Conversations with Nirvan Patnaik

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nirvan Patnaik

Hi Nirvan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin, dreaming of doing big things. I didn’t always know what they were but I felt like I had to make an impact on the world. My family is from India and that specific kind of mentality, one of accomplishment and legacy, is something they passed on to me. My dad is an amateur playwright and musician and my mom an amateur painter. Art was always held in high regard at home and I subsequently developed a love of performing from a young age. I studied piano, guitar and voice growing up and eventually studied acting at USC. Now I’m trying to sustain a career as an actor. It’s not easy, it doesn’t always give back, but it’s what I want – so I can’t complain.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is full of ups and downs for everyone, and my path has been no different. Teachers, agents and various industry professionals told me I would book quickly and easily because of my “look”, with diversity being in demand. Already I had expectations, but I took these comments to heart, and when things didn’t take off like I wanted them to, I was disappointed. Now, after being an actor for a few years, I think I’ve made peace with the fact that the road is long and success can be fleeting. Finding a mix of gratitude and honoring your feelings is, in my opinion, the best way forward. It’s great to be grateful and mature, but if I’m “devastated” that I didn’t book a job, I have to honor my “devastation”. And the best part about that is, it feeds one’s work!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an actor and a singer. I think what sets me apart is my multifacetedness. I like to think I have honored all sides, all parts of myself as a human, and that comes out in my work. I can be vulnerable but also strong, innocent but also shrewd, romantic but also down-to-earth. I often feel, when watching the roles I didn’t book, that the production was looking for a performance with a singular characteristic (“one-note”). I hope having range will help me as I go through my career.

It’s harder to say as a singer what my strengths are. I’m a tenor with a light and resonant tone. I think my singing always has feeling in it. I love a certain plaintive quality in music and melodies, which I try to infuse in my singing.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who deserve credit! My family, first and foremost, for their unyielding support, always. I’ve had some amazing teachers who have given me the confidence to pursue and keep pursuing this profession. Mike Esser, my high school choir and show choir director, is always someone I think about. Kenneth Mitchell, John DeMita, and Mary Joan Negro are acting professors at USC who gave me their special attention and guidance when I needed it. The staff at the British American Drama Academy were incredible and helped me understand what it truly means to be an actor.

More recently, Ravi Kapoor, the writer and director of the critically-acclaimed Four Samosas, took a chance on me by casting me in his film. Last but not least, I would like to shout out to my improv team, who have been the constant friends and fellow creatives I’ve needed since I finished school.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nirv4321/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nirvanpatnaik90
• Other: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/nirvanpatnaik

Image Credits
Quinlann Corbett
Martha Rosario
Shilipa Johar
Maninder Nikki Chawla