Hollywood, for decades, has been a powerful force in shaping cultural norms and ideals. However, its long history has also been marred by a lack of diversity and representation, especially for actors of South Asian descent. While strides have been made in recent years, much work remains. Amid this backdrop, Preeti Dhanda is making her mark as a Punjabi actor in Hollywood, determined to change the narrative and create opportunities for others like her.
The Significance of Representation in Media
The media plays a pivotal role in how society perceives various cultures and communities. When people don’t see themselves represented on screen, it can create feelings of isolation and inferiority, as though their stories aren’t worth telling. This has been the experience for many Punjabi actors growing up, including Preeti Dhanda, who rarely saw anyone who looked like her in mainstream films and television shows.
“For the longest time, I didn’t see anyone who resembled me or had my background in Hollywood,” Preeti recalls. “Aside from Priyanka Chopra, there were very few South Asian women, let alone Punjabi women, making waves in the industry.”
As a child growing up in Canada, Preeti always had a passion for acting. She loved the art of storytelling and found joy in performing in theatre productions. Yet, despite her love for the craft, she was keenly aware of the barriers that existed for someone like her—an Indian-born, Punjabi woman—trying to break into an industry where people of her background were scarce.
Paving the Way as a Punjabi Actor
Preeti Dhanda’s decision to pursue acting wasn’t just about fulfilling her personal dreams; it was about breaking stereotypes and expanding the scope of representation in Hollywood. By staying true to her roots, she is challenging the industry’s tendency to box actors into narrow roles based on their ethnicities. Instead, she is showing that actors from diverse backgrounds can portray a wide range of characters with depth and complexity.
Preeti initially went by the name “Jas Dhanda” to make it easier for people to pronounce, a decision rooted in the practicality of navigating an industry that often struggles with unfamiliar names. However, as she grew more comfortable in her identity, she reclaimed the name Preeti, a nickname her parents had lovingly called her since childhood. Changing her name to Preeti was about embracing her heritage and staying true to who she was.
“I realized that if I wanted to make an impact, I had to be authentic in all aspects of my career,” Preeti explains. “My name is a reflection of my culture, and by owning that, I feel more connected to the stories I want to tell.”
Breaking into Hollywood
Despite the challenges of being a minority actor, Preeti Dhanda has steadily built a successful career, landing roles in various film and television projects. One of her notable achievements was appearing in a Hallmark movie alongside Jodie Sweetin, a milestone for any actor aspiring to enter the mainstream. She also starred in a Lifetime film, further cementing her presence in the industry.
Her biggest break, however, came when she worked with Hollywood heavyweights Andy Garcia and Megan Fox in Big Gold Brick. For Preeti, this was more than just a career highlight; it was an affirmation that she belonged in the industry. Collaborating with established actors gave her invaluable experience and further motivated her to push the boundaries for South Asian actors in Hollywood.
“It was an incredible experience to work with actors I’ve admired for years,” Preeti shares. “But more importantly, it showed me that there’s a place for me in this industry, and that I can contribute to the changing landscape of Hollywood.”
Challenging Stereotypes
One of the most significant ways Preeti is making an impact is by rejecting the typical roles offered to South Asian actors, which often fall into rigid stereotypes. Many actors from her background are typecast in roles that reinforce cultural clichés, such as playing the token immigrant or exoticizing their ethnicity.
Preeti is committed to challenging these limited portrayals by seeking out roles that go beyond these constraints. She aims to play characters that are fully developed, nuanced, and relatable, regardless of their cultural background. Her versatility as an actor has allowed her to break away from these stereotypes and forge her own path in Hollywood.
“I want to be part of stories that aren’t just about my ethnicity but also about the human experience,” Preeti says. “While my culture is a big part of who I am, I believe in telling stories that reflect the full spectrum of life.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of South Asian Actors
Preeti Dhanda’s journey is about more than just her personal achievements. She is keenly aware that her success can inspire the next generation of South Asian actors, particularly those of Punjabi descent, who may have previously felt that Hollywood was an unattainable dream. By breaking barriers and embracing her authentic self, Preeti is helping to pave the way for others who hope to follow in her footsteps.
“I want young South Asian actors to know that they can pursue their dreams without having to compromise who they are,” Preeti says. “It’s about breaking the mold and showing that our stories are just as valuable and worth telling as anyone else’s.”
As Hollywood slowly evolves to become more inclusive, Preeti is optimistic that more opportunities will emerge for actors from underrepresented backgrounds. She hopes that as the industry diversifies, stories from the Punjabi and broader South Asian communities will have a more significant presence on the global stage.
Looking Ahead
While the road to increased representation in Hollywood is still long, Preeti Dhanda’s journey is a testament to the progress that can be made through perseverance, talent, and a commitment to authenticity. She is proof that actors from diverse backgrounds can break through the barriers of an industry that has long been resistant to change.
Preeti’s impact extends beyond her own career. By staying true to her Punjabi roots and challenging the stereotypes that have historically constrained actors of South Asian descent, she is opening doors for future generations. Her journey is a reminder of the importance of representation, and the power that comes from seeing oneself reflected on screen.
“I hope that by telling my story, I can inspire others to keep pushing for change,” Preeti says. “There’s still a lot of work to be done, but I believe that with each step we take, we’re getting closer to a Hollywood that truly reflects the diversity of the world.”