My name is Gaurav Srivastava, but I go by the stage name Kanan Srivastava. I hail from New Delhi, India, where I grew up and completed my high school and college education. My acting journey began with school plays and public gatherings, but my parents didn’t see acting as a viable career path. So, I pursued a degree in computer science. Despite completing my degree, my passion for acting never diminished. During holiday breaks, I attended acting workshops to gain a basic understanding of the craft.
After graduation, I moved to Mumbai and auditioned for various film and television productions, securing roles in several web series. However, I noticed limitations in my acting due to the lack of formal training. Inspired by William Esper’s book, “The Actor’s Art and Craft,” I moved to New York to join his two-year full-time acting program at the William Esper Studio.
My time at the studio taught me that good actors need a broad education and diverse experiences. Encountering different cultures helps one appreciate human similarities and differences. There’s no substitute for real-life experience. These principles guide my work, especially in promoting social change through art. This belief led me to write and perform in the web series “Kalamanch,” which explores inclusivity in acting, regardless of physical, mental, or social circumstances.
William Esper emphasized the importance of truth in art. As he said, “Truth is the blood of art. Without truth, a piece of art fails to touch the human spirit.” This philosophy resonates deeply with me and influences my approach to acting and storytelling.
In addition to “Kalamanch,” I directed and wrote the short film “Selfish,” which has won 10 awards. Currently, I am directing a feature documentary titled “Yog Love,” which explores the intersection of yoga and medical science.
All these experiences have made me aware of the vast amount to learn and practice in performing arts. I am eager to continue building my professional career, creating meaningful work, and contributing to the learning process. I look forward to the next steps in my journey, knowing that there is always more to explore and understand.
Actor, Filmmaker and Screenwriter