Meet Ary Satish | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ary Satish and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ary, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My balance has changed in parallel with how my priorities have changed. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve placed most of my time on work, in spending time with the close relationships around me and in staying healthy/fit. These are the three things I’ve prioritized the most in the present day. When I think about balance, I think of it as being essential. I think of it encapsulating my wants and needs as well. When it comes to career, it is both a want and need of mine to continue progressing it and working toward my career goals daily. The same goes with my other two priorities. I’m a big one for routines, as it really helps to schedule out time to take care of all three aspects in a way that doesn’t have them conflict or feel like time in one is lacking. Scheduling my events out as well as continuously planning more keeps the engine going for me. It always gives me something to look forward too.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an stage and screen actor and filmmaker born in Kerala, India and based in New York City. As a multilingual, multi-hyphenate artist known for portraying vulnerable male characters, I care most about bringing an international perspective on storytelling. I hope to break the geographical barriers of film by bringing a newfound energy to roles portrayed by actors of color. Most recently, I have received the “Best Actor” award for my performance in the film Take Care at the Cult Movies International Film Festival, which now I’m so grateful to say, accompanies my previous “Best Actor” award win for the same performance at the New York Film Awards. I have also most recently appeared in the New York Rangers and Madison Square Garden commercial, which I’m so thrilled to say was broadcasted across the United States through social media, television and OTT. The highlight of this year so far however, has been being able to attend the world debut debit screening of the film I played the lead role in, Model Minority, at the prestigious Angelika Film Center. Having personally seen the likes of actor celebrities such as Willem DaFoe, Julliane Moore, Shia Labeouf, Mark Ruffalo, Saorise Ronan (and so many more) speak there for film Q&A’s, it was an honor to be able to do the same and take part in the Q&A of my film, in the very same space.

Currently, I am most looking forward toward performing as one of the lead roles in the Off-Broadway show, Le Bijou de Paris, which will be playing at the prestigious Chain Theater in Manhattan, in June. Performing on Off-Broadway is such a treat and to work alongside such a talented cast makes it all the more enjoyable.

What sets me apart from others? My story. Being from India originally and making the decision at a young age to pursue acting in the United States by first coming to New York University already was a rare route taken by few, However, even at my time in NYU, I had it different than most others. Being one of the very minute number of Indians, South Asians and brown people in my program, I was already different in that sense. That too, being specifically at the Meisner Studio under the Meisner Technique, it only further specified my originality in this industry. That is something that I take a lot of pride in. I can offer looks, role and bring stories to life using the techniques that I’ve learned in a way that only I can do, because of my foreign heritage and specific training, as very few who look like me are doing what I do. Of course, it’s important to point that I don’t want it to stay this way. I hope dearly that many more South Asians venture out and take up the spaces which I in, with everything from the Meisner training to even the NYU drama classes. There is still so much more space for diversity, so it is something I am hoping will bring a greater sense of identity to my communities.

Since then, having graduated and starring in music videos, films, short films, commercials, and theater, I’ve taken on almost every medium there is to offer as an actor already. This has allowed me to stay flexible, adaptable and also experience in a multitude of acting mediums, which I love and find exciting. Being a member and a part of the All Asian Arts Alliance here in New York City, I’m able to promote fellow Asian actors, show them outlets, give them opportunities and also establish community better amongst them. It’s truly a wonderful thing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Let’s say, in this particular situation, they came to me asking for the “typical NYC tourist experience”. In this case, I’d show them to one iconic NYC landmark every day of that week. Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station – the list goes on! We would do that during the day. Along with that, I would take them to Jackson Heights, where they could every meal they want at, and still not run out of cuisines to try by the time they leave. I’d take them to the likes of Little India, Colombia, Mexico, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Italy, etc. You can’t go wrong. In the evenings, I might take them to a fun comedy show at the Comedy Cellar or at Gotham Comedy, or even a walk down East River Park or Central Park.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The biggest shoutout goes to my parents. They were the first ones to believe in me going after my dream to be an actor, and have supported me every step of the way, in every way they knew how to. I love you. Every award I win will always be split between you two, Kalyani and myself.

Website: https://www.arysatish.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arysatish_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arysatish/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@arysatish2269

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm13196460/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_3_nm_5_q_ary%2520sat

Image Credits
Photo credits: Stonestreet Studios, Mae Howard, LNC Productions/Markup.io, Daniel Reji and Cult Movies International Film Festival