Meet Hitesh Jaiswal | Actor & Model

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

Hi Hitesh, how do you think about risk?
Over the past five years, I have wholeheartedly embraced the belief that “the biggest risk is not taking any risk at all.” While this is easier said than done, I would much rather learn and grow from failure than be haunted by the regret of never having tried. Taking risks can be so terrifying, but in the creative field, it is essential to embrace uncertainty and learn to find “comfort in uncomfortable” situations.

Seven years ago, I never imagined I would become an actor or model. I constantly doubted myself and was overly self-conscious about what others would think if I made a mistake. I was trapped in my own head, letting fear hold me back, making me feel weak and hesitant. The first small risk I remember taking was announcing to everyone close to me that I wanted to be an actor. Almost all of them thought it was a joke and laughed it off, which crushed me. But I am incredibly grateful that I believed in myself and continued taking risks, which has led me to where I am today. Had I not found a way to channel my emotions, I would have never discovered my true passion for being in front of the camera. This passion has driven me since to continually take on more risks, opening up a new world of opportunities and personal growth. If you take my suggestion, embracing the unknown will allow you to flourish in ways you never thought were possible, and you will be so grateful for every leap of faith you take.

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.
What sets me apart as an actor is my fearless approach to taking risks and experimenting with stories and characters. I thrive on pushing my boundaries to uncover new perspectives, diving deep into the complexities of each role. This boldness allows me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown, constantly challenging myself with diverse and unconventional roles. By delving into the backstories and motivations of my characters, I bring unique interpretations that make them more relatable and engaging.

My goal with acting extends beyond delivering mere entertainment. With every performance, I strive to convey deeper messages, offering my audience moments of self-reflection and encouraging them to embrace new perspectives. I hope my work inspires viewers to consider different facets of life and become better versions of themselves.

One of the most thrilling aspects of my career has been bridging the gap between my roots and the international stage. Moving to the United States as an international student was a daunting leap, driven by a desire to explore and challenge myself. My journey has been marked by numerous auditions, rejections, and moments of self-doubt, yet each setback has taught me resilience and self-belief.

Overcoming these challenges required continuous learning, networking, and unwavering commitment to my craft. I’ve seized every opportunity to hone my skills, from backstage work to modeling workshops, always striving to improve. The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of perseverance. In an industry where uncertainty is constant, staying steadfast in the face of adversity is crucial.

I’m proud of how I’ve blended elements of my Indian heritage with the diverse opportunities in the U.S. This fusion enriches my performances and allows me to tell stories that resonate with a larger community. Through my work, I aim to inspire others to pursue their dreams relentlessly, regardless of obstacles.

Lastly, for me, acting, success, and life are all about the choices we make. I’ve learnt to live my life through acting and act through how I live. I want the world to know that my story is about perseverance and following my passion. Above all, I believe in shooting for the stars and embracing what makes us different. Realizing that being different is a strength and not a weakness is what makes anyone stand out.

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.
Day 1: Welcome to Irvine
– Morning: Kickstart with a hearty breakfast at Plum’s Cafe.
– Daytime: Explore the vibrant scenes of Orange County.
– Lunch: Savor some exquisite Italian cuisine at Il Fornaio.
– Afternoon: Spend a leisurely afternoon shopping at
Fashion Island.
– Dinner: Relish a Mediterranean dinner at the Pelican Grill.
– Evening: End day with cocktails at The Bungalow.

Day 2: Laguna Niguel Discovery
– Morning: Rise early for a breathtaking sunrise hike to the
Top of The World.
– Breakfast: Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Urth Caffe
and grab a coffee from MoonGoat.
– Daytime: Explore local art scenes in and around Laguna Art Gallery.
– Lunch: Indulge in South African cuisine at Mozambique. (don’t miss their famous African Mojito)
– Afternoon: Experience wine tasting at Laguna Canyon Winery
Followed by exploring the serene tide pools.
– Dinner: Dine at The Ranch while enjoying live music.
– Evening: Wind down with traditional tea at the Montage.

Day 3: Los Angeles Day Trip
– Morning: Drive to LA
– Brunch: At the Alcove
– Afternoon: Stroll around the Grove and Rodeo Drive.
– Evening: Hike up to the Griffith Observatory for spectacular views.
– Dinner: Try pizza at Pizzeria Sei
Save space for ice cream from Salt&Straw

Day 4: Disneyland Adventures
– Morning & Afternoon: At Disneyland, enjoy the rides and attractions.
– Evening: Grab a delightful dinner at Naples Ristorante e Bar in Downtown Disney.

Day 5: San Diego Adventures
– Morning: Head to San Diego.
Make a quick stop to explore La Jolla.
Try some gelato at Bobboi’s.
– Lunch: Try Puesto for Mexican cuisine near Seaport Village.
– Afternoon: Take a stroll exploring neighborhoods.
Catch an evening game or event at Petco Park.
– Dinner: Experience a culinary delight with a nine-course tasting at Addison’s.

Day 6: Relax and Unwind
– Morning: Relaxing spa session at the Pelican Hill Resort.
– Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Shorebird in Newport, with beautiful harbor views.
– Afternoon: Spend the afternoon relaxing at Newport Beach, soaking up the sun.
– Dinner: Relish Indian cuisine at Southern Spice.
– Evening: Grab a sweet treat from Seaside Bakery.

Day 7: Wrapping Up
– Keep an extra day as a buffer for any spontaneous adventures, exploring new parts of the town, or revisiting favorite spots from the week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! I’d love to give a heartfelt shoutout to the two biggest influences in my life. Firstly, my parents have been my unwavering pillars of support throughout. Their encouragement to follow my passions and reach for greater heights has been a constant source of motivation. Even when I decided to move halfway across the world to the United States, their belief in me never wavered. Their sacrifices and endless love have been the backbone of my success, and I owe so much of who I am today to them.

Another profound influence on my path has been the book “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. This book came into my life at a time when I needed a reminder to pursue my personal legend, or as Coelho describes it, the thing in life that makes one’s heart truly sing. Santiago’s journey in the book resonated deeply with me. His adventures, the challenges he faced, and his unwavering belief in his dreams have mirrored my own experiences and aspirations. This book has taught me to embrace the process, with all its ups and inevitable downs, and to trust that the universe conspires to help those who earnestly follow their dreams.

Instagram: https://hitesh.jais

Other: Email: hiteshjais1@gmail.com

Image Credits
Rin Mizumoto