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

Hi Leah, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
It’s something I’ve never even questioned. At times I wavered on which aspect of the Film/TV industry I wanted to pursue, but it was always very clear to me ever since I was a child that it was going to be this field. Nothing else excited me as much as the arts so I literally only applied to colleges which had a Film major. I was also fortunate to have a very supportive family who always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. But I guess if I had to break down why exactly this career, it’s because in film, you get to combine imagination with storytelling in a way where nothing seems impossible. You’re not bound by realism; you get to create your own world. Music has also been a big part of my journey as well; songwriting is just another form of storytelling which excites me!

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’m a curious soul who acts in multiple languages and different accents helping to bridge the gap between the East and the West. I’m an old soul but also very much a child at heart, which sounds cliche I know but I feel like I’m able to genuinely be friends with people of all ages. I love playing with my nieces and nephews as much as I love hanging out with my peers as much as I love chatting and playing scrabble with people in their 80s. I feel like I’m able to find a way to relate to everyone and enjoy the depth of those experiences. I just like bringing people together in general and try to make everyone feel at ease.

As someone who constantly questions their life purpose, I’ve come to believe – it’s to tell stories that encourage others to be their authentic selves and raise their vibrations in a world constantly afraid to look itself in the mirror. Much like the songs I write, I like to play roles that are self-reflective, and straight from the heart, that leave an audience with something to reflect upon.

I also feel that being at the intersection of “right-brain” creative and “left brain” analytical puts me in a unique position since not many people in the film industry possess both. Having a film degree/creating my own work/production experience as well as an MBA/managerial experience for example has been extremely useful because you get to actually see the consequences of creative decisions. It equips you with the framework necessary to give your creativity a platform to blossom.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
West Hollywood: – The Grove

Santa Monica:
– 3rd Street promenade
– Santa Monica pier

Hollywood:
– Chinese Theatre/Kodak Theatre and Hollywood walk of fame
– Jimmy Kimmel show taping

Studio City:
– NBC/Universal Studios tour
– Sitcom taping of a show

Burbank:
– Warner Brothers Tour

For nice views of the city:
– Mulholland Drive
– Griffith Observatory

Food/Bars:
– In’N’Out Burger
– Diddy Riese cookie ice cream sandwiches in Westwood
– Sprinkles Cupcakes
– Night + Market (West Hollywood location)
– No Vacancy speakeasy
– Republique
– Melrose Umbrella Company

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family of course, who have always supported and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. My undergraduate college – Wesleyan University – also deserves a big shout out because it’s where I fully delved into the world of film and theatre. And honestly just every Casting Director/Filmmaker/Agent/Musician/Friend I’ve ever worked with because this industry is a highly collaborative one and you learn a bit from every experience – be it a short film or a big TV series.

Some books which also changed my perception of things – “Super Attractor” by Gabrielle Bernstein and “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Alan Singer.

Website: www.LeahKhambata.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leahkhambata

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6659760/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/5p3Ebt3ZAbGzm2Bh6CyNw5?si=B2CITOHBRhSh_7GdcrT3WQ

Image Credits
Walden Photography

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