Meet Mihara India | Actress, Singer & Musician

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

Hi Mihara, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think taking calculated risks can improve your life. To be successful, it is essential to take risks. As I reflect on my life, everything has been a risk. As a young teenager, being raised in Southeast Washington DC, there was a calculated risk I took each day walking and taking the bus to school. I learned at an early age how to measure the pros versus the cons to a situation. I knew that the benefit of acquiring my education was a ticket for me to my dream. It was my golden ticket to become everything that others told me I could not be.

My life has not been laced with a white picket fence, a cozy home with two parents in the household. As a little girl, I was adopted by my grandparents and grew up in South Carolina. My father was incarcerated prior to me being born, serving a life sentence for murder, my mother struggled with drug addictions and mental disorders, which at the age of 17, led me to becoming a full-time mother to my more than 15- year gap younger brother due to my mother’s numerous incarcerations. In so many ways, I felt robbed of my childhood. Yet, the risk of my brother being raised in foster-care without me, was something I could not allow.

I have had a job since I was 16 to provide for not only myself, but for my brother as well. The idea of me dreaming of anything more than simply getting a good government job, or working as a Summer Youth Employee via the Marion Barry Summer Youth at Work Program was a risk. Most inner-city youths from Washington, DC either end up pregnant, on drugs, dropping out of school, becoming murdered or being incarcerated.

Witnessing some of the behavioral patterns of my parents, I most certainly was angry, hurt and at-times questioned God. Yet, in all of my confused moments, I found comfort in playing instruments, singing and acting. I also found ways to brighten other friends and family-members’ days. It was like an escape from reality, which offered me joy, during a time that was very difficult for me, as a teenager. Many people would often comment and say, “Mimi you are so crazy, girl you are too funny…I swear you should be an actress or comedian!” or “You have such a beautiful voice…you should be a singer!” And, after hearing assertions such as these over and over again, they begin to sink into your spirit. They become a mantra, yet, I am not sure if my family and friends knew the seeds they were planting within me.

Fast forward to my older years, my dear friend, Robert, practically forced me to audition for a local play. Here in lies, another calculated risk venture for me, I had no formal training as an actor/singer, I only had the “gift” that I knew was ordained by God. I ended up landing the lead role for the play, as a woman who was being abused by her husband. Unbeknownst to me, my years of pain equipped me with the emotional range needed to bring this character to life. Although I was nervous as I compared myself to the other well-manicured actors and artists, the 10 “no’s began to turn into yes’s.”

It was only Four years ago, that I took one of my biggest leaps of faith, which was moving here, to Los Angeles from Washington, DC. Sadly, after my younger brother was murdered, that was a sign to “go for it”! I researched and weighed the benefits of remaining at home, or going to the Epicenter for all things entertainment. Therefore, I decided to take a chance on me, and I moved cross-country with hope, and determination.

Learning to take healthy risks will open new doors and build your confidence. There will be times when you say “man, I’m glad I didn’t do that”, or you might say “darn it, I should have done that, what was the worst that could’ve happened.” Yet, it is all a part of growth. Taking that risk has led to major opportunities that I would not have had, if I decided to stay complacent and comfortable. Only a month ago, one of my first supporting yet starring roles in a movie was released on Tubi entitled “Adam & Eve”, directed by and starring Brian Hooks. I play the character Titi. Additionally, I can be seen playing the character Jai, in the TV series, “Double Cross” on the ALLBLK network. Also, I’m currently working on releasing my first music project in 2023 and focusing on booking more roles, great things coming soon! I am grateful for pushing myself beyond my fears and the No’s, and I am thankful for my village who has supported me along this ever evolving journey of Success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve endured many struggles, and the strength that I had to build on, is what sets me apart from others. Yet, these are the same experiences that allow me to be relatable to many. I am the epitome of “dust yourself off and try again!” I will never give up, no matter what comes my way – faith has taught me that even though I cannot see the end result, maintain optimistic hopes, never waver, be strong and courageous.

I am most proud of the fact that I’ve become disciplined and consistent with pursuing my dreams. I’m proud that I’ve made it this far without quitting. I’m proud that I have a story to tell. I’m proud that I’m finally starting to see my hard work pay off. I’m proud that I haven’t allowed the naysayers to deter me. I’m proud that I believed in myself enough to bet on me. I’m proud that I will be an example of persistence and perseverance to the younger generation. I’m proud that I will utilize my craft and platform to be effective and tell a story that others will be able to relate too.

I got to where I am now by prayer, fasting, and faith. I’ve invested in my craft by studying the entertainment business, I’ve taken (and still take) numerous singing, acting and music classes/courses and have truly immersed myself in this art. I’ve researched and studied musicians, artists, movies, shows, characters and theatre. I’ve taken “no-pay” gigs to gain experience. I’ve worked with crew to understand how things work behind the scenes. I’ve worked several jobs at a time to financially support my dream. I’ve had late-nights and early-mornings and I’m just beginning. It has not been easy, there have been many times that I have questioned; if this is the right path for me but just when I am down to my lowest; there is a still quiet voice that resonates with me. That voice is none other than the Holy Spirit, whispering in my ear, reminding me of His promises and all of the many accomplishments, no matter how small or large; He would not bring me this far to leave me.

I have learned to enjoy the journey and appreciate the “now” instead of living in the future. I mean sometimes we block our own blessings, by simply diminishing the small yet vital steps we take along this journey. I will not go down this rabbit hole entirely, yet, I must speak to keeping your blinders on, especially during the era of social media. It is so easy for us as creatives to compare to others. Yet, you literally have to remind yourself, that social media is a place of illusional grandeur. Stated differently, folks are only showing the best part and sometimes the fabricated truth, in hopes, you will respect them more or even develop envy. Yet that is nothing but the enemy.

We all know the truth of living in Los Angeles. You can be on TV one night, and eating Top Ramen the next morning. You must always remain humble. You are not better than your counterparts. We are all equals. Never be enthralled by celebrities, as they too, are humans, yet their success occurred at a different stage then our own. Yet, it does not mean our success will not occur, it will just be unique and divinely orchestrated for “Us.”

I have learned that sometimes I must ground myself, breathe, drive to the beach, listen to the ocean waves, and take in each moment. I am literally pursuing my dreams, and I am minimizing the “woulda, coulda, shoulda” phenomenon each day I awake with God’s grace. It is hard to remember this, when you are so focused on becoming great. When I remember to just live, all those pressures begin to subside. In this business, “what’s for you is for you.” I don’t believe in competition; I have learned how damaging and unhealthy it is—Consistency will take you far – stay ready for when your time comes because it will come. I want the world to know that I am learning my worth, and realized that I have earned my place in life. There were no shortcuts for me. I took risks, I dreamed big, became resilient, while also being persistent, and determined. Nothing was handed to me, I made many sacrifices albeit time and money, yet I have stayed the course, remained hard-working, joyful and optimistic.

In closing, I want to give some nuggets of information I have acquired and has been extremely helpful to me along this path: Life is short, seize every opportunity, good people do exist, friendships are important, network so that you can build a greater net worth, do not be over critical of yourself, treat yourself when you are able to do so, study your craft and be prepared, be kind to yourself, and develop hobbies that make you happy. Furthermore, uplift and congratulate others when they win. We all can win, there are no losers; just great lessons to be learned. One of my biggest dreams is to become a full-time philanthropist, so that I can become a positive influence to not only my family and friends, but to my Community and our Society, at large.

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.
LA is so diverse and there is something for everyone here. I would first start off with an early morning hike, at Griffith Observatory, get the blood flowing while enjoying the amazing LA skyline view, something about looking over LA that makes you feel like you can conquer the world. Then I would head over to my favorite juice place, LA Press on La Brea Avenue for an amazing “Aftershock Shot” (packed with ginger, turmeric, lemon, lime cayenne and black pepper) yuuuuummmmm… then I’d wash it down with a delicious “The Producer” – a super greens treat, with cucumber, celery, spinach and kale. Then I would definitely stroll on over to my favorite consignment shop, Recess LA on La Brea Avenue, get in a little retail therapy, then head over to Rodeo Drive, to do some sight-seeing, and window-shopping, grab lunch at one of my favorite vegan Thai restaurants, Thai Vegan in Beverly Hills. Then I would take my friend(s) to The Library Bar in DTLA – they serve handcrafted cocktails & gastropub bites in a cozy setting with book-lined walls & leather couches, so posh!

The next day, we’d head over to the ultra-delicious Gracias Madre in the heart of West Hollywood. It’s a meatless Mexican fare, all vegan and organic – plus AMAZEBALL margarita’s, Tequila anyone? I forgot to let ya’ll know, a sistah is vegan, hunny. I love that they serve traditional Mexican cuisine from scratch, all vegan style! And hopefully, my friends are not too tired, but that night we’d go view the skyline at Mulholland Scenic Overlook – one of the most beautiful night views in LA. I’d dance the night away to some good music in WEHO and then end the night at the marvelous Breakfast Club in Hollywood and grab a few photo-ops.

The next day we’d catch a swim at the L’Ermitage Beverly Hills or the Beverly Hilton. We would also visit The Waldorf Astoria Rooftop by JG Restaurant in Beverly Hills, as they have an impeccably styled garden setting and a one-of-a-kind experience that is not to be missed. Or we could go to Castaway Restaurant in the hilltops of Burbank with amazing scenic views and a whole new dining experience where everyone feels like a star and every seat is magic – Maybe catch the sunset at one of the many beaches in LA – take photos on Melrose Ave, Sunset Blvd, the Hollywood sign, and the “Urban Light” display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Wilshire Blvd. Either way, my friends will not be disappointed. They might need two weeks to recover, but it will definitely be a trip of a lifetime!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, all thanks, glory and honor to Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. All of my gifts came from HIM, and I am forever grateful for his blessings over my life, “All to him I owe!”

My family and friends – They have held me down, believed in me, poured into me, prayed for me, inspired me, financially supported me and kept me encouraged on my path to pursuing my dreams. I am trying to tell ya’ll that the journey at times might feel crazy and unreliable but keep pushing.

Shoutout to my late grandmother and brother, Sarah & Lapriz, in their absence I’m reminded that life is short and to “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things (my desires) shall be added unto me… Always remember why I started, stay the course and never give up.”

To Robert Anderson – you pushed me out of my comfort zone – I thank God for you and I love you.

To Shannon Whren – you believed in me and my gifts from the start. Thank you for seeing in me what I could not during those times. It is because of you that my acting has flourished – I am forever grateful.

Granddaddy – you are my rock – your unwavering love, guidance and strength has saturated my life – I love you, thank you.

Shoutout to everyone who has ever supported me and said kind words of encouragement – it all matters and means a lot to me.

Shoutout to good ole LA – You have welcomed me with open arms – I love it here!

To the new friends I have made since moving here – you all rock!

Shoutout to Charis Jones (CharisReese) – she’s the reason I’m even doing this interview. A magnificent friend and uber-talented music artist who takes every opportunity to promote those around her, she’s wonderful! Check out her music (charisjones.com)!!

Shoutout to myself for having faith and staying the course despite any and all obstacles that have come my way – The vision is so clear now! Last, but never least, to every young black and brown girl and boy who thinks it’s impossible – I’m living proof that with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

Instagram: @miharaindia

Twitter: @miharaindia