Danish Farooqui shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Danish, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I recently took a 1,000 mile highway road trip on my motorcycle. That is incredibly fulfilling.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Thanks so much for asking. I’m mostly known for my career as an actor on stage, TV and voiceovers.
I have performed all over the country including The Kite Runner on Broadway. I have acted with A-listers like James Spader in ” The Blacklist” and Jesse Eisenberg in “Fleishman is in Trouble” and several others. You may have heard my voice on Playstation games like “Earth Defense Force” or Nickelodeon cartoons like “The Twisted Timeline of Sammy and Raj” and audiobooks like: I am Malala, and Narwhal’s School of Awesomeness.
I often enjoy playing rebellious and wisecracking characters.
My journey began on the school stage at Cypress Creek High. I participated in as many arts programs as I could while training for track meets.
One teacher, one show led to another and I was performing in community theatre, student films and local commercials at the time. During college, I was a Nutrition undergrad which I used to get certified as a fitness trainer, a role I contune to play today. I searched for more professional acting training and that led me to NYC. I spent a few years there in the actor hustle. The 2020 pandemic changed everything including the demand to audition remotely and the huge increase in voice over work.
That was my chance to be back home with family while pursuing this.
I still compete in 5k races, train MMA while auditioning for projects so not much had changed.
My full-time job at home in Houston is working as an Islamic school teacher.
I recently narrated 2 English translations of the Qur’an on Audible.
I am currently working on a kids series in Houston called Zindagi ki Rawnaq coming soon to YouTube.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
It was my senior year in high school and I was at an acceptance ceremony for a science scholarship.
I gave an impromtu speech that had the audience choke laughing on their salmon lunches.
The event coordinator said to me: “young man, you belong in show business “.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were so many things that test a person’s dedication in the industry:
From standing in line outside at 5am in the winter in NYC for possible chance at being seen for the next Broadway hit, or the thousandth time I didn’t even hear back after absolutely crushing an audition, or a roommate abruptly bails and I have to figure a renting situation, to the loneliness that is the entrepreneur’s life; and most recently, the multiple post-pandemic union strikes, each which result in major halts in the job market.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
What you see is what you get. I consider myself a devout Muslim and I practice in public and private to the best of my abilty.
The best way to bring someone to God is be example of His Message.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
Modern conveniences have given us the illusion of comfort. Being lazy will interfere with my goals.
I challenge myself everyday to grow mentally, physically, spiritually, financially.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Danishfarooqui.com
- Instagram: @danishfarooqui
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danishfarooqui?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@danishf?si=2JaI5PPj99zVrjBy
- Other: https://Imdb.me/danishfarooqui
Image Credits
Ali Iqbal
