We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Prahaan Padhiar a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Prahaan, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
For me, finding my purpose wasn’t a journey—it was something I always knew. When I was just four years old, I wrote my mother a letter saying I wanted to be an actor and that I loved her a lot. Both of those statements remain true to this day. I love acting, I love entertaining, and I’ve never been one to stay still. I was fortunate to discover my passion early, and since then, I’ve dedicated myself to honing my craft—immersing myself in every form of art, book, film, and story I could find.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am an actor with a deep passion for storytelling. I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in May 2024, after studying Business Administration and Theatre at Northeastern University. My love for storytelling began in childhood, when I’d sit on my aunt’s lap as she read to me, and it grew over the years as I wrote my own skits in college. I’m equally captivated by the process of bringing both my own work and the work of others to life. There’s an exhilarating feeling that comes with being on stage—telling a character’s story and losing yourself in it. Currently, I’m focused on writing more material with the goal of filming it in the next few weeks.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The 3 Qualities are:
Taking Control: In the entertainment industry, it’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for opportunities to come to you. But a wiser approach is to be proactive and take charge of your own journey. While waiting for work, focus on creating your own material and, more importantly, on bettering yourself. The more you invest in your craft and personal growth, the more opportunities will open up.
Focusing on Life Outside of Work: Work is only one piece of the puzzle. Life is much richer when you have hobbies that distract and inspire you, and friends who keep you grounded. By stepping away from your work periodically and engaging in activities that have nothing to do with your career, you’ll find that both your creativity and mental well-being flourish.
Having an Open Mind: The ability to listen and observe is invaluable for any creator. Cultivate the habit of being quiet and receptive, especially to those who have walked the path you hope to follow—teachers, mentors, and others in positions you aspire to reach. Be open to learning and evolving. By embracing flexibility and absorbing from those around you, you’ll continue to grow as both an artist and a person.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most important gift my parents gave me was freedom. They never imposed their ideas on me or told me what I had to do. Instead, they allowed me the space to forge my own path and develop my personality without interference, all while teaching me the value of responsibility. Above all, they have always been my biggest supporters, no matter what choices I made. That kind of unwavering love and support from your parents makes you feel like you can conquer anything.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papa_padhiar/
Image Credits
Tina Vonn
