Actor Poorva Wachh on Feature Film Starring Roles and Creating in the Pandemic Environment
Poorva Wachh has a lot going for him. This Indian born actor is about to see the release of the Feature Film The Big Rant in which he stars as an actor who has come to Hollywood to make his mark as a voice over actor. Through this role, Wachh is able to present the experience of a man who shares a fair amount in common with himself. In the film Peppermint, he was able to present the obstacles that present themselves to couples who come from different cultures and backgrounds but find themselves redefining the parameters of a modern marriage. While Poorva hasn’t specifically sought out roles that promote cultural awareness, these roles seem to seek him out, or it’s just as accurate to say that the filmmakers who make them seek him out. Viewing his work will quickly reveal that the actor is able to transcend any assumptions the audience might have, bringing an “every man” relatability to his work. This is similarly evidenced in a body of work that includes everything from medical PSAs to dating app commercials and beyond. As with nearly all of his successful peers in the industry, Poorva Wachh has taken on almost every kind of role and type of production in his ascension to “leading man” in feature films. We wanted to ask him about his personal journey through this world and get an insider’s view.
-You are about to experience the release of a major film in which you star. As Harry Chandra in The Big Rant, you play an Indian born actor who comes to Hollywood to make it. Did that hit close to home for you?
PW: There are of course a number of similarities between Harry and I. He’s an actor, he’s far away from his family, etc., but it was not at all like just being myself. Most notably, the film takes place over a number of years as Henry and his career goals change. He’s trying to find fulfillment and happiness, which is something we are all looking for but he has his own hang-ups and relationship dynamics which are unique to him. I took major steps in becoming Henry. I would introduce myself with his name to people in the real world and order my meals or coffee as him. I tried to live in his skin and view the world through his eyes. He’s really an incredible guy and I hope the audience will love him as I do.
-You worked with some pretty notable actors in the film, like Keith Szarabajka who was in Oscar Winning films like Argo and The Dark Knight. What was the experience like for you?
PW: There were a number of incredible actors in this cast and I feel that I both enjoyed working with them and learned from them. The opening scene of the film establishes that Keith’s character and mine are not friends. Ha. What’s visible onscreen is a far cry from what happened off camera. I had such a great time working with Keith. I’ve seen his work in the films you mentioned as well as many others and it was a treat to work closely with him on The Big Rant.
-Your role in the film Peppermint displays a couple who has conflict because of their personal view of their relationship future as well as a cultural divide. It’s very different from The Big Rant. Your riveting performance earned you “Best Actor” awards at the Hollywood Blood Horror Film Festival and the Flicks Film Festival.
PW: Yes, that’s a large part of what attracted me to the film. My character, Ray Subramaniyam, is very quiet and introspective. He’s a writer who keeps to himself except for his relationship with his girlfriend who is white and American. They’re in love but they may not be able to overcome their views of the world and their place in it together. Ray is like an iceberg in that there is so much underneath what he actually shows; it was exciting to delve into him as a character and present it in the film.
-The Pandemic has been particularly hard for those like yourself in the film and television industry. How has it effected your career?
PW: The entire industry is pretty much at a standstill. Oddly, I was cast for a production that is being presented via online platforms like Facebook Instagram YouTube about Covid testing. It’s an excellent initiative by Curogram, helping people to get tested for COVID as soon as possible. CurogramTelemedicine and Two-Way Testing Curogram is helping clients respond to the COVID-19 crisis with modern HIPAA-compliant telemedicine and Two-way messaging platforms.
-That’s definitely an unusual circumstance.
PW: It was but I was so happy to be a part of it. Like everyone I know, I’m doing virtual auditions but that won’t go anywhere until productions resume or begin work again. I was scheduled to shoot a few commercials and a movie but that is on hold until things change. We’re all a part of the struggle together.
-The Curogram production you did is not new to you. Like most actors, your body of work has quite a variety. Do you enjoy this kind of work as opposed to film?
PW: Any actor who believes in their craft will tell you that it’s important to keep acting and to challenge yourself. You’re exploring yourself as much as you are exploring the story. A lot of these productions end up meaning a lot to me because it’s an opportunity for me to work on my skills and do something that positively affects others. I did an Alzheimer’s LA PSA and a commercial for a Muslim Matrimony Website called Half Our Deen; both of these were used to help very different subsections of the population. One was very dramatic and the other was comedic. Each was a great experience for me as an actor and demanded a highly different approach.
-You mentioned that a number of things are on hold for you right now. What can we expect from Poorva Wachh when things return to normal?
PW: I’ll be playing Kenny in a film titled “The One” about a cursed woman doesn’t age until she finds “the one.” That’s a Productive Playhouse film. I’m cast in Fable Craft Productions “A Mock Trial” which is a feature film about an Uber drive whose immigration comes into jeopardy and he takes extensive lengths to remedy this. I play the main character Zamir who mistakenly sleeps with a friend’s wife…yes, I know how funny that sounds when I word it this way. He’s a really interesting character. This is a comedy film. Zamir is kind of afraid of America.
-While we’re all stuck at home right now, where can we see your work?
PW: Currently on Amazon Prime in the film Cross Words Together. It was a big hit on the festival circuit. It won Best Drama at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, Best Narrative Short at the SAG AFTRA Short Film Showcase-LA, and a number of others. I’m really happy with that one! It was a fantastic journey to be part of Crosse Words Together. The movie is about The lives and perspective of a confused high school girl, a working-class pregnant woman, and a witty older woman intertwined in three tales of intimacy, passion, and commitment in love and relationships.
-What kind of roles will you be pursuing next?
PW: I’m originally from a city called Bangalore in India. I started my acting journey in that city. The people there are as excited for me as I am. I want to stretch myself as an actor and build a diverse career that both those back home and myself can be proud of. I will admit…I’m really interested in pursuing action roles. I’ve always been in shape and fit, I’m really active and outdoorsy, I’m interested in pushing myself physically for roles in the same way that Tom Cruise and others in that genre do. It’s another type of excitement for me. I recently auditioned for a Marvel movie and that’s really intriguing as well.
