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

Hi Samita, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My goal is to give a voice and represent diverse women in the screen arts, so I pursued acting in addition to writing as a celebrity studies scholar. As I mentioned in my latest article on Stage 32, I did not pursue acting for fame. As an expert on celebrity culture and film stars, it made sense that my opinions would be more credible and grounded with practicing knowledge as an actor. More importantly, I just wanted to use my talent in performance art to tell human stories and express – not just impress.

I also share artistic approaches and creative processes of acting at CMCS live panel talks, which recently included LA-based actor and acting coach Casey Lloyd. I am also developing a script on artistic issues with USC graduate Madeleine Benn in LA.
 
During my acting and writing breaks, I dance on Portuguese cobbled streets and represent the artistic dreams of my mother, who was forbidden to dance and act after the age of sixteen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am immensely proud of my team members and worldwide supporters. However, achieving success in the arts has not been easy in a class-based patriarchal society. Except for my late parents, partner, and a few colleagues, most peers and family members, e.g., my dad’s eldest brother and mom’s youngest sister, would dismiss, silence or sarcastically reject watching my performances by switching to famous media personalities while I would share my media interviews. I had to stay optimistic and keep giving a voice to artistic and social causes that are often overlooked in celebrity culture. So, after receiving my Ph.D on fame., I launched the Centre for Media and Celebrity Studies (CMCS), Samita Nandy Productions, and got trained in acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles – that was despite the loss of both parents, on one hand, and sexist harassment or silencing, on the other hand. The harassments are documented here: http://cmc-centre.com/academic-models-in-hollywood/ The main lessons in overcoming these challenges are how to stay confident, give a voice, and be resourceful – that’s the key to success.

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.
Well I am currently in Lison, Portugal which is a fantastic place for film shooting and scriptwriting. When I am not on sets or on a writing break, I would take a friend to the historic neighborhood of Alfama where remains date back to the 12th century. From this hidden gem, I would walk down to the downtown area of Baixa and Cais de Sodre in front of the Tagus River and take a train along the Atlantic Ocean or walk up to Bairro Alto on a high altitude, overlooking São Jorge Castle and the river or grab an espresso anywhere along the cobbled streets of Lisbon.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Louis Massey, my partner and filmmaker, for ongoing support and dialogues facilitating arts and education

Website: www.samitanandy.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samitanandy/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/famecritic

Facebook: www.facebook.com/samitanandy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW0p-Wua0ifLtDdkcJIj5mg

Image Credits
Jeremiah Hill Photography Louis Massey

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