Meet Dhwani Shah | Actor, Dancer & Producer

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

Hi Dhwani, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued an artistic career in hope of finding more about myself. I always wondered what is more to my existence and how I could express myself more fully. I kept searching within myself and got drawn to dancing as a medium. I was trained under two Indian dance forms, ‘Bharatnatyam’ & ‘Kathak’. I really enjoyed the process and performing brought me a certain kind of fulfillment. Slowly over the years I started getting attracted to theatre and my romance with acting began. Acting provided me exactly what I was looking for, encouragement to be a more authentic version of myself while learning and living several characters and their lives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At the centre of my art is the love for storytelling. I am recognized as a entertaining actor who engages the audience and brings them to a certain level of experiencing with my performances. All the plays and films I have been a part of, I have made sure that my work remains extensively researched, rehearsed and authentic, which in turn helps me bring the engaging and entertaining side of the work out. I am excited and awaiting the release of ‘Dharm’ in which I play the role of an Indian immigrant, Jigna. She is a nuanced character with India at her core with the exterior of America. I resonated with her completely and was able to provide justice to her with everything I learnt from my culture back home.
I moved from Mumbai, where I was working in Indian theatre and films, to pursue Hollywood and American theatre and expectedly it was difficult. I kept doing the work, putting in the hours and got to where I was supposed to be.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start the week by exploring several cute cafes in NYC, a bike ride in central park and a brunch in upper east side.I would visit the experiences including observatories, ferry rides and the famous fun museum trips. I would take them to the busyness of times square and the calm of Brooklyn bridge at sunset. I would take them shopping at Macys and drinking bars, clubs and party spots in the 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?
My dad, my biggest hero. He is the centre of my inspiration and my never give up attitude. I used to be a scared kid in the big world and would always be the first one ready to run away when things got difficult. My dad held my hand and taught me to face the music. I can never be enough grateful for his teachings. He is also my biggest fan as he celebrates all my work while at the same time criticizing me to be better. I would also love to give shoutout to my amazing teachers at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, New York, who taught me how to bring realistic acting without sacrificing my natural performative ability.

Website: www.actordhwanishah.com

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