"From walking the Cannes red carpet to promoting India's untold stories and culture worldwide, I strive to bridge the gap between traditional heritage and modern global platforms."
1. Can you tell us about your journey into acting and your role as a Cultural Ambassador for the Ministry of Culture?
My journey in entertainment began early when I worked as a Formula One grid girl and competed in Femina Miss India. Eventually, I won Miss South India. A Kannada film casting team spotted me during an ad shoot for a popular deodorant brand. My theatre training played a significant role in helping me secure that audition.
While getting into films wasn’t too challenging, staying relevant all these years has been a test of perseverance and hard work. As a cultural ambassador, I travel extensively to seminars, award shows, and international events, promoting Indian brands and culture. Balancing the modern demands of social media while preserving India’s essence has been a rewarding challenge.
2. As a Cultural Ambassador, what initiatives are you currently involved in to promote Indian culture globally?
I use every international platform I step onto—be it Cannes or collaborations with global brands—to spotlight Indian culture and homegrown brands. My goal is to connect Indian products with global markets and push Indian films with authentic cultural narratives into international networks. I also strive to inspire international filmmakers and brands to collaborate with Indian talent, culture, and heritage.
3. What are your future goals, both in your acting career and as a cultural ambassador?
As an actress, I aspire to work on projects that address social reform, reflect common people’s struggles, or highlight India’s rich history, art, and culture. As a cultural ambassador, my aim is to draw global attention to India’s new entrepreneurial spirit, untold stories, and cultural revival. I want to showcase a modern, empowered India to the world.
4. What advice would you give to aspiring actors looking to make their mark?
Be authentic, original, and consistent. The industry doesn’t offer shortcuts, but smart decisions go a long way. If things don’t work out, pause, reflect, and adapt to the industry’s demands rather than getting discouraged. Sometimes, a new direction or perspective can make all the difference. Be patient and persistent; this challenging industry often surprises you with wonders.
5. Can you share an incident that changed your life as an actress?
Attending the Cannes Film Festival and collaborating with international brands have been pivotal in my journey. Transitioning from a regional film actress to an actor, producer, and influencer on a global scale has been transformative.
6. If you could star in a biopic of any historical or cultural figure, who would it be and why?
I would love to portray Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur. She has been a significant influence on me since childhood. Having studied at her school, I had the honor of seeing her in person. Her grace, courage, determination, compassion, and style continue to inspire me. Playing her on screen would be a profound challenge and privilege.
Bio:
Iti Acharya is an acclaimed actress, producer, and cultural ambassador celebrated for her impactful contributions to cinema and social causes. With a career spanning Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam films, she has starred alongside luminaries like Dr. Shivaraj Kumar and presented her production Anukarne at the Cannes Film Festival.
A former Miss South India, Iti has earned recognition as the "Pride of Rajasthan 2024." She has graced Times Square billboards and walked as a showstopper for prestigious fashion events. As a World Peace and Cultural Ambassador, she continues to promote India’s heritage and inspire globally.
Interviewed by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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