Life & Work with Deepti Kingra-Mickelsen of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deepti Kingra-Mickelsen.

Hi Deepti, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been drawn to the arts. Growing up with very little, creativity came naturally, and literature, music, films, and theatre became the ways I discovered myself. I’ve also been incredibly lucky to have amazing teachers and mentors throughout my life, especially in college. My theatre professor introduced me to working on film sets and eventually became a close friend who helped me figure out who I wanted to become. He’s also the person who introduced me to my husband! I’m very aware that I am who I am because of the people who guided me.
They helped me see that I don’t have to choose between being Indian or American – my experience of living in both worlds is actually my strength. And that perspective has really shaped the path that brought me here today.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think most people, especially as teenagers, struggle with figuring out where they belong. For me, learning to embrace the things that made me different was a big part of that journey. Your uniqueness is your strength. Everyone’s struggles look different, and mine came from navigating a very visual medium like film and theatre, where I didn’t see much representation. I had to work extra hard to prove that I deserved the opportunities I was reaching for. It wasn’t easy, and honestly, it’s still challenging at times but over the years I’ve learned a lot, and I know my worth now.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started in theatre, and it was a college professor who first opened the door for me- into film. By the time I graduated, I’d already worked on several sets and completely fallen in love with the craft. So much of my education came simply from being in the room—watching filmmakers at work, asking questions, and absorbing everything I could. I’ve always been curious about how every piece of the process fits together, and I was fortunate to have people early on who took the time to show me their world. That curiosity led me to explore different roles, from acting to directing and producing, and I’ve really grown by experiencing the industry from so many angles.

What I’m most proud of isn’t one project – it’s the journey. I’ve kept learning, kept showing up, and stayed in love with the work, even as the industry keeps changing.
Everything I create comes from a very personal place – my culture, my experiences, the things that truly shaped me. I don’t chase trends; I try to stay honest and real. At the end of the day, I just hope my work connects with people, because that’s what storytelling is really about.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
For me, the biggest risks in my career have been the pivots. The first was choosing film over getting my master’s degree in theatre right after college. I wasn’t sure if it was the “smart” choice, but I knew I wanted real experience, so I went for it. I also felt like I was ready to jump into the real world rather than the safety of being in college for another 3-4 years.

When acting work wasn’t steady enough to support me in LA, I took another risk and moved into production. I worked in art department, producing, writing, then eventually found my groove in directing, which I’ve been doing for about six years while still pursuing acting.

Shifting from in front of the camera to behind it was a huge change, and honestly, I still struggle with the fear that leaning too far into AD work might pull me away from acting. But each pivot has taught me something valuable and helped me grow.
I think that’s what risk really is—being willing to move even when you don’t have all the answers, trusting that it will shape you in the right ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.deeptikingra.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deeptikingramickelsen/