INDO-CANADIAN NETFLIX STAR LOVES STORYTELLING

Praneet Akilla stars as Phillip Mishra in the Netflix series October Faction which follows the adventures of a retired monster-hunter and his family.

The fast-rising star was born in Mumbai and raised in Calgary, Alberta. He 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 neighbourhood friends. He got started by getting cast as Aladdin in his middle school musical and then continued to star in musical theater shows and plays throughout high school. Although he pursued a Chemical Engineering degree at McGill University, he always had one foot in the arts. While working as an engineering intern in the summers, he would act in community theatre productions or be the lead actor in features from local producers. One of those films, Jewel Fools, premiered in 2014 at the Calgary International Film Festival with screenings in Toronto/Vancouver to rave reviews. Praneet then decided to follow his passion and pursue acting full-time.

Since then, Praneet has amassed a significant body of work in several theatre as well as film and television productions including Iceland, Coriolanus, The Orchard, The Penelopiad, King Lear, Arrow and Lux Me.

He was seen in the theatre production Cipher at the Arts Club in Vancouver and was all set to star in the ancient Indian mythology epic Mahabharata which was to make its run at the 2020 Shaw Theatre Festival starting August. The production has been postponed due to COVID-19.

In addition to acting, Praneet is a producer with Rendering Glint Films and Kalpana Films, developing new projects for 2021.

Outside of acting, he enjoys recreational sports such as ice/ball hockey, is an avid reader and writer and has a love for musical theatre and singing.

Understanding the importance of philanthropy, Praneet supports causes close to his heart including his local food banks and Plan International’s Because I am a Girl program, a campaign made to address the issue of gender discrimination around the world and to promote the rights of girls and bring millions of them out of poverty.

Name: Praneet Akilla. Loosely translated from Sanskrit, Praneet means Pure.

Currently: I’m a former chemical engineer turned actor and producer and star in the Netflix series October Faction.

Favourite colour: Green.

Favourite designer: I like to be comfortably stylish, so typically, jean joggers with a sweater and New Balance sneakers. I love UniQlo and Calvin Klein.

Favourite Bollywood star: Ranveer Singh.

Favourite Hollywood star: Jake Gyllenhaal.

Favourite movie: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Favourite singers: Sonu Nigam and John Mayer.

Favourite songs: Yesterday by the Beatles and Nahin Samne from Taal.

Favourite TV show: Breaking Bad.

Favourite ice-cream flavour: Vanilla.

Favourite cuisine: Indian or Italian.

Favourite restaurant: Nobu in L.A.

Favourite sports: Ice hockey and football.

Favourite sportsperson: Roger Federer

Favourite book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (a classic).

Favourite activities: Reading, writing and storytelling. I make lots of web series and short films with my friends who work as producers/directors in the film industry.

I hang out: With my cast mates, friends, and family. Usually we somehow end up playing charades. Every. Single. Time.

I’m freaked out by: The unknown unknowns? I like to control everything but I’m learning to just surrender to the universe sometimes.

I need: To tell stories that have social outreach and impact. I will. That’s the goal in the next few years.

I want to be: A person who loves endlessly and can be counted on to help those who need it.

My role models: My parents and peers. Their courage, persistence, and positivity despite consistent hardship is inspiring.

Tips to save the planet: Invest in technology and engineers who are removing plastics from our oceans. Invest in renewable energy with a creative, responsible transition from our dependency on fossil fuels.

Performing in October Faction is: A dream come true. It’s my first big break to hopefully many opportunities.

In a perfect world: There would be no animosity. Only understanding and the ability to argue without leading to violence.

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