Veda Baldota: The Young South Asian Actor You Need to Know
In the acting world, few things are more exciting than an emerging artist who lights up the screen and stage with new life and passion. This has been the case for Veda Baldota, an Indian-born actress whose work has thrived in New York City and beyond. Since discovering her passion for acting in college, she has worked with unrivaled determination and commitment to the craft, bringing a fresh perspective to her roles with her diverse background and authenticity.
From Athlete to Acting
When Veda was growing up, she wouldn’t have believed that a career in acting lay in her future. Back then, her life was about sports. She was recruited to be on the track and cross country team at UC Berkeley, where she attended her undergraduate studies.
It wasn’t until her last semester in her sophomore year that acting entered her life. Her sister, Vaamaaa, reminded her she hadn’t yet fulfilled her arts requirement for graduation and suggested that she take an acting class.
Veda was initially skeptical, but it felt right for her as she began learning the art of acting. Then, she realized she wanted to commit to the performing arts. “Why did I pursue it?” Veda asks herself, reflecting on this transitionary time in her life. “The feeling in my gut, the feeling in my heart, the smile on my face, the tears in my eyes.”
Overcoming the Challenges of the Field
Veda completed her undergraduate degree with a BFA from UC Berkeley. In further pursuit of an acting career, she attended Columbia University, where she earned an MFA in acting. Veda encountered many personal hurdles and challenges in the broader industry along her career journey, but she remained committed.
As a South Asian woman, Veda found that limited roles were available for someone of her background and ethnicity. She also personally struggled with her dyslexia, which made her feel like she had to try twice as hard in all of her endeavors. To overcome these challenges, Veda adopted an attitude of constantly learning and staying curious about how she could improve her craft. Over time, she learned how to turn her challenges into strengths.
Taking the Stage and Award-Winning Films
Through her hard work and dedication, Veda launched what has already become a prolific acting career. Alongside being an assistant to the genius film maker, Mira Nair, Vera has performed in a variety of roles in regional plays and short films, including Pride and Prejudice with the Chautauqua Theatre Company, Samsara at Profile Theatre, Much Ado About Nothing at the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, The Light and the Dark with the Chautauqua Theatre Company, and Give Me Your Answers, Do at the Reading at Irish Rep Theatre, among others.
One of Veda’s latest roles is in a play called Samsara, which is being held at the Artists Rep Theatre at the end of February in Portland, Oregon. Following this, she will appear in a sketch comedy series in LA.