Meet Prahaan Padhiar

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

Hi Prahaan, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I think of risks as a very necessary part of life. In my opinion, any and all significant growth stems from taking risks. Perhaps the biggest risk I took was deciding to pursue my acting career, halfway across the world. I made a decision to leave behind the business degree I had spent 5 years obtaining, and go after what I really wanted in life. Acting. Taking that risk, at that time allowed me to truly discover myself and find a sense of purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am an actor, I can finally say that! It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, and I am glad I had to courage to pursue it. I love to travel, and have been around the world. During these trips, I make note of all the unique people/characters I meet and try to incorporate their idiosyncrasies into my performances. I have always drifted towards comedy, I just love the process, trying to break down the script and figuring out ways to get a laugh. In order to become an actor, I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts for 2 years, graduating in May’24. Acting school is rigorous, and not always easy. However, what kept me going was my love for the craft, the great/supportive teachers at the academy and finally a good group of friends to keep you sane throughout it all. The biggest lesson I’ve learnt is to not be afraid of looking stupid.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since it would be my best friend’s first time in Los Angeles, first I would rent a lime scooter and drive around Hollywood, showing him the iconic structures around the area, followed by lunch at one of the various street food trucks around. Preferably my favourite Mexican food truck on Sunset Blvd, whose pork burritos are excellent. Knowing my friend and his love for thrills, over the next few days I’d take him to any of the theme parks such as Universal Studios, 6 Flags, or Disneyland. Maybe all of them. I have always said that basketball is one of the best sports to watch live, and so I’d love to take him to a Lakers game. Finally, if we still have money left, I’d take him to one of the many venues around the city for a concert/rave, or a night out at No Vacancy, a club me and my friends frequented over the past 2 years due to its close proximity to our school. Most importantly, I’d make him meet all the wonderful friends I’ve made in this city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the last two years, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts has played a huge role in my life. They’ve given me the best training I could have hoped for, instilling within me a new passion for my craft.

Instagram: papa_padhiar

Image Credits
Tina Vonn