Check out our interview with Netflix’s “October Faction” actor Praneet Akilla.
Praneet Akilla is a fast-rising star who was born in Mumbai, India and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Praneet discovered his love for storytelling and performance art at a young age after years of training in Indian classical music, watching movies, and making short films with his neighborhood friends.
Praneet can be seen currently in his first big breakout role starring as Phillip Mishra in in the Netflix series OCTOBER FACTION following the adventures of a retired monster-hunter and his family.
Follow Praneet at @p_akilla
Hi Praneet, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a south-asian actor, singer, and producer originally from India who then grew up in the Middle East & Canada. Growing up on bollywood movies and classical Indian music, I learned to perform and sing at a very young age. That slowly turned into a full fledged love affair with the performing arts and musical theatre all throughout high school & university. That love also translated into movies and television- I would constantly be shooting short films/sketches with my filmmaker friends. I started performing in Canadian professional theater and have now transitioned full time into acting for film & television. I’m now recording some music for an album. I’m also developing a feature film & web-series that should be hopefully announced soon!
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Persistent. Anxious. Passionate.
Who was your role model as a child?
My parents- I was and still am in awe of their journey from India to giving me and my sister an opportunity to live in a country like Canada. The freedom of choice I have now is directly because of their courage and work-ethic. I admired those values and hoped to emulate them. In terms of the acting world- Tom Cruise and Jake Gyllenhaal for their versatility on stage and on screen. You can never pigeon-hole them for certain types of roles. They change things up and completely immerse themselves into the characters they play. That’s what I hope to do in the future.
How did you get started into acting? How has this changed your life?
As a kid I was always watching movies, watching the behind-the-scenes of how they were made, and making short films with my friends. In school as soon as I moved to Canada, to my shock, there was an outlet via drama classes for me to express my interest in the entertainment field. So I started performing in musical theatre shows and plays all the way through university. Surprisingly I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering and ended up working as an engineer for a few years because my family and I didn’t think a career in the arts would have been a stable job. Turns out I was lying to myself. After balancing a life of engineering and shooting short films with my filmmaker friends after work- I had an epiphany that I was wasting my life away. So I promptly quit, started auditioning for professional theatre companies in Canada and now I’m here. It’s changed my life completely. I’m able to do what I love for a living, which is a rarity. It also gives me the platform to move people in profound ways.
Tell us about your role on “October Faction”
Playing Phillip Mishra is my first big break- playing a major recurring role on a Netflix Original Series. From being a chemical engineer to this -feels surreal and hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this show. Phillip Mishra is the alpha and star athlete in the high school the Allen Family kids attend. He’s also the son of a prominent towns-person. He carries a heavy burden of high expectations from both his family and the society around him. On the surface he very much tries to hide this stress and compensates by pushing his male bravado out to assert his dominance. Through the series however, after meeting Geoff Allen, tensions arise and the rest I can’t give away because (SPOILERS!!)
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
In theatres, I would watch people’s reactions to what was happening on screen more than the screen itself. I loved that art could impact people in such a cathartic way. Move them enough to cure their sadness with a laugh or release their pent-up frustration with a cry. Whether it be on stage or on a screen, I love having the ability to affect people in profound ways like this. If that propels them to make a positive change in society- even better! This is easily the most rewarding part of my work.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Simple. Classic. Various jeans/joggers with earthy colors/tones for my shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Usually I’ll pair it with sneakers or running shoes. I definitely dress more for comfort than style these days.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
I’m pretty forgiving on 1st dates. Both people are terribly nervous and no one is actually being their relaxed-selves. Over time though I think a big turn off for me are people who aren’t enthusiastic about the world around them or aren’t passionate about anything. I love when a person can just nerd out about anything, I find that so attractive.
How would your best friend describe you?
An anxious over-thinker with a kind heart.
What’s next for Praneet Akilla in 2020? What is your own definition of happiness?
I’m on the stage next in a play called the Mahabharata. It’s the longest story ever written or told in the world. It’s a Lord of the Rings-esque fantasy epic from Indian, Hindu mythology. This project is a huge milestone because it’s the first time in north america that this story is being told on stage with an international-all south asian cast. It is being performed at Niagara-on-the- Lake’s Shaw Theatre Festival from August 15th to September 19th. Here is a link to tickets for those interested: https://www.shawfest.com/playbill/mahabharata/. I will be performing multiple characters in it and the cast & crew are absolutely spectacular. Happiness for me is having healthy relationships with those closest to me.
What is a normal day in your life like?
Currently it is:
1- Wake up and go to the gym
2- Meal prep for the day or the week depending on how productive I want to be
3- Email/Admin related work
4- Prep or film for upcoming auditions. If I have an appointment that day- go to the audition
5- Writing my script and helping develop projects with the production company I’m a part of
6- Go to my acting class
7- Read a book and keep up with the news of the world
8- Netflix and go to bed
What is your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Staying active first thing in the morning- so probably a work-out with my trainer. Then, a nice afternoon brunch with my friends. Go see a movie in theatres. Cook a nice, healthy dinner. Finish it off with reading a book or writing in my journal.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Kobe Bryant. He left the world too soon, but I would love to pick his brain right now. I feel like I’m at a crossroads in my career on the precipice of making some important life decisions. I feel like his wealth of knowledge would help me.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My mom’s homemade lentils and brown rice.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza and Lime Slushie.
Best advice ever given?
Control the controllable. The rest will follow.
Do you support any charities?
This year I will be doing some work with Plan International’s “Because I am a Girl” program. I heard about this via my friend who works for a non-profit organization in Toronto a year ago. I also know many children in the South-Asian diaspora who are being denied the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams. It keeps them stuck in an endless cycle of poverty. On top of that- every day, millions of girls around the world are denied education – simply because they’re girls. Feel free to visit https://plancanada.ca/because-i-am-a-girl for more information on how you can get involved. I will also be putting up information on my Instagram page.
Name 3 things you can’t live without
Food, Friends, Family.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
5 years from now I hope I’m in a position as an actor where I can get projects financed and developed with my production company using my name as a starring vehicle. Many actors have been teaming up with networks, OTT platforms, and studios to tell their stories. I want to continue that trend in the future.
Favorite song? Why?
Blackbird by The Beatles. It’s such a beautiful, empowering song. Takes care of me when I’m sad and gives me the courage to pursue the scary unknown.
Where we can follow you?
On Instagram and Twitter: @p_akilla
Also if people are interested in any of my latest projects: imdb.me/praneetakilla
Quote:
“Let everything happen to you
Beauty and terror
Just keep going
No feeling is final”
Favorite Singer/Artist: The Weeknd
Movie: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Travel Destination: Hyderabad, India
Sports Team: Calgary Flames (NHL) & Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
TV Show: The Leftovers (HBO)
Book: Currently reading Patrick Rothfuss’ “The Name of the Wind”
