Meet Priyanka Chandani | Actor

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

Hi Priyanka, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was four, my world revolved around playing pretend. Every evening my friends and I would gather in the parking lot and play characters from one of the then-famous Hindi TV series. Our set design was the kitchen and living room sketches we had drawn on the walls of the parking lot using charcoal. Something about slipping into someone else’s world lit me up. As I grew older, I realized that wanting to be in that TV box wasn’t just a dream. It became a passion that I cannot imagine my life without.. Pursuing an artistic career has allowed me to continue doing what I’ve always loved: telling stories that move people, starting with nothing but curiosity, and sometimes… a blank wall.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is rooted in human connection. I am addicted to the feeling of when you’re up on stage or in front of a camera and there is an electrifying buzz when everything just clicks and something unlocks within you. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that consistency beats perfection every single time. You can’t wait until you feel ready. You just have to take the leap, be okay with falling (trust me I fall A LOT) and trust that the right people will find you.
What I want the world to know is that I’m here to stay. I’m here to tell stories that matter, to be the voice I never heard, and to do it with all my heart. You can’t ignore me. Getting here definitely was not easy. Coming from a typical Indian middle class household, being an actor was unheard of. I actually graduated in Business Administration first, worked in Barclays for a year, ran an import business with my mom before I decided to build a world 8500 miles away.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely, Griffith Observatory. I love hiking up to the observatory during sunset and be rewarded by the most gorgeous looking night sky. I am obsessed with outer space so there is no beating that. I also love taking late night strolls in the Hollywood Hills. The architecture of the different houses really speaks for itself. Mulholland drive overlook followed by spicy vodka pizza at Best Fkn Pizza in Hollywood. Honestly, I love LA because everything is just a drive away. Beaches, mountains, valleys, snow, rain, whatever and wherever you are in the mood for.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is hard, hahaha, damn so many people are the reason why I am here in Los Angeles pursuing my dream. First off, my mom and dad. Truly, no words will ever be enough to capture what their support means to me. Without their love, encouragement, and quiet strength behind me, I wouldn’t be here doing what I love. My 13 year old sister has always been my biggest cheerleader. To my friends—Shruti, Jon, Nicole, Devin and Div—you’ve been the pillars that held me up when I felt unsteady. Whether it was late-night pep talks, spontaneous self-tapes, or just sitting with me in the messy middle, you guys have been there through it all.

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe1mhdftC3zeyY5JuQOayaA

Other: IMDBPro- https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm17450355?s=c0cc3186-ea89-2a26-c094-a3d1662b46a3&site_preference=normal

Actors Access: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/priyankachandani

Image Credits
Headshot by Kevin Caulfield

Red Bar picture by Todd Felderstein