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With a resilient, authentic passion, Indian-born actor and artist Veda Baldota carries a unique voice to the set and the stage. Her journey as a South Asian woman has led her to thrive in the diverse streets of New York City, and her work inspires others to overcome challenges like those she faced along the way.

Veda’s message is one of inspiration, pushing others to embrace individuality and follow their passions while she paves the way.

Beginnings of an Acting Career

From childhood to the end of her high school career, Veda was more interested in athletics than acting. When she was recruited to join the track and cross country team at UC Berkeley, it seemed like the logical next step for a career in sports. The next few semesters went by quickly, but in the last semester of Veda’s sophomore year, her sister Vaamaa reminded her that she hadn’t fulfilled her arts requirement.

“Why don’t you take an acting class?” Vaamaa said. When Veda wondered aloud what she would do in an acting class, her sister had the right answer: “I am your sister. I know you. This class is you.”

A Sister’s Knowledge

Through her sister’s encouragement, Veda enrolled in an acting class. She only thought about how it felt right when she went to class. The more classes and eventually productions she participated in, the more she knew that this was what she wanted to do for her career.

Veda changed the trajectory of her education, earning a Bachelor’s in Theater and Performance Studies from UC Berkeley and an MFA in acting at Columbia University.

“Why did I pursue it? The feeling in my gut, the feeling in my heart, the smile on my face, the tears in my eyes,” Veda answered. “It’s very hard to ignore it, so I pursue it… I realized that no matter how hard it got, how long the hours were, and how tired my body and mind were, I wanted my long hours to be spent on this, I wanted to be tired doing this.”

Overcoming Challenges

Though there aren’t as many opportunities for South Asian women to act and find roles, which can be challenging due to her dyslexia, Veda overcomes these challenges by doing more work than the rest. She finds strength and creativity in the obstacles that come her way, whether from her personal quirks or her life experiences. This authenticity distinguishes Veda as a professional and has led to numerous achievements.

Achievements and Ambition

Veda has received acclaim for her performances in productions such as Pride and Prejudice, Give Me Your Answers, Much Ado About Nothing, and more. She has participated in several award-winning short films in New York City and is currently working on a play called Samsara and plans to act in a feature film, produced by Clifton Powell. Ever grateful for her journey, Veda brings her all to every performance and excels despite adversity.

Grit, Discipline, and Authenticity

Veda remains true to her goal of excellence in theater and on-screen roles, and she dreams of working on stories that inspire others and provoke understanding. Proud of her grit, discipline, and authenticity, she knows her acting future is full and bright.

To keep up with Veda’s journey in theater and film, follow her on Instagram @vedabaldota or visit her website here.