Today we’d like to introduce you to Roopashree Jeevaji.
So, before we jump into specific questions about what you do, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am originally from India and grew up mostly in Mumbai and Bangalore which is where my family is from. Having trained in classical Indian dance “Bharatanatyam”, from a young age, I have always been fascinated with the stage and the art of dramatic storytelling.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I moved to the US, on my own, to study theatre. And I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best acting teachers who teach the Stanislavsky Method, Lee Strasberg Method and Yat Malmgren Technique to name a few.
But it hasn’t been an easy road at all, just like most creative endeavors, and there have been many challenges along the way – how to survive in this practical world while continuing to pursue your art or how to be able to get a chance to portray roles that inspire you and that you can related to. Sometimes it can feel like you are in a quagmire. When I feel that way, I go ahead and use all those complex feelings as grist for my art. Hurdles and blocks inspire me to tell better stories, to depict human strength, struggles, and triumph with more truth.
A suggestion, is what I would give to my younger self or to any other young friends out there – keep exploring your art, your soul and have fun along the way. There is no such thing as a sustained artistry. If you stop having fun, go do something else for a little while. Our lives are filled with a range of experiences, all of which are vital and necessary to be a true artist or a fulfilled human being. I recently started oil painting without any training, without watching any videos on how to oil paint. I think, no I believe, that I am terrible at it (laughs). But who cares, I am learning and importantly I am having fun. Will definitely keep Voyage LA updated with my progress if you are interested.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from others?
Not seeing enough diverse stories, I was prompted and inspired to produce and bring stories from around the world. My last project, which I also acted in and produced “In Search of America, Inshallah”, has been screened in over fifty film festivals worldwide including Cannes. You could also see me in one of the recent episodes of NCIS on CBS.
My goal is to travel the world, keep telling others’ stories and to keep creating. I believe in collaborations and hence, I don’t want to be “apart” from others, I want to be “a part of everyone”. That’s the fun of being an artist, of being human. We are in this together.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
As a curious mind, I celebrate the perpetual student – forever exploring, forever learning, forever creating. I am a voracious reader and try to read at least 20 books a year – which is nearly not quite enough in my opinion. I feel books mould you. Most, we may forget but a few are etched in our memories. One of such books and which I absolutely loved is ‘Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson. Da Vinci’s life is simply fascinating! And the meditation app “Headspace” is pretty amazing too!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1800145
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/roopajeevaji
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/roopashreejeevaji
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/roopajeevaji
Image Credit:
Getty Images, David Muller Photography
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