Meet Dr. Priyadarshini G. Roy | Actor | Producer | Professor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Priyadarshini G. Roy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Priyadarshini, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The cornerstone of my success is a philosophy rooted in pursuing excellence rather than chasing success. I was deeply inspired by the arts from a young age, beginning with a pivotal childhood moment in New Delhi, where a Bollywood film awakened my fascination for storytelling and performing. That passion has guided me every step, encouraging me to strive for the highest standards in all my endeavors: acting, filmmaking, or academia. Each time I deviated from this path, life redirected me through challenges, teaching resilience, patience, and the liberating power of faith in the process. This principle is evident in my diverse journey: excelling academically with a Ph.D. in Strategic Media and an M.F.A. in Digital Cinema, contributing to Hollywood and Indian cinema, and representing underrepresented voices through my creative works.
My U.S. production company, Priyadarshini Films and Entertainment LLC is built on this foundation of excellence, with projects like Colonized- The Largest Genocide, which has won 14 international awards, and in India with Priyadarshini Pictures and Entertainment LLC as the Associate Producer of Devi Chowdhurani: The Bandit Queen of Bengal, which bridges cultural narratives. These works are not just about success; they reflect an unwavering commitment to storytelling that resonates deeply and authentically with audiences worldwide. By chasing excellence, I’ve cultivated a brand that prioritizes authenticity, cultural representation, and empowerment, setting it apart in both Hollywood and Indian cinema. This philosophy has also shaped my role as a mentor, where I aim to inspire the next generation to follow their passions with purpose and persistence.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a fusion of cultural heritage, storytelling, and advocacy, spanning multiple creative fields through film, television, music, dance, and academia. What sets me apart is my ability to connect diverse narratives and audiences through an authentic lens. My work celebrates the universal collective while honoring my deeply rooted Indian American identity. Professionally, my journey has been multifaceted. I’ve been an actor, producer, singer, dancer, scholar, writer, and even a pageant queen. What sets me apart from others is the intricate balance between art and academia. Many people tried to label and place me in a box based on their limiting beliefs, but I trusted my instinct and God’s plan for my purpose. People made the mistake of underestimating my convictions until success came my way, but perhaps my story as an underdog is best told in a film one day.
My early experiences in Hollywood reality shows like American Idol, The X-Factor, and The Voice, as well as hosting and producing my podcast on Rukus Avenue Radio (iHeartRadio), gave me a strong foundation in understanding diverse storytelling mediums. Creating work that sheds light on underrepresented histories and untold stories is a mission I hold close to my heart. Through my production companies in the U.S. and India, I have aimed to create meaningful content that combines artistry with advocacy. One of my most defining projects is my M.F.A. thesis film, Colonized-The Largest Genocide, which has won 14 international awards including Best Female Director, Best Documentary, and Best Story, and is now being developed into a documentary series on a major streaming platform. My work in Hindi cinema, including serving as Continuity Supervisor and Assistant Director for Goutam Ghose’s Parikrama and location scouting for Shoojit Sircar’s I Want to Talk, highlights my versatility in honing the craft of filmmaking.
A pivotal upcoming project in my journey is my pan-India debut film as an actor and Associate Producer (Priyadarshini Pictures and Entertainment), Devi Chowdhurani: The Bandit Queen of Bengal. This film resonates deeply with me as it bridges my cultural roots with global storytelling. To embody the character of Diba, a resilient warrior navigating the societal limitations of late 18th-century Bengal, I underwent rigorous preparation, including acting workshops, sword-fighting, horse riding, and physical training. This immersive process not only challenged me but also enriched my craft as an artist.
Beyond the entertainment world, I’m passionate about educating and mentoring future media professionals, and as a professor, teaching courses in media, communication, and AI at various U.S. universities. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, cultural pride, and storytelling. I hope my work inspires others to embrace their unique identities, pursue their passions fearlessly, and contribute to building a more inclusive world. It hasn’t been an easy road; balancing my Indian American identity often meant navigating stereotypes and breaking barriers in an industry where representation is limited. I overcame these challenges with the support of my family, and mentors, along with an unyielding determination to tell stories that matter. Faith, patience, and a relentless drive to create helped me turn obstacles into opportunities. One key lesson I’ve learned is that success stems from resilience and purpose. Equitable representation matters, and I strive to use my platform to empower diverse voices, highlight strong protagonists, and bridge cultural gaps to inspire those whose voices may not be as strong yet.

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 love theme parks, they restore the child within all of us and transport us to the fantasy time of our favorite stories. Disneyland and Universal Studios (City Walk) have been favorites of mine during the holiday season, especially Haunted Horror Nights in October. Additional wonderful tourist places to visit in Los Angeles during the holidays at night include the Grove, Hollywood Blvd., Griffith Observatory, the Astra Lumina Light Show, Burbank, Santa Monica, and so on. If you are into auto shows, don’t forget to check out the LA Auto Show in DTLA and the rooftop bars like Perch and the Ace Hotel.

Outside of Indian food, I love Thai, Chinese, Mexican, and Middle Eastern food. One of my favorite Thai restaurants is Hoy-Ka Hollywood; perfect for a big group. There’s something about warm soup in the winter to bring everyone together. Los Angeles is a wonderful melting pot of cuisines, culture, and culinary experiences; it’s worth exploring regardless of your palette taste.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The unwavering support of my family has been the cornerstone of my journey and success. My parents, who immigrated to Los Angeles when I was three, made countless sacrifices to ensure that my brother and I had the opportunities to pursue our dreams. Despite our humble beginnings, they instilled in us a strong foundation of Indian American values while keeping us deeply connected to our cultural roots with a Western work ethic. They emphasized education and creativity, which shaped my identity and my career.

My father, with his expertise in corporate marketing and finance, and my mother, a licensed Realtor, have been my guiding lights, always encouraging me to pursue excellence. They enrolled me in extracurricular activities from a young age, where I discovered my love for the arts and storytelling. From excelling academically to training in music, dance, and acting, their belief in me has been steadfast through every milestone. My brother, an Aerospace Engineer, Private Pilot, and entrepreneur, inspires me daily with his dedication and ambition. He has always been my biggest cheerleader, sharing in my successes and motivating me to aim higher.

Beyond my family, I owe immense gratitude to my friends, colleagues, mentors, and supporters who have believed in my vision. Their encouragement has been the wind beneath my wings. While my professional accomplishments may appear as a solo journey from the glitz and glamor of showbiz, they are truly a collective achievement, deeply rooted in the love, sacrifices, and guidance of those who have stood by me. My family, above all, is my greatest accomplishment and source of pride along with my close friends and mentors.

Website: https://www.priyadarshinigroy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.priyadarshinig.roy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpriyadarshinigroy/

Twitter: https://x.com/DrPriyaGRoy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PriyadarshiniG.RoyOfficial/

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

Other: https://www.priyadarshinifilmsandentertainment.com/

Image Credits
Photo Credits:

Arjun Rajan Photography

Gene Lewis-Virtu Imagery