Meet Neeltarni Pratap | Actor/Writer

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

Hi Neeltarni, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I have always defined success as getting to do what you want to do! doesn’t matter small or big or magical or insignificant. Outcome is a bonus but the meat (soy) is in the journey. The sense of accomplishment that comes with just even getting to pursue acting is a success. I can’t control the outcome of my journey but getting to go on this adventure is enough in itself. Personal growth attached with pursuing acting blows my mind, I wouldn’t know all this I know if I wasn’t putting myself out there to learn and practice this craft. I always wanted to share my thoughts and ideas with an audience and I get to do that everyday as an actor, nothing tops it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always wanted to be an actor and the journey wasn’t easy. There were many hurdles, like self doubt, bullies, moving to a different country, language and cultural difference, balancing my money making job and the creative career I was seeking etc. I used to get so overwhelmed with things that in the beginning I would take months long breaks from things and come back to them again once I was ready. It was only before the COVID pandemic that I started pursuing things sincerely and I learned that you just have to keep going through the fog even when you can’t see whats ahead. If you stop midway then it is like starting from the beginning again and again. When things were really tough the three simple words “never give up” and the love and support of the people around me kept me going. I might have crawled for some distance but I kept going through tough times and I feel like I have made it to the next phase of the journey where things have started materializing for me.

I am creating a lot of dark comedy, thriller, horror projects and I am really excited for them. I am looking forward to the journey ahead.

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?
LA has so much to offer that you should plan on skipping the zzzzs if you are here for just a week. I would take my friends to the stunning hikes in Burbank and Malibu. We would dine and drink at places like Bacari, Gracias Madre, Soho house, Mama shelter and W hotel rooftops and party at places like Davey waynes, Hyde, Clifton’s, Jumbo’s clown room and different circus bars there. I would definitely take them around to all of the improv and clown shows at UCB, Nerdist, The Club house and Lyric Hyperion. We have a crazy improv/clown scene in LA. For a relaxing time I would take them to the Getty museum/village, The Huntington Gardens, Whale watching tours and lastly my personal favorite, a tour of the stunning properties we have in places like Malibu, Glendale, Venice and Santa Barbara. It will be a very packed week!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh it is a whole village! I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for my family, first and foremost, my teachers, friends, colleagues and every random person who has helped me push forward and learn new things.

The belief and support I have gotten from my family and friends is unbelievable. It has given me the courage to keep going out in the wild to explore new and exciting opportunities. I wouldn’t have made things possible with out their love and encouragement. My writing and producing partner, Krishan Hooda, keeps presenting me with exciting and challenging opportunities everyday, without him I would never grow as much as I do.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neeltarnipratap/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/neeltarni

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