful businessman and so there has always been a clash between us – he was a businessman and I am an artist – the former being more pragmatic and practical and my career choice being more impractical and a much more difficult career path.

In the last scene of “Eye of the Empress,” my character Skylar gives the diamond (prize) to her father who then tells her that he is proud of her and her achievements. In real life, approval from my family and especially my father is important to me and to hear him say that he is proud of me is what I truly desire and seek.

My father has Parkinson’s Disease and it has taken a toll on his health along with many other ailments. To be able to to take care of both my parents in their time of need and care is important to me. So family values, love and unity is important to me. I love both my humble parents with all my heart!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am an actress, filmmaker, writer and martial artist. What sets me apart from others is that I am bold and daring!

I am a prolific artist – I have produced 13 episodes of “Eye of the Empress,”“Cyber Romance 1 & 2,” “Motel Patel” and “Portrait of a Nude Art Model.” I have 7 episodes left or 3 to 4 days of filming to complete my “Eye of the Empress” which has taken me a very long time!!! I have also published 13 illustrated, creative and imaginative children’s books on Amazon and Kindle. I am working on publishing 3 more books.

All my films are based on my personal experiences and struggles which are interwoven into my scripts and my stories. I am also very versatile – all my films and stories are very different in style and subject.

I have continued to persevere and will never give up and will always “keep my eye of the prize” no matter what obstacles and difficulties I face and no matter how long it takes me – I am passionate about my work as an artist and my dreams!

Being an artist has been a struggle because artists are often misunderstood by family, society and governments. I have always been a free spirit, expressive, creative, imaginative and a dreamer. No matter what my barriers and obstacles, I am the definition of the American dream!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Los Angeles is a City of Angels and dreams. Exploring the cities museums, plethora of different kinds of restaurants, different ethnic neighborhoods, the variety of natural beauty such as the beaches, mountains and deserts are some of the exciting things to see and experience.

There are so many posh red carpets to walk on, fancy events in art, film, music, fashion and other types of entertainment to attend such as movie premieres, film festivals and screenings. There are all kinds of combat sports to experience as a participant at a gym or as a spectator such as boxing events, Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Karate, wrestling tournaments and every style of martial arts is in Los Angeles. There are also so many live sports games to watch at a college and professional level such as football, baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, ice hockey, horse racing, polo matches, tennis matches and any kind of sports that you are interested in is in Los Angeles. It is the entertainment capital of the world!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

The Shaolin Monks I train with help me not just with improving my Kung Fu or martial arts skills but they also help to get me in touch with my Chi energy, meditation and spirituality. Kung Fu or martial arts is not just a sport but an art form and is also a very spiritual practice. Master Yanxu is the main Shifu of the Shaolin Cultural Center under the Abbot Shi Yongxin of the Shaolin Temple.

I have a black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate and a brown belt in Shaolin Kung Fu. I use martial arts for my fight scenes in my action film series.

Mother Teresa’s organization, the Missionaries of Charity and her sisters or nuns who carry on her legacy are also an important part of my life, journey and success. The nuns guide and mentor me, support me and love and encourage me too. They remind me that no matter what disagreements you have with your family, your parents must always be loved, honored, cared for and they must always be precious to your heart. Mother Teresa’s nuns are kind, humble, selfless, giving and are always there to help the homeless and those in need. Being around them is “therapy for my soul” which is also a quote from my character, Skylar in “Eye off the Empress.”

A book that has a lot of meaning to me is “Robinson Crusoe” who also had to face many obstacles during his journey and adventures. In the last scene of “Eye of the Empress,” the character who plays my father is reading “Robinson Crusoe.” Coincidentally, my father also won that book as a prize when he was seventeen years old in High School. He still has this book and it is the only book he has ever owned.

The Shaolin monks, Mother Teresa’s nuns and my father are all featured in my action film series, “Eye of the Empress” and they all play an important part in my spiritual journey.

Website: www.sanjini-actor.com

Instagram: @sanjiniactress

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/user/SANJINIACTRESS

Other: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Sanjini-Bhakta/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ASanjini+Bhakta

Image Credits
All photo credits – Sanjini Bhakta
1 photo credit – Tshombe Sampson

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.