Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Anoop Surya of West Hollywood

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Anoop Surya. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Anoop, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
I have a massively challenging film production ahead that requires a lot of time and energy to crack. I’m procrastinating on that.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an actor, VFX artist, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. At my core, I’m a storyteller—and I’m fortunate that my passion has become my profession.

I’m originally from India and have been working as an actor in the US for about eight years now. I think my international background gives me a fresh perspective on storytelling and character work. My upbringing also instilled in me a relentless work ethic—I’m someone who finds a way to execute no matter the challenge. That combination of perspective and persistence shapes how I approach every project, whether I’m in front of the camera or behind it.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I’d have to say my dad. He’s an incredibly hard worker—someone who truly worships work itself. A lot of how I approach my career comes from watching him while I was growing up.

He has taught me simple but invaluable lessons that have stuck with me. One of his favorites is, ‘Show up early, leave late.’ It sounds straightforward, but I still live by that on every set I’m on. Those foundational lessons about respect, dedication, and showing up have shaped not just my work ethic, but who I am as a collaborator.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: ‘Learn to be patient, especially in the face of adversity. The failures you experience today aren’t defining moments—they’re lessons. Use them to grow stronger, both mentally and spiritually. Trust the process, even when it’s hard to see where it’s leading.’

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I think Keanu Reeves. I admire him for being genuinely kind and grounded—there’s nothing pompous about the way he carries himself. But what really inspires me is his ability to juggle so much—acting, filmmaking, music—all while navigating the profound hardships he’s faced in his life. He’s proof that you can stay humble and human while building an incredible career, even through unimaginable loss. That resilience and grace under pressure is something I aspire to.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people watch my films and TV shows and feel something—whether that’s laughter, joy, or a moment of reflection on their own lives. At the end of the day, I want to be remembered as someone who brought light into people’s lives through storytelling. If my work can make someone smile, laugh, or think a little deeper about their own journey, then I’ve done what I set out to do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @anoop_surya
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@anoop_surya
• Other: ACTING DEMO REEL: https://youtu.be/X9_6CozZkms

Image Credits
Ethan Hegel
Andrew VanCamp
Donne Ashlock
Sling Shot Photography – Atlanta