Meet Rudraa Pratap Singh | Actor

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

Hi Rudraa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Taking risks has always been daunting to me. As a child, I found the very idea overwhelming, yet I’ve come to realize that I was taking risks all along—without even knowing it. Choosing to pursue a career as an actor felt like stepping into the unknown, a leap that terrified me but also fueled my passion. Even as a kid, I would speak my mind boldly, often landing myself in trouble, unaware that such honesty was, in its own way, a risky act.

I’ve come to believe that risks are the gateways to growth and success. They’re not meant to be easy; they’re nerve-wracking, uncertain, and often make your heart race. But that’s precisely what sets them apart—they demand courage and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable. Taking risks is a gamble, yes, but it’s one that not everyone is brave enough to make. And perhaps that’s what makes the journey so rewarding.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s funny I never considered what I do “art” until I got to college. I remember movies always excited me and that made me want to act. It started with impersonations of many people in front of my family and friends when I was young and then sort of got more structured when I entered a theatre. Throughout my childhood, I would pounce on any opportunity to act whether it was a school play, community theatre or a workshop. But this to me was never ‘art’ it was fun. I was a kid playing and expressing my energy and my feelings through this versatile medium.

This wasn’t easy. I grew up in New Delhi, India where society around you has dictated a predetermined life path for most. School then college then a respectable job like business, engineering, medicine etc., and then marriage. I would constantly face judgment from some teachers and friends when I kept saying I wanted to be an actor. Everyone was so supportive when I was younger but the older I got that support changed into judgement. I second-guessed myself a lot. I realized that this was just a part of my story. This was the conflict of that phase in my life. I ran forward and never looked back once. I moved to New York after graduating high school and attended The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute but had to drop out after just two semesters due to the pandemic. This was another hurdle in my race but I got over it as I reapplied and got into The California Institute of the Arts. After 4 years of training in a conservatory getting started professionally can seem daunting but that excites me. This pressure of uncertainty has started to motivate me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a city, Los Angeles has such a diverse landscape. You have beaches, mountains as well as a metropolitan city. I’ve had many friends come and visit me over the last 4 years and each time we have had a blast! My friends and I are extremely active physically so we would do several hikes, My personal favorite is the Eagle Rock Hike in Topanga. Drives on the PCH and Mulholland Drive are a must. One day I would like to take them thrifting whether it’s at the Melrose trading post or the Rose Bowl stadium market.

Nothing says LA food like street tacos. These will be essential to the LA bucket list. A sunset dinner somewhere in Santa Monica like Elephante. One morning would be booked for surfing in Malibu as well as getting seafood there followed by visiting the Getty Villa and exploring the beaches like El Matador only to stay for the sunset. One spot that I have a close relationship with is Vasquez Rocks north of Santa Clarita although it can be a little far from the main city of LA, It’s scenic, peaceful, and unique. If they are first timers I would take them to the Getty Centre one day. A picnic at Griffith Park could also be fun. For drinks, there is always bar hopping in Silverlake. LA is such a fun place to visit. There’s always something to do and you have the liberty to make it what you want for yourself.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think most of my journey has to be credited to both of my parents. As generic of a plot that may seem it’s true. The two of them have supported and backed me in every way possible. They wanted me to pursue my passion for being an actor, they pushed me to become the person I am today.
They themselves are in a creative field, which makes them understand me completely. From an early age I have been exposed to their creative journey and growth whether it has been at their shows as they are fashion designers or through movies, art, music etc. They have always thought out of the box and even conversing with them has subconsciously given me this creative and unorthodox approach at life.

Website: https://rudraapratapsingh.com

Instagram: @rudraapratapsingh

Image Credits
The first two pictures which are headshots have been shot by Jonny Marlow. His Instagram is @marlowphotographyla