Meet Raj Jawa | Actor & Producer

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

Hi Raj, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
What most people outside the film industry don’t see is the relentless grit, determination, and passion it takes to build a career from the ground up. There’s a reason I stay through the credits after a movie—it’s about honoring every single person who made that experience possible. Each name on the screen represents a film warrior, pushing forward in an industry that’s mostly built on birthright, luck, and a lot of setbacks. For every moment in the spotlight, there are five, ten, or even more years of unseen hustle and disillusionment. From the outside, it can seem like it’s all glamor with no grind. Sure, some might coast in on good looks or a lucky break, but lasting success in this business requires more. It takes work ethic, a chill attitude, and an unshakable drive to keep chasing the dream, even when it feels like the dream’s given up on you.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art these days is more about navigating the endless grind of the unknown actor than the actual performing. It’s almost like the creative energy is less in the craft and more in the hustle of self-promotion. It feels like most of my day is spent figuring out how to package and promote myself—whether it’s accomplishments, bookings, reels, podcasts, or whatever else—to stay visible and hopefully catch the next opportunity. The reality is, the acting world now seems more about perfecting your pitch as a brand than working on your craft. It’s like being in a flock of peacocks, all of us fluffing up and trying to outshine each other, hoping to be the one that gets noticed.

What I’m most proud of and excited about is The Seductress from Hell. That project felt like a real business challenge as much as a creative one. We focused on bringing together the best cast and crew within our budget while making sure we had on-camera talent that would attract distributors and audiences. Seeing it pay off with great reviews and Official Selection nods at festivals like Glendale International and Micheaux Film Festival has been rewarding, and it feels like we’re on the right track toward financial success.

Another project that means a lot to me is The League of Warriors, a feature film by Daniel Montenegro that we just shot in July. Daniel found me on Backstage—a platform I barely even check anymore—and asked me to submit a self-tape. It was perfect timing, since I’d just been dropped by my agent and was feeling pretty low, like I was ready to walk away from acting altogether. But working with Daniel and the talented cast and crew on set, especially after five years straight of only producing my own projects, was a much-needed boost. It reminded me why I love this work and gave me hope for what’s next in my career.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned in this industry? Treat people well, keep things amicable when relationships end, and stay open to opportunities that might not be on your radar. It’s basic, but treating people the way you’d want to be treated goes a long way. And when things don’t work out—whether it’s in business, personal, or even romantic relationships—leaving on good terms is crucial because you never know who might come back into your life with a key opportunity. Lastly, don’t overlook smaller chances to put yourself out there. You might be dreaming of landing on Hot Ones, but in the meantime, why not say yes to that interview with Ernest Earl’s Podcast? Every chance to be seen or heard matters.

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.
For anyone visiting LA, I’d kick things off with breakfast. My go-to spots are usually classic joints like Du-pars, but there’s something unbeatable about grabbing a no-frills donut from one of LA’s many mom-and-pop donut shops. I’m not about the trendy, Instagrammable donuts—just give me a classic cake-style donut with chocolate icing. The best ones have that perfect crisp on the outside with a soft, cakey inside. Simple, but spot on.

When it comes to exploring, LA’s got more to offer than the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I’d suggest starting with the Getty Villa in Malibu for some art and ocean views, then maybe checking out the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for a slice of film history. And for the true movie buffs, catching an indie flick at Vidiots or the New Beverly Cinema is a must. Both spots have that authentic, old-school vibe you just can’t find at big chains.
If you’re into it, swinging by a dispensary might be on the list. I’m a fan of LA Wonderland in Downtown LA, but honestly, most places here are solid. Just steer clear of the ones that look too polished, like you’re walking into an Apple store. The more down-to-earth, the better—plus, you’re likely to find better deals.

For lunch, Grand Central Market is always a win. It’s like a foodie’s paradise with everything under one roof: tacos, sushi, pizza, you name it. It’s not fancy, but the variety and flavors are top-tier. But if you’re craving a burger, skip the overhyped In-N-Out lines and hit up Fatburger, an LA original. The burger comes out piping hot, and they’ve got unique toppings like onion rings, chili, and even a fried egg. That’s a game-changer in my book.

When dinner rolls around, I’m usually ordering pizza. Rocco’s Neighborhood Pizza on Wilshire is my spot these days, but if you’re willing to venture a bit, ChiChi’s Pizza in Northridge is a nostalgic favorite of mine from my hometown. There’s something about their cheese pizza, some sourdough dinner rolls that I slather in butter, and a blue cheese-drenched salad that hits the spot.

Evenings in LA can go a few different ways. You could wind down with a stroll through Barnsdall Art Park or Griffith Park, or find a quiet beach like White Point in San Pedro—ideal for tide-pooling and soaking up some peace away from the crowds. But if you’re in the mood for nightlife, I’d recommend the speakeasy scene with spots like Break Room 86 and No Vacancy—perfect for some good tunes and low-key vibes. If you’re more into sipping than dancing, Beverly Bar and Mr. Furley’s are laid-back hangouts with solid drinks and a relaxed vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are plenty of people who deserve recognition, but three stand out as having had a particularly significant impact on my career.

First up is Diego Miranda, who I’ve worked with on multiple short films as both an actor and editor. Diego’s unique artistic vision and creative drive have always been something I’ve admired, even if we’ve clashed more times than I can count. Through our collaboration on I’m Not Real, a semi-autobiographical short film blending our shared yet limited life experiences, Diego encouraged me into acting. Whether he was celebrating or exploiting my tendency to pour raw emotion into my college shorts, our dynamic has always been one of knowing a little too much about each other, for better or worse.

Next, I’d like to shout out Motown Maurice. He’s the embodiment of ambition and positivity, the same as the day we met. Motown brought me into his Late Night Experiment as a performer and writer for his pilot, and our collaboration has only grown since then. From countless projects to being a frequent guest on First Episode Podcast with Motown and Atarah, no partnership in my career feels as genuine and creatively fulfilling as the one I have with Motown. He represents everything I value about enduring, deeply engaging connections in this industry.

Lastly, I want to recognize Andrew de Burgh, my most recent collaborator, who trusted me not just to ride the financial rollercoaster of his feature film The Seductress from Hell, but also to play one of its key roles. Andrew is that rare combination of visionary creativity and sharp business acumen that guarantees his rise to bigger things. Working alongside him, not just in production but through the relentless months of marketing, has been nothing short of inspiring for someone like me, who constantly feels on the brink of burnout. Andrew has shown me the power of unwavering commitment to one’s artistic vision, and I’m grateful to be part of the future he’s building.

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