Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashish Misra
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been drawn to two seemingly different worlds: the logic of technology and the creativity of storytelling. Growing up, I excelled in technology; computers and mobile devices which naturally led me to pursue a degree in computer science. At the same time, I had a deep love for acting since I was 3, a passion that started with school plays and evolved into small roles in local theater and short films.
After graduating, I started my career in the tech industry, diving headfirst into the world of algorithms and coding. It was a career path I genuinely enjoyed, but acting was never far from my mind. Even while working full-time as a computer scientist, I spent my time on commercial and film sets, taking on roles wherever I could find them.
I began to realize that the same problem-solving mindset I used in tech applied to acting. Understanding a character’s motivations felt like debugging a complex piece of code—breaking it down, analyzing it, and finding the most authentic way to bring it to life. The two worlds complemented each other more than I ever expected.
As my acting projects gained momentum, I faced a pivotal decision. Staying in the comfort of a stable tech career was tempting, but my heart was pulling me in another direction. So, two months ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to Hollywood.
The transition hasn’t been without challenges, but my background in computer science has given me the discipline and resilience to navigate the highs and lows of this new chapter. I’ve been diving into auditions, networking, and honing my craft every single day. Hollywood is a tough town, but it’s also a place where dreams feel tangible, and the opportunities are limitless if you’re willing to put in the work.
Looking back, I see how both paths—technology and acting—have shaped me. One taught me structure and perseverance, while the other taught me vulnerability and the art of connection. Now, as I build my career here in Hollywood, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next. I have 4 movies coming out in 2025!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Pursuing two careers simultaneously—computer science and acting—was challenging from the start. Early on, I struggled with balancing my time and energy. By day, I was designing and debugging complex systems, and by night, I was memorizing lines, attending auditions, or performing. It felt like living two lives, and burnout was a constant risk.
One of the biggest struggles was overcoming the perception that I couldn’t do both. In the tech world, acting seemed like a frivolous hobby, while in the acting world, my computer science background made me feel like an outsider. It took time to find the confidence to embrace both sides of my identity and recognize how they complemented each other.
The decision to leave my tech career behind and move to Hollywood was another leap of faith that came with its own set of challenges. Moving to a new city meant starting over from scratch—leaving behind the stability of my previous life and diving headfirst into an industry known for its unpredictability.
Financial stability was one of the toughest hurdles. In the early months, I relied on my tech skills to freelance and cover expenses while navigating auditions and building connections. It was humbling, especially in a city like Los Angeles, where the cost of living is high and competition is fierce.
Then there was the mental and emotional toll. Rejection is a huge part of acting, and it took time to develop the resilience to handle it. There were days when I questioned whether I’d made the right choice, wondering if I should have stayed in my comfort zone. But each small win—whether it was landing a callback, meeting a mentor, or booking a role—reminded me why I came here in the first place.
Through it all, my background in computer science became an unlikely lifeline. The discipline and problem-solving mindset I cultivated in tech helped me approach acting methodically. I treated each setback as a puzzle to solve, each audition as a chance to refine my craft.
While the road hasn’t been easy, every struggle has shaped me into a more determined and adaptable person. The challenges taught me to trust the process, embrace uncertainty, and lean into the parts of myself that make me unique. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade the ups and downs for anything—it’s all part of the journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an actor originally from South Africa, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for me. One of my most anticipated projects is Sugar Cane Boy, a film where I play one of the lead roles, releasing worldwide next year. I also have three movies premiering on Netflix in 2025, along with another film debuting in South African cinemas.
These projects reflect a lot of hard work and collaboration, and I’m thrilled to bring these stories to audiences around the world. It’s a privilege to represent my roots while embracing the global stage, and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve created.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking has been at the core of my journey, and I’ve come to see it as an essential part of growth. Leaving my IT job, my friends, and my family in South Africa to pursue acting in Hollywood was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. It wasn’t just about leaving behind a stable career and a support system—it was stepping into the unknown, where nothing was guaranteed.
For me, risk-taking is about betting on yourself, even when the odds feel stacked against you. When I made the decision to move, I knew I was walking away from the safety and comfort of a career I had spent years building. My IT job provided financial stability and a clear path forward, but acting offered something far more meaningful: the chance to live my dream and tell stories that could impact people.
The hardest part was leaving the people I love. South Africa is home, and my family and friends have always been my biggest cheerleaders. Saying goodbye to them and starting over in a new city was daunting. There were moments of doubt and loneliness, especially in the early weeks when I was trying to find my footing in Hollywood.
But I’ve learned that risk comes with reward—not just in terms of opportunities but also in personal growth. Taking this leap forced me to rely on my own resilience and adaptability. It taught me how to embrace uncertainty and find strength in moments of vulnerability. Every challenge I’ve faced since moving here has reminded me why I took this risk in the first place: because nothing worthwhile comes without it.
Hollywood is a tough industry, but the decision to bet on myself has already opened doors I never imagined. It’s a privilege to be here, pursuing my dream, and I’m constantly motivated by the belief that the biggest risks often lead to the most extraordinary rewards.
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