Sheetal Sheth Biography

American actress

Sheetal Sheth (born June 24, 1976 /ˈʃiːθəl ˈʃɛθ/ ⓘ) is an American actress, author, producer, and activist.

She is best known for starring opposite Albert Brooks in his film Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World. She debuted in the films ABCD and American Chai, and has appeared in the films I Can't Think Straight and The World Unseen. Sheth has won multiple best actress awards on the festival circuit.

Sheth was the first Indian American to appear in Maxim magazine. She has published op-eds in CNN, The Daily Beast, and Thrive Global. She is also the author of a series of picture books, beginning with the book Always Anjali.

Early life and education

Sheth was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and is a first-generation Gujarati Indian American. Her parents came to the United States from Gujarat, India in 1972.

As a child, Sheth loved performing and watching television and films, but academics were her priority. She also studied multicultural dance and was involved in athletics, particularly basketball. Although her parents were devout Jains and active in the local Jain community, they enrolled Sheth in the local Catholic school because of its focus on academics and reputation for toughness. Sheth attended Catholic school until age 12, when her family moved to Trenton.

Sheth attended Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she was involved in student government, serving on the student advisory board. She received the student government award for her contribution to the school, and was one of two students invited to speak at her commencement. While in high school, Sheth discovered her p*ion for acting and was accepted to the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.

At Tisch, Sheth studied cl*ic literature, and some of her favorite works included Antigone and The Crucible. She also trained in method acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Ins*ute. She spent a summer abroad in Amsterdam as part of the intensive International Theatre Workshop, studying under acting teachers such as Kristin Linklater. Sheth was selected to participate in the Tisch Scholars Program. After graduating from Tisch with honors, Sheth continued her studies. In New York she studied with Wynn Handman, a founder of The American Place Theatre. In Los Angeles, she attended weekly cl*es with acting instructor Milton Katselas until his death in 2008.

Career

1999–2005

Sheth made her film debut as the lead in the 1999 film ABCD, starring opposite Aasif Mandvi and Faran Tahir. The film won Best Indie Feature at the Houston film festival and received critical acclaim from the likes of The Hollywood Reporter and Rolling Stone. Sheth was widely praised for her performance. Both the film and Sheth's character stirred considerable controversy. "But," Sheth responded, "that is exactly the kind of character I like to play. I want to tell the kinds of stories that people have a strong reaction to, positive or negative. It means it has touched them in some way and then I have done my job."

In 2001, Sheth played a dancer in American Chai. The film won the Audience Award at the 2001 Slamdance Film Festival, with the New York Post describing it as a "slight but sweet film." Sheth went on to perform in a variety of roles in independent film and on network television, including the lead in the film Wings of Hope, for which she won Best Actress at Cinevue Film Festival.

2005–2010

Sheth on cover of CHI magazine in Summer 2005

In 2005, Sheth starred as Maya opposite Albert Brooks in Brooks' film Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World. Brooks conducted an extensive international search for the ideal actor to portray Maya, and says of Sheth, "Once I came across her, I watched everything that I could. I didn't care to look at anybody else…I just knew I had to put her in the film." The film was shot on location in Delhi and Agra, India. Sony Pictures Entertainment originally carried the film, but Brooks parted ways with them when he refused Sony's demand to remove the word "Muslim" from the *le. The film was picked up and ultimately released by Warner Independent Pictures.

Following her success in Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World, Sheth appeared in the recurring role of Martina in the NBC TV series The Singles Table, starring opposite Alicia Silverstone and John Cho. Six episodes were shot, but the series never aired. She also performed in the ensemble The Trouble With Romance and starred in the thriller First Fear opposite Sean Patrick Flanery.

Sheth's work brought her to the attention of the award-winning writer and director Shamim Sarif. Sheth starred opposite Lisa Ray in two lesbian themed films, I Can't Think Straight and The World Unseen, both written and directed by Sarif. I Can't Think Straight won more than ten Best Feature awards at film festivals around the world. The World Unseen premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win four Best Feature awards internationally. The World Unseen, which was shot on location in South Africa, also swept the 2008 South African Film and Television Awards, winning eleven SAFTA's (South Africa's equivalent to the Oscars). Sheth won three Best Actress awards for her performance in The World Unseen. Both movies have achieved cult status, and have earned Sheth a large, loyal fan base for her portrayals of Leyla (I Can't Think Straight) and Amina (The World Unseen).

2010–present

Sheth went on to perform in Why Am I Doing This and starred in Stalemate opposite Josh Randall and Burgess Jenkins, for which she was nominated for Best Actress at the 2011 Staten Island Film Festival. She guest starred in the popular television shows Nip/Tuck, Royal Pains and NCIS: Los Angeles, and provided the voices for Sumi and Shark in the animated feature film Johnny Bravo Goes to Bollywood, based on Cartoon Network's popular animated television series Johnny Bravo.

In 2011, Sheth starred opposite Mercedes Masöhn and Angela Zahra in Three Veils, which portrays three Middle Eastern women living in the United States. Even before it was released the film sparked intense controversy, and death threats were made against those involved with the production of the film. Three Veils has won numerous Best Feature awards at film festivals internationally, and Sheth's performance was widely acclaimed.

In 2012, Sheth continued to choose a variety of challenging roles in independent films. She starred opposite Lynn Chen and Parry Shen in Yes, We're Open, a sex comedy exploring open relationships. She again paired with Chen in Nice Girls Crew, which also stars Michelle Krusiec, and starred in The Wisdom Tree, a film blending science fiction, new age and mysticism. Sheth stepped behind the camera to co-produce Reign, a short film dramatizing how miscommunication can lead to war. She also starred in the film, which was written and directed by Kimberly Jentzen and shot by Oscar-nominated Cinematographer Jack Green. Reign received the Award of Merit from Best Shorts.

Sheth embarked on her acting career at a time when opportunities for South Asians, particularly Indian American women, in the industry were scarce. Her experience taught her that her ethnicity would often influence casting decisions, a factor she had not anticipated given her background and perspective. Many advised her to adopt a more "American" name, and she encountered obstacles when she chose to use her own name for performances. Over time, Sheth's body of work has showcased her acting prowess and her ability to embody a diverse range of characters, thanks in part to her skill with accents. Her achievements have not only advanced her career but have also paved the way for other South Asian actors to pursue opportunities in American film and television. Beyond her acting, Sheth actively supports underrepresented groups, including Asian Americans, by participating in festivals, workshops, and panels. Her advocacy addresses the challenges these communities face within the entertainment industry.

Other projects

Sheth was selected as the spokesperson for CHI haircare products and represented Reebok's New York sneaker in their 2008 international Freestyle campaign. She was also the first Indian American to appear in Maxim magazine. CHI says of Sheth, "Grace, artistry, p*ion and the most compelling elements of every culture – that's the essence of Sheth."

Humanitarian causes

While at New York University, Sheth was selected to be a part of AmeriCorps, a division of the Corporation for National and Community Service created by U.S. President Bill Clinton. Through AmeriCorps, she worked at an inner-city high school, developing progressive lesson plans and activities, tutoring, and dealing with conflict resolution.

She participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles as a Big Sister, and also supports and promotes Women's Voices Now, an organization which encourage communities that are under-represented in American media, to make their voices heard.

Personal life

Sheth takes an active interest in politics, has served in AmeriCorps, and participates in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles as a Big Sister, and she supports and promotes organizations such as Women's Voices Now, which encourage communities that are under-represented in American media to make their voices heard. She also regularly speaks on panels and forums internationally.

Sheth married Neil Mody in 2013. In June 2019, Sheth revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Awards

Winner, Best Actress, Wings Of Hope, Cinevue Film Festival, 2003Winner, Best Actress, The World Unseen, Gran Canaria Film Festival, Spain, 2009Winner, Best Actress, The World Unseen, Festival del Mar, Ibiza 2009Winner, Best Leading Performance, The World Unseen, Out Takes Film Festival, Dallas 2009

Filmography

Citations

    References

    • "American Chai, a heady brew". The Tribune (India). July 20, 2003. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
    • Apeles, Teena (February 2006). "Bright Eyes". Audrey magazine. pp.:68–73. Archived from the original on August 20, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
    • "Best Shorts". January 12, 2012. Archived from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
    • Chung, Leeva; Sheth, Sheetal; Chen, Lynn; Kim, Elaine H. (2011). "Asian American Women in Hollywood and Beyond" Panel. San Diego, CA: San Diego Asian Film Foundation. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
    • Curiel, Jonathan. "At Arab Film Festival, a Daring Drama Features a Lesbian of Faith". KQED. Archived from the original on 3 February 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
    • "Girls of Maxim - Sheetal Sheth". Maxim Magazine. February 2006. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved February 18, 2012.
    • Girn, Raj (January 2006). "Out In The Open With Sheetal Sheth". Anokhi Magazine. pp.:64–73. Archived from the original on July 21, 2015. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
    • Honeycutt, Kirk. "Film Review – ABCD". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 8, 2012.
    • "I Can't Think Straight – Cast – Sheetal Sheth". 2008. Archived from the original on November 8, 2011. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
    • "In Any Language". CHI Magazine. Summer 2005. pp.:44–47. Archived from the original on November 21, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
    • Karn Batra, Rohit (2005). "Getting Noticed: Sheetal Sheth". East West Woman Magazine. Archived from the original on November 30, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
    • Lewis, Marjorie (November 2008). "Sheetal Sheth Indian Stunner". Venice Magazine. pp.:36–40. Archived from the original on March 14, 2009. Retrieved February 2, 2012.
    • "Liberty, Saucon Valley Grads Are At The Head Of The Cl*". The Morning Call. Lehigh Valley, PA. June 20, 1994. Archived from the original on January 10, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
    • Longsdorf, Amy (January 21, 2006). "Ray of Sunshine". The Morning Call. Lehigh Valley, PA. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 28, 2012.
    • "'Looking for Comedy' Among Studio Execs". Studio Briefing - Film News. September 27, 2005. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
    • McM*, Bridget (March 31, 2011). "Interview with Sheetal Sheth". AfterEllen.com. Retrieved February 21, 2012.
    • McM*, Bridget; Sheth, Sheetal (July 26, 2009). Brunch with Sheetal Sheth (Brunch with Bridget, Episode 70) (Video blog). Los Angeles, CA: AfterEllen.com. Archived from the original (html) on July 12, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
    • Melwani, Lavina (May 2002). "Lethal Sheetal". Little India. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
    • Metal, Sheena; Sheth, Sheetal (August 29, 2011). The Sheena Metal Experience (Radio broadcast). Los Angeles, CA: LA Talk Radio. Archived from the original (mp3) on July 29, 2012. Retrieved January 28, 2012.
    • Orndorf, Brian. "Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World". eFilmCritic.com. Archived from the original on 16 May 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
    • Pais, Arthur (November 2, 2001). "Sheetal Sheth" (PDF). India in NY. New York, NY. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
    • Pasha, Kamran (2001). "Desi Diva". A Magazine. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
    • Reebok Freestyles – New York on YouTube
    • Roy, Sandip (February 2, 2006). "Straddling Cultures". India Currents. San Jose, CA. pp.:17, 54. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved January 28, 2012. Alt URL Archived 2009-04-17 at the Wayback Machine
    • Schneider, Michael (6 November 2006). "NBC's Table Gets Smaller". Variety. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
    • Sebastian, P. (2002). "Film Review – ABCD". The Deccan Herald. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
    • Sharma, Jaya (June 2011). "Simply Sheetal". pp.:7–11. Retrieved January 30, 2012. Alt URL
    • "Sheetal Sheth". aimpress.com. Retrieved February 5, 2012.
    • "Sheetal's Showtime". Indian Life & Style Magazine. November 2005. pp.:110, 112. Archived from the original on October 11, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2012. Alt URL Archived 2009-11-27 at the Wayback Machine
    • Song, Jenny (September 2004). "Sheetal Sheth – Gorgeous and Grounded". Jade Magazine. Archived from the original on March 5, 2009. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
    • Southern, Nathan (2012). "Sheetal Sheth – About This Person". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. New York, NY. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
    • Southern, Nathan (2012). "Sheetal Sheth – Full Biography". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. New York, NY. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
    • Thomas, Kevin (November 30, 2001). "Immigrants, Their Children Raised in America, in ABCD". The Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, CA. Retrieved February 7, 2012.
    • "'Transcend Mediocrity,' Liberty Graduates Told". The Morning Call. Lehigh Valley, PA. June 18, 1994. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 30, 2012.
    • Travers, Peter (April 2, 2001). "ABCD". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2012.

    External links

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    Sheetal Sheth