Who are you and what do you do?

My names Sunny Dhillon and I’m a professional actor from wales, represented both in the U.K. And US.

Why did you want to become an Actor?

When I was a kid I would always watch movies to make myself feel better if I was down or I needed an uplifting boost. I would get lost in the stories and the imagination and it would make me feel free. I think that’s my reason for becoming an actor, I want to give that same feeling to others. But I never thought I could ever become one, I was a nervous shy kid. After I graduated from uni, I was at a cross roads. I couldn’t find a job and I was just doing little things here and there. One day I went to an acting workshop as a hobby. A teacher there messaged me saying I had a special talent and I should really peruse this. I don’t know why or how, but I managed to get the courage to go for it and have never looked back. Now I have an agent in LA and being coached and mentored out there by Margie Haber (previous students include Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Kyle chandler, heather locklear, to name a few). As an artist I want to raise the consciousness of other people, that’s my main goal as an actor.

What are you working on right now?

I have recently released a short film about mental health called Dreamers. I am the writer, director and producer of this project. I also star in it. This project is dedicated to those who are chasing their dreams and feel like they are getting nowhere and have lost everything along the way. It also links to the subject of depression and how it should be ok to be emotionally vulnerable, regardless of the gender. This short film was a passion project for myself but it’s ended up being bigger than that. I have received a lot of messages from friends and people I don’t even know, telling me how this film has touched them and actually helped them. I am also working on another project which again is a film by me called Only God Knows. It’s in post production at the moment and will be released soon.

What made you choose the theme of Mental Health Awareness

I think through personal experiences. I have faced some dark times while on this journey of becoming an actor and I wanted to share the ways I dealt with them through my short film. I want this project to help those who feel lost and alone. It’s important for people to open up and not be afraid. At the same time it’s important for others to be there and listen.

People can view Dreamers on my website www.sunny-dhillon.com

Or here is the Vimeo link https://vimeo.com/215960282

What is your favourite part of your job?

To live the life of other human beings and make their story my story. I love the psychology aspect of acting and having to empathise with another human being. Also I get to be a big kid, having fun and being creative.

Who is the biggest influence in your career?

I would have to say my Dad. He always used to say that I was a special child and I would be something special. To be honest I used to think he meant special in another way. I had a dream once that I saw my dad again in the pub he used to sneak me into when I was kid. He’d be sitting there with his same order and I would go up to him and give him an oscar and a massive hug. For me in that dream the oscar is just a metaphor for the fact that I chased my dreams and made it. That dream and his words of me being special are what drive me towards my goal every day.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I would say this short film Dreamers. This was my directing and writing debut, and it seems to have gone well so far. From the responses I’ve been having and the exposure it’s getting, I don’t think I could be more proud. It’s why I got into acting, to tell stories that have an influence on people.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Hopefully I will have obtained my working visa for the US so I can move to LA. I currently have an agent there, but not allowed to work in any production until I get my paper work. The dream is to be a steady working actor, making good productions and having a positive influence in the world. Yes it would be nice to have financial reward, but that’s not the reason I became an actor.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I’m a fitness enthusiast and also a boxing coach at Cardiff University boxing club. Boxing is my second passion after acting. But I do also like to get some nice snacks and hang out with those close to me and just put a movie on.

What is your favourite thing about Cardiff?

My favourite thing about Cardiff is that it’s home. I love everything about it, the people, the city lifestyle, the countryside. I love how you can be in the city one minute and then the countryside the next.

What is one piece of advice would you give to other young Actors starting out? 

(What is a DO and what is a DON’T?)

A DO is to really pay attention to the real world. Turn all devices off and just watch people and how they interact. Start to empathise with other human beings, this come from being vulnerable yourself.

DONT… don’t get into this industry if you want the success and fame. It’s the wrong reason. Also don’t treat the journey like a sprint, it’s a very tithing marathon and you need to be prepared for that.

 

Instagram sunny_dhill

Twitter @SSDhill

Website: www.sunny-dhillon.com