Meet Aabir Vyas | Actor

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

Hi Aabir, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk, in my opinion, is an inevitable part of life. Whether we acknowledge it or not, risk exists in every decision we make, big or small. For me, risk-taking has always been about trusting myself, staying true to my dreams, and being willing to step into the unknown even when the odds seemed stacked against me.

I grew up in Jaipur, India—a beautiful city but far removed from the film industry I wanted to be part of. Coming from a middle-class family with no connections to the entertainment world, becoming an actor seemed like a distant dream. But from a young age, I knew what I wanted. I was fascinated by the art of storytelling and admired actors like Dev Anand and Rajpal Yadav. I spent hours mimicking their performances, often entertaining my relatives with my impressions.

My journey began with a small yet meaningful step. After I scored good grades in school, my father bought me a DSLR camera. That camera became a tool for me to bring my dream closer to reality. I started creating acting videos and comedy sketches, learning the craft by doing everything on my own—acting, writing, directing, and editing. I uploaded these videos online, not knowing if they would resonate with anyone but hopeful that they might.

For years, nothing happened. But I kept creating, kept posting. And then, one day, my videos started going viral. People began noticing my work and appreciating it. This was a turning point, but it also came with another big decision. By the time I graduated from college, I was at a crossroads: should I pursue an MBA like most people around me to secure a stable future, or should I take the leap and chase my dream of acting?

I chose the latter, knowing full well the uncertainty that lay ahead. The risk paid off when I landed my first acting role as the lead in a Facebook Watch show produced by FilterCopy called Dare or Dare. It was a comedy series inspired by the U.S. show Impractical Jokers, and it reached millions of viewers. Seeing something I was part of bring joy to so many people was incredibly fulfilling.

But life has its ups and downs. Shortly after the show’s success, COVID-19 brought the world to a standstill, and the entertainment industry came to a halt. I didn’t let that stop me. I turned to my roots—creating videos online. By this time, my content was not only garnering a massive audience but also providing me with financial stability. It was surreal to be earning well at the age of 20 from something I had built with passion and perseverance.

Then came the biggest risk of my life. I used my savings to move to New York City and enroll in The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. I wanted to be more than just a self-taught actor; I wanted to refine my craft, learn the nuances of method acting, and immerse myself in an environment that had trained some of the greatest actors of all time. Moving halfway across the world with no guarantees was daunting, but it was also thrilling.

The risk proved worthwhile. After graduating, I booked several off-Broadway musicals, including Ramaavan – A Musical, where I played Indrajit, and Katha: The India Story, where I portrayed Bhagat Singh, Arjun, and Romeo—all in one show. I also acted in the Krishna Ballet – Woh Krishna Hai and the Global Drama Project. Each performance was an opportunity to challenge myself and grow as an artist.

I also ventured into filmmaking, starring in and directing award-winning short films like Give Me Love and Abs By Chance. These projects allowed me to explore storytelling in new ways and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

Looking back, I realize that every significant milestone in my career has been the result of a risk. Risk-taking, for me, is about betting on yourself, even when the outcome is uncertain. It’s about embracing failure as a possibility but not letting the fear of it hold you back. I’ve learned that the bigger the risk, the greater the reward—not always in material terms but in personal growth and fulfillment.

Taking risks has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to your passion. It’s not easy, and it’s never without challenges, but it’s always worth it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of my journey—one that blends authenticity, creativity, and the sheer determination to make people feel connected. I create across multiple platforms, whether it’s acting in theater, performing in musicals, making award-winning short films, or creating digital content that resonates with millions. What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly merge traditional storytelling with modern platforms, whether it’s through off-Broadway musicals or relatable, impactful videos online. I strive to bring fresh energy, humor, and emotional depth to everything I do.

Professionally, my journey has been anything but easy. Coming from a middle-class family with no connections to the film industry, I started by creating videos as a teenager, teaching myself how to act, write, direct, and edit. For years, my efforts didn’t gain much traction until I shifted to Instagram and started posting short comedy videos, which opened doors I could only dream of. My first big opportunity was working on Dare or Dare for Facebook Watch, and from there, I took every chance to push myself further.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was bridging the gap between being a content creator and a trained actor. I knew I had to invest in myself, so I used my savings to attend The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York. Training there taught me the discipline and depth of method acting, and it gave me the foundation to perform in off-Broadway productions and award-winning short films.

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that perseverance, adaptability, and staying true to your vision are key. Challenges will always arise, but they push you to grow and evolve. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to connect with a global audience—whether through a short comedy video that goes viral or a heartfelt performance on stage.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d make sure they had the best week ever, packed with a mix of my favorite spots and some must-visit places in the area.

Day 1:
We’d start the trip at my favorite coffee shop, where I’d introduce them to my go-to order: a Vietnamese coffee paired with an almond chocochip cookie. It’s the perfect combo to kickstart the day. Afterward, we’d take a walk through the local park or a scenic trail to enjoy some fresh air and catch up. For dinner, I’d take them to this cozy Italian restaurant I love—it’s all about handmade pasta and tiramisu that’s out of this world.

Day 2:
We’d dive into some culture by visiting a local museum or art gallery. There’s something so inspiring about seeing different forms of creativity. For lunch, we’d hit up a trendy vegan spot that serves the best plant-based burgers and sweet potato fries. In the evening, we’d head to a rooftop bar with stunning views and sip on craft cocktails while watching the sunset.

Day 3:
Time for some adventure! We’d go for a day trip to a nearby hiking spot or a beach. Nothing beats the thrill of exploring nature and having deep conversations along the way. For dinner, I’d take them to my favorite sushi place, where the chef’s omakase menu is a work of art.

Day 4:
This day would be dedicated to food and shopping. We’d visit a bustling food market to try everything from spicy tacos to gourmet desserts. Then, we’d spend the afternoon exploring unique boutiques and vintage stores. For dinner, I’d bring them to a family-owned Indian restaurant that serves the most comforting dal makhani and garlic naan.

Day 5:
We’d have a relaxed day with brunch at a chic café—think avocado toast, shakshuka, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Afterward, we’d visit a bookstore or a cozy library because I love finding hidden gems to read. In the evening, we’d catch a live music or theater performance. It’s always a magical experience.

Day 6:
I’d take them to a hidden speakeasy-style bar for a fun, mysterious vibe and some of the best handcrafted cocktails in the city. Before that, we’d explore a vibrant part of the city known for its street art and eclectic cafes. For dinner, I’d treat them to an upscale dining experience—something with a multi-course tasting menu that’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Day 7:
For the last day, we’d slow things down. A hearty breakfast at a local diner, a relaxing spa visit, and then a sunset picnic by the water with all our favorite snacks. It’s the perfect way to reflect on the week and make plans for their next visit.

The area is filled with exciting people, places, and things to do, but what makes it truly special is sharing these moments with someone close to you. That’s what makes any trip unforgettable!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
f I had to name the people who truly deserve credit and recognition for where I am today, it would undoubtedly be my parents. Coming from a middle-class family in Jaipur, India, with no connections to the film industry, the idea of becoming an actor was a daunting dream. Yet, my parents never dismissed it. In fact, they supported me in ways that I now realize were incredibly brave and selfless.

Growing up, I was always captivated by movies and performances. My favorite Bollywood actor was Dev Anand, and I was inspired by comedic geniuses like Rajpal Yadav. I would often mimic these actors in front of my relatives, which became a source of entertainment for everyone around me. But more importantly, it became the seed of a dream that I held on to as I grew older.

While my parents didn’t have the resources or connections to guide me into the entertainment industry, they gave me something even more valuable: encouragement and trust. They never once told me to let go of my dreams, even though acting isn’t the most conventional or secure career path, especially in a place like Jaipur, where there’s no film industry to speak of.

One of the most defining moments came when I scored good grades in school, and my dad bought me a DSLR camera. That camera became my first tool to turn my dream into reality. With it, I started making acting videos and comedy sketches, writing scripts, and editing content—all self-taught. It might seem like a small gesture, but for me, that camera symbolized their belief in me. It was their way of saying, “We see your potential, and we’ll do what we can to help you explore it.”

When my videos didn’t immediately gain traction, they never pressured me to stop. Instead, they gave me the space to experiment, to fail, and to learn. Eventually, my videos started going viral, and people began noticing my work. But that wouldn’t have been possible without the foundation of support my parents provided.

Another critical moment came when I was deciding what to do after college. Like many families, the idea of pursuing an MBA or a similar stable career path was the logical choice. And for a while, that was my plan too. But when I decided to take the risk of chasing my dream full-time, my parents didn’t try to stop me. They trusted my instincts, even though the path ahead was uncertain.

The biggest leap of faith they took was when I told them I wanted to use my savings to move to New York City and enroll in The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. This wasn’t just a financial decision—it was an emotional one. I was leaving behind the comfort and security of home to chase a dream in an entirely different country. It couldn’t have been easy for them to see me go, but they let me spread my wings.

Even now, as I look back on all the milestones in my career—from starring in musicals and films I know none of it would have been possible without their unwavering support.

What stands out the most is their trust. They trusted me to make decisions about my life and career, even when those decisions were risky and unconventional. They never demanded immediate results or pushed me toward a safer path. Instead, they reminded me that they were proud of me, no matter what.

So, if there’s anyone who deserves recognition for my journey, it’s my parents. They were my first cheerleaders, the ones who quietly stood behind me as I stumbled, learned, and grew. Their belief in me gave me the courage to believe in myself. Every success I’ve had, every risk I’ve taken, and every dream I’ve pursued—none of it would have been possible without them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belikeeaabirr/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aabirvyas