I believe that anything you set your mind to conceive you can achieve. If you have a dream and the courage to pursue it, they have no choice but to turn to reality.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
Born in a small town called Channapatna, raised and brought up in Bangalore. I hail from a middle-class family. I always had a dream to become an actor, but I wanted to complete my basic education.
After passing my 12th, I wanted to pursue my further studies but due to financial difficulties at that time I was unable to. My passion turned into a profession and I started to teach dance in a Dance company that I cofounded. Initial days were tough, but my passion, the burning desire to achieve my goals kept me going.
Those circumstances that pushed me into dancing professionally turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I learnt so much during the process, taught so many students and earned so much respect. I love being a Dancer and dance instructor.
Simultaneously I was pursuing my dream to become an actor, constantly auditioning and looking for opportunities. I have done a short course in Playback theatre from Christ University Bangalore and attended several acting workshops.
I have acted in several TVc’s, short films, acted as the second lead in a Telugu movie yet to be released and have some exciting new movie projects in the pipeline this year.
2. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?
I believe that anything you set your mind to conceive you can achieve. If you have a dream and the courage to pursue it, they have no choice but to turn to reality.
I believe in commitment, discipline, confidence in oneself and hard work. With these, one can achieve anything that seems impossible. “Jahan chaaha hai wahan rahaa hai”
3. What led you to social activism?
Working towards Animal welfare had never been on my agenda or was never a path I thought I would pursue to be very honest. But I think it was meant to be. Maybe 2-3 years back something changed in me.
Can’t put a finger on it. I felt a need to pursue something that would give me true happiness. There was a lack of something or a weird void, you could say the loss of purpose in life.
There suddenly was this huge surge of empathy and connection that I started to feel for animals, especially dogs. It’s only when I started to work towards their well being, I felt I found my purpose.
I do have my dreams and personal goals. But I know working for these beautiful voiceless beings is my purpose in life.
4. Who is your role model and why?
I think it has to be my Dad. Despite dire situations, I have seen him not give up and build a beautiful life for our family. His hard work, commitment, positive outlook on life always inspires and motivates me.
He has always believed in me and trusted the decisions I have made and stood by me as one of the strongest pillars in my life.
5. What is your mantra of success?
‘Only 10% of life is what happens to you and 90% is how you react to it’ is something I very strongly believe in, either you succeed or you gain an experience, you are never losing anything. Keep going no matter what
6. What are some of the challenges and roadblocks you have faced along your journey?
There are many. But the biggest challenge has been facing my biggest competitor ‘Me’. Overcoming self-doubt, laziness, procrastination, looking beyond temporary happiness to find more long term value. So many more. I think this battle will keep going.
7. If in future, you've to choose between Acting and Dancing as a long term commitment, what will you choose and why?
I would choose Acting off-course. Cause that’s my dream from childhood. Also as an actor, I will anyways get to dance, isn’t it ?!!
8. Which is your favourite book and why?
I am less of a book person but more of a movie person. I also like to listen to podcasts.
Instagram - Salman Sam
Co-founder of LightsCameraDance
Founder of Feed the needy
Interviewed by - Vanshika Jain
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