We had the good fortune of connecting with Harsimran ‘Simba’ Ghotra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Harsimran ‘Simba’, what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the pursuit of authenticity, the resilience of underdogs, and the power of storytelling to challenge perceptions. I’m drawn to characters and real-life figures who defy expectations, push through rejection, and carve their own paths despite the odds. Change is a constant theme in my life and work—I embrace it, explore it, and use it to highlight the realities of an industry that often favors optics over talent. Through my stories, I aim to entertain, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impact, ensuring that my work speaks truth in a world that often tries to dictate the narrative.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe life itself is art, and we are all expressions of it. I’m still learning to move with the current instead of fighting against it. That mindset led me into this industry through a very unconventional path.

I originally attended UC Davis with plans to become a doctor while dreaming of playing in the NFL. I didn’t become a doctor, but I did get invited to try out at the 2014 NFL Regional Combine. Though I wasn’t drafted, it was an incredible experience—competing with top athletes, making the leap from collegiate/arena football to the professional level, and performing under constant pressure.

After that, I bounced between 9-to-5 jobs, odd gigs, and training/wrestling on the independent circuit until I ran out of money and moved back home. In 2016, a friend encouraged me to submit to an agent for commercial and print work. I found early success and was making decent money, which gave me a bit of a confidence boost. I thought, If I can do this in the SF market, I can definitely kill it in LA.

Man, was I wrong.

Coming to LA was a wake-up call. Here, everyone moves at 100 mph in every direction. My laid-back approach to acting left me feeling lost. It took time, a lot of mistakes, and plenty of lessons to get to where I am now—and I’m still figuring it out.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned—and one that remains central to my beliefs—is to live life and embrace the journey. There’s no set blueprint for becoming an actor; everyone’s path is different. But one thing is certain—we’re all in this together. So, support one another, collaborate, create, and keep making art. The industry may be unpredictable, but the relationships we build and the stories we tell will always be what matter most.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shoutout to God. With him, all things are possible and I would not be where I am without the trials and tribulations he has put me through.

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

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.me/harsimranghotra

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