We recently had the chance to connect with rahul nath and have shared our conversation below.
rahul, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Normal is really a word that I would NOT use to describe ANY of my days!
I am usually awake at 5am and have realized the power of exercising, so that is how I start my day, is by getting a workout in. It really does kickstart your day completely. If it’s shoot day, then I make sure I am on set, 3o mins before my scheduled time. On set, I stay laser focused on getting the job done very well. The last job that I did, was a HUGE campaign and I knew it demanded a lot from me, so I was extremely HEAVILY focused throughout the whole shoot. On days like this, I am usually so proud of what I have achieved, and it always is SUCH a learning experience, and you become aware or take note of what you are capable of, that the day ends, by treating yourself for all that you achieved and/or having a great night sleep.
On days that I am not filming, that is when the word NORMAL does not apply at all! It can vary from auditions, either online or in person, writing my own material, and/or taking meetings with potential cast and crew for my own projects. And in all of that, I do have a day job, as a certified court interpreter, that keeps me busy for more than the 24 hours in a day. But I really do LOVE everything that I do, so there are for sure NO complaints on my side.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born Rahul Nath Mahant, but for entertainment purposes, I changed my name to Rahul Nath. An astrologer once told me that the name ‘Rahul Nath’ would work wonders for me and I also liked the sound of that name, so I decided to change my name.
I have lived in three countries, India. the UK and now the USA, so I am heavy blend of ALL these cultures and their mannerisms, which ironically shows in all the work that I do. I grew up watching Bollywood cinema, which is the largest cinema in India and that has been my heavy influence in my acting and directing. As I grew older, I really started to have a liking for Amercian TV shows and movies. And again, the blend of the Bollywood and the American work that I have seen as a child and adult, has all consolidated into the work that I present and that really is what makes me so unique. Because I am such a blend of three cultures, it makes me stand out. I always tell everyone, I look like an Indian Citizen, speak like a British citizen, but at the heart of it all, I am an American.
And to add even more uniqueness to me, I am also a proud LGBTQ+ individual and always look to add this element to all the work that I do, so that my community is always presented in some shape or form.
My production company Nik/Nak Productions, which was set up 15 years ago, encompasses all the above and much more to represent communities that have not had the chance to be as represented before.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I really thought life was what you were told that it was and that dreams were just that – dreams! But as my life had it, some really strong higher power showed me that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I never believed this, even a few years ago, but especially in the last few years, I have realized that YOU can seriously achieve ANYTHNG that you can put your mind to.
For example, I first came to Los Angeles in 1991. I was barley in my teens, and I didn’t come from a family that had much money, so to come to the USA on a plane, was a really distant wish. But I wanted to see Los Angeles and go to Hollywood. Because I stayed so focused on wanting to go, it all happened within God’s speed. A London based airline was launching a new plane route and so to promote it, they offered 2 tickets for the price of 1, but you had to collect vouchers from the newspaper, which I did, and we got out 2 for 1 plane tickets to Los Angeles!
This is one of many examples that have happened in my life, but the last few years for sure, the belief, that you can achieve anything, has cemented in my mind forever!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I feel that everyone has the feeling of ‘wanting to give up’ in anything that they do. But the stakes are so much higher in the entertainment field, than what they are in any other field. Maybe because, as entertainers, we have risked so much to get to where we are, that we just don’t want to take NO as answer.
I such a surreal start into the entertainment field and my first five years, after moving to Los Angeles were nonstop. But even in that nonstop phase, I had moments where I felt like what is this? Am I even doing anything that is worthwhile? But when I look back now, I realize that everything was working itself out and is always working itself out. Now, decades after being in the entertainment field, I am much more calm and much more relaxed, as I KNOW that everything is always working out for the best and I have nothing to worry about.
Sometimes, all you have to do is literally just walk the path.
I recently had a job, that I booked, and I was very reluctant to go to the audition as I was on the other side of town, but everything worked out on the audition day and even for the callback and even for the booking, in terms of the date and my availability.
And that taught me again – all you have to do, is walk the path and give it your best!!
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, without a doubt!
If I have something to say, I will say it – good or bad. I don’t believe in being sweet to someone’s face and then speaking ill behind their back.
And I have also come to learn that being YOU is the easiest and the best thing you can do for you. Even if you pretend to be someone that you’re not, someone will still have something negative to say about you or have something that they don’t like about you. So why not just be the real you? That way, you are bringing the people you want into your life and who love you for who are. The trash really just filers out.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a FIGHTER and I FOUGHT to get where I am and what I have achieved. That everything that I had achieved, I achieved because I fought hard for it and worked my ass off for it.
I was never given any silver spoon and being a complete unknown, I managed to bag and perform in huge campaigns, movies and TV shows, and most importantly, be successful in a field that a lot of people give up on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rahul-nath.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rahulnath77/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulnath77/
- Twitter: @raulnath
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rahulnathactor/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/rahulnath77
- Other: Production Website – www.niknakpro.com
