Meet Naira Agvani Zakaryan | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Naira Agvani Zakaryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naira Agvani, how do you think about risk?
I think of risk as a healthy choice. It needs to be measured and you should be ok with the downside of taking the risk but, I feel that there is no progress or moving forward till risks are taken. I’d rather know that I tried than guess what it would have been like if I were to make that choice. I don’t think I could ever live my life without taking risks so I am grateful for every one of them; it is not to say it’s been a smooth ride but what a thrill!!! It’s an exciting journey and for that I am thankful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an Armenian-American actress based out of Manhattan New York, born in Republic of Georgia, raised in Russia. I don’t necessarily view life in colors of ‘easy’ or ‘difficult’. My perspective of it is slightly different. I focus on the goals I set forth for myself and everything that comes with it I take with gratitude; all the lessons I’ve learned, all the successes I’ve experienced and all the challenges I’ve faced. This profession is just a journey like any other, and if you can’t appreciate every moment of it why even bother? I remember an acting coach once saying “if you want to be a successful actor it can’t be a part-time thing that you do on the side because then it’s just a hobby”. I took those words literally!! I wanted to be successful in acting! And so I left a high salary position at a financial firm in Boston, MA and moved to New York to pursue acting full time. I am proud of my decision…although I still question my sanity at the time of making it. Hahahaha. But my heart was already in acting, I was enamored by it, it was too late to turn back! Storytelling has become a life mission. I want to share stories, I want to provoke thoughts, I want to create an outlet for those seeking truth and humanity, and I want to give hope to those without a voice. This is the reason I started my production company this September and am already adapting a short film based on a stage play written by an LA based playwright Bridgette Portman to be directed by Michael Gonza. Please stay tuned for it, it’s going to be something interesting, or at least that is my plan.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love New York. There is something new and exciting with every corner you turn no matter how many times you’ve traveled the same path. But my favorite place in New York is the rooftop of the MFA museum. It’s a hidden treasure that not many know about, besides it being also another chance to visit the amazing MFA you get to see the Central Park like it’s in the palm of your hands. You can sip on the cool sparkling wine all while taking in the New York horizon. New York is full of surprises and there is always something to do even during the times of Covid, hahaha. You can meet exciting and interesting people everywhere, be it on a train, a small coffee shop, a restaurant, a gallery or just wandering the streets of the city. Citi-Bike is another exciting thing to do in New York with all of the amazing bike trails and views of Hudson and East River and the cool neighborhoods of East and West villages. I feel like Rockaway beach could be another great attraction especially, if you like surfing. It’s only an hour away from the city but such a worthy trip. And don’t forget the rooftop bars – they are the hallmark of the New York City for a reason.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am a firm believer that nothing is accomplished alone. Everything is a team effort. So having people on your side, believing in your dreams and supporting you in times of success and failure (although there is no such thing) can be very powerful. As a little girl I was inspired by the book “Gone With the Wind” and Scarlet O’Hara’s courage. The story of her strength and faith beautifully written in the book has always been an outlet of inspiration for me. Of course, I am grateful to my parents and my family – they are the backbone of everything in my life. But I have also had great acting coaches that pushed me gently and caringly beyond my limits. They made me a believer in my own abilities with hard work; but most importantly they inspired me through their kindness and generosity. I consider myself fortunate to have crossed paths with the kind of people that I have. I have a clan of amazing friends, both actors and non-actors. They know who they are; beautiful and amazing souls that are always there no matter what – whether to cheer me up, to pick me up, or celebrate successes or set me straight. I appreciate them all and what they bring into my life: perspective, boldness, bravery and huge hearts.

Website: https://www.nairaagvanizakaryan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nairazakaryan/
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/NairaAgvaniZakaryan/