Meet Harsh Desai | Actor & Producer

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

Hi Harsh, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision for me was to change my field of studies from Chemistry to Acting and that too by moving from Ahmedabad a city in India to Newyork. It was challenging as I come from a community where people tend to focus a lot on business or some other high education jobs and coming from a business family to go and become an actor was a tough task as I was not surrounded by even one artist or actor in my family or friends back home.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, in a family where most people pursued business or science, and I wasn’t surrounded by artists. Acting was something I discovered on my own, and at 21, I moved to the U.S. to study method acting, stepping into an entirely new world. That journey—leaving home, adapting to a new culture, and immersing myself fully in my craft—has shaped the performer I am today and the perspective I bring to every role.

What distinguishes my vision is my commitment to truth in performance. As a method-trained actor, I use my life experiences to create authentic, human characters. I also bring culture from the country where it all started—India —into my work, speaking Hindi and Gujarati and drawing on these cultural stories. I aim to tell Asian and Indian stories the Western world hasn’t seen, portraying them in a way that is raw, relatable, and deeply human.

Projects that reflect this vision include The Six Paths, Katha: The India Story, and On the Line. In The Six Paths, inspired by Vietnamese Buddhism—which has historical ties to Indian culture—I portrayed a demon learning human emotions and the consequences of his actions, exploring themes of karma, self-awareness, and humanity. In Katha, I played Bhishma and Vyasa, blending storytelling, history, and humor to give audiences a deeper connection to India’s culture and history. On the Line, my Off-Broadway production, allowed me to explore layered, flawed characters while also leading the creative process of producing a show on a larger scale.

Through these projects, I’ve received recognition for performances that bring emotional depth and cultural resonance. Critics praised my work in The Six Paths for capturing the character’s transformation, and On the Line highlighted both my acting and producing achievements.

Ultimately, what drives me is the pursuit of truth in storytelling—portraying human experiences authentically and sharing the rich stories of India with the world. My work is about connection, authenticity, and creating performances that resonate across cultures, bridging the personal and the universal through the art of performance.

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.
. New York has so many incredible places to explore, so planning a week-long trip with a friend would be amazing! I’d start with Chelsea Piers at sunset—the views of the Hudson are unbeatable and the energy there is just different. I’d take them to Theater for the New City to catch shows by upcoming artists, and also to Film Forum or Angelika, which are amazing spots to experience independent and classic cinema.

For food, I’d explore West Village—the streets are full of great bars and restaurants, perfect for wandering and discovering hidden gems. I’m a huge pizza fan, so spots like John’s, Rubirosa, Joe’s, and L’Industrie Pizzeria are must-visits. For Indian cuisine, Jackson Heights is incredible—authentic, diverse, and full of flavor.

For nightlife and entertainment, I love karaoke in Koreatown, it’s always a fun, high-energy night. And I’d make sure we spent time at Washington Square Park, which has a unique, lively energy—perfect for just sitting, people-watching, or enjoying street performances.

Overall, I’d want my friend to experience the mix of culture, food, performance, and energy that makes New York so unforgettable—it’s a city where every neighborhood has its own personality, and every corner has a story

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
. I have quite a few people in my life that I’d like to give a shoutout to. To begin with, I want to give a huge shoutout to my father for believing in me and sending me to the USA for my method acting training. It wasn’t an easy decision, but when I shared it with him, he had this huge smile on his face and so much confidence in me, saying he would always have my back and support me with everything he’s got.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my method teachers, Robert Ellermann and Michael Ryan, for bringing out the best in me during my program at The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. They not only helped me find myself but also gave me the confidence to dive deeply into method acting and use my life experiences to deliver truthful performances.

And last but not least, a big shoutout to Al Pacino, who has inspired me to learn more about method acting and the theater world. He has been a true inspiration and a reason behind my first steps toward pursuing success in this field.”

Instagram: harsh._.desai