Shivani Desai

{"thumbnail":"{\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/c42-archive-prod-files-acl.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com\\\/public\\\/2023-04\\\/ShivaniDesai_Profile.jpg?VersionId=rtr8.9SUnW5PoCsjENLYfkmClYIGNr5X\",\"alt\":\"Half-body shot of Shivani Desai in a black leather jacket and turtleneck, against a dark red wall.\",\"backgroundColor\":null}","body":"[{\"type\":\"long-text\",\"content\":\"\\u003Cp\\u003EIt feels like everyday we wake up to news that is painful to read. That is why I believe\\u0026nbsp;that art is so crucial in reminding us of the beauty that also exists in this world. I feel so\\u0026nbsp;connected to my purpose when I bring people hope, and comfort, and a smile through my work. That is why I\\u0027m an actor.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EOriginally born in India \\u0026amp; currently living in Singapore, I grew up watching Bollywood cinema - I like to think it was my immigrant parents\\u0027 way of staying in touch with their culture. Inevitably, my interest in the arts was sparked at a young age. The pushback for making an \\u0022impractical\\u0022 career choice at a mere age of 16 was palpable, but I have nonetheless relentlessly pursued the path of making art for a living ever since - starting by acquiring an education in theatre and acting.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u003Cp\\u003EI have a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from the National University of Singapore and\\u0026nbsp;have trained in various institutions and studios around the world, such as Crash Acting, MetFilm School London, Seth Caskey Coaching, Anupam Kher\\u0027s Actor Prepares, Jeff Goldberg Studio Mumbai, and The Casting Director\\u0027s Cut LA.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ENow a full-time actor, I have starred in short films, music videos, plays, documentaries, and\\u0026nbsp;commercials while also working as a model for local magazines and stock images and making guest appearances on reality shows and podcasts.\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ETo me, film and theatre signify the desire to affect change, a means to living truthfully, and an unwavering commitment to the process. When I\\u0027m not acting, you\\u0027ll find me cooking up a storm in the kitchen or sprawled across my bed binging a Netflix series!\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u003Cp\\u003E\\u003Cem\\u003EPhotography by Leah Huebner\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/em\\u003E\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\r\\n\\r\\n\\u003Cp\\u003ELast Updated: April 2023\\u0026nbsp;\\u003C\\\/p\\u003E\\r\\n\"}]"}