Meet Umang Sawhney | Actor

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

Hi Umang, do you have a budget? How do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
I limit myself to a monthly budget as we all know New York is very expensive. Obviously there are times when I go over the budget slightly with unexpected expenses. When it comes to financial decisions I believe in rather spending my money in “experiences”than materialistic things. Balance is key when it comes to budgeting. Don’t spend away all your money for the month but also don’t limit yourself so much that you end up running away from new experiences. Instead of not going out at all, go out to a cheap bar have a drink and call it a night. Get out of your house! The biggest myth is that you cannot get out of you house in New York and not spend money! Well not with that attitude!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a 21 Year Old actor. About to graduate from the Lee Strasberg Theatre &Film Institute. I moved to New York from Vancouver in March 2023 and ever since I’ve been working towards my dreams. From perform in “Katha- The India story” a show held at our institute to recently performing in an off- broadway production of “Five times in one night” by Chiara Atik and Directed by Harsh Gupta. This is just the beginning. My passing for acting and storytelling has also lead me to working on opening my own production house by the end of 2024. All this is driven by the support of my family and my passion for the craft. Born in india and having relocated to canada when I was 13 years old gave me a whole new perspective of life and a chance to be exposed to a whole other different culture. Having spent 13 years in India and about 7 years in Canada, I’ve faced a lot of obstacles and with each obstacle was a lesson that I learnt. It wasn’t easy for me to “fit in” so with time I learnt how to adapt to new environments by still being true to myself and being humble to others. From my first performance when I was 6 to my dance performance when I was 12 and I was starting to be recognized as Shammi Kapoor for his iconic “head movement” that I performed for a school show. Having spent most of my childhood in India, I grew up watching movies from the two big movie industries, both Hollywood and Bollywood. I fell in love with stories and gradually started to explore the field of Acting and Performing. The movies have inspired me to tell stories to the world and spread love and peace through my work.

The biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that how important it was for me to move out of my city. The experiences and lessons you learn when you live alone is what shapes you as an individual. It tunes your instrument. You’re with yourself . You’re vulnerable. You’re learning new things. Meeting new people. Creating new relationships . You’re other there in the world where you can finally be YOU. You’re not limited to who you are when you’re with family. That’s when you find out who you truely are what you really love about life? What’s your passion? This is when you start living the prime years of your life and the most important years of your life because the way you spend these years decides how you end up as an individual. TAKE RISKS! life is too short. And the thing with taking risks is that the worst thing that can happen is you fail. But that’s it you’re still there. The world hasn’t ended. You’ve learned a lesson and now you get up again and try again!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a coffee lover, so I’m taking my friend to the best cafes in town. One of my faves is The Black start cafe on Bedford avenue. Get their Avocado trip. It’s the perfect breakfast for a lazy Sunday! A trip to the drama book shop is a must! A very aesthetic place to read plays with a cup or their wonderful coffee. Get their iced matcha latte! I still haven’t found a great Indian food place to eat but if you love Indian Chinese go to Wok in the clouds! They have the best chilli Momos. If you love Japanese food head to Benihana! It’ll fill you up for the day!
One of my favourite pubs would be luckys on avenue B! $5 beer and amazing ambience! Head to soho for a day trip (try not to spend all your money!)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Family who’s been very supportive from Day 1. My instructors at Vancouver Film school – Bill Merchant, Moya O’Connell and Omari Newton!

My instructors at the Lee Strasberg Theatre And film Institute including Lola Cohen and Robert Ellermann!

The creative act written by Rick Ruben that I think every artist should read. You learn so much about yourself as an artist. And it is one of the biggest inspirations in my life

Instagram: @_umang24

Facebook: Umang Sawhney

Other: www.imdb.me/umangsawhney