Sheetal Sheth
Sheetal Sheth
Sheth in January 2012
Born (1976-06-24) June 24, 1976
Alma materNYU Tisch School of the Arts
Occupation(s)Actress, author, producer
Years active1999–present
Spouse
Neil Mody
(m. 2013)
Children2[1]
Websitewww.sheetalsheth.com

Sheetal Sheth (born June 24, 1976 /ˈʃθəl 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 and has been selected to represent brands such as CHI haircare[2] and Reebok.[3]

She is also the first Indian American to appear in Maxim magazine.[4] Sheetal's had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, and Thrive Global. Her first children's book, Always Anjali, debuted to critical acclaim and became the first in a series of books. This series is the first picture book series that features a South Asian hero.

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.[5]

As a child, Sheth loved performing and watching television and films, but academics were her priority. She also studied multicultural dance[6] and was very involved in athletics; particularly basketball.[7] 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.[5] Sheth attended Catholic school until age 12, when her family moved to Trenton.[4]

Sheth attended Liberty High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she was very involved in school organizations and student government, serving on the student advisory board. She received the student government award for her contribution to the school,[8] and was one of two students invited to speak at her commencement.[9] While in high school, Sheth discovered her passion for acting and was determined to master the craft through study and performance. After considering a variety of undergraduate programs, Sheth auditioned and was accepted to the New York University Tisch School of the Arts.[5]

At Tisch, Sheth studied the classics, and some of her favorite works included Antigone and The Crucible.[10] She also trained extensively at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in the technique known as "The Method". She spent a summer abroad in Amsterdam as part of the intensive International Theatre Workshop, studying under such respected acting teachers as Kristin Linklater. Sheth excelled and earned the honor of being selected to participate in the Tisch Scholars Program. After graduating from Tisch with honors,[11] Sheth continued her studies even as she built a successful career. In New York she studied with Wynn Handman, one of the founders of The American Place Theatre. In Los Angeles, she attended weekly invitation-only classes with renowned acting instructor Milton Katselas until his death in 2008.[12]

Career

1999–2005

Sheth debuted as the lead in the ground-breaking 1999 film ABCD, starring opposite Aasif Mandvi and Faran Tahir. The film won Best Indie Feature at the Houston film festival[13] and received critical acclaim from the likes of The Hollywood Reporter[14] and Rolling Stone.[15] Sheth was widely praised for her performance.[16][17] 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."[18]

In 2001, she 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

Sheetal Sheth
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."[19] The film was shot on location in India (Delhi and Agra).[20] 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 title. The film was picked up and ultimately released by Warner Independent Pictures.[21]

Following her success in Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World, Sheth won 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.[22] 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.[23] 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.[24]

Sheth embarked on her acting career at a time when opportunities for South Asians, particularly Indian American women, in the industry were scarce. Despite the challenges, she became a trailblazer, breaking new ground. 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.[25]

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.[3] She was also the first Indian American to appear in Maxim magazine.[4][26] CHI says of Sheth, "Grace, artistry, passion and the most compelling elements of every culture that's the essence of Sheth."[2]

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.[27]

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.[28]

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.[29] In June 2019, Sheth revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer.[30]

Awards

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

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1999 ABCD Nina
2001 American Chai Maya Choreographer
2001 The Princess and the Marine Layla TV movie
2001 A Pocket Full of Dreams Sanjana
2001 Wings of Hope Kaajal Verma Winner, Best Actress
Cinevue Film Festival, 2003
2003 The Agency Layla - Jamar
Akil's sister
TV series
2003 Beat Cops Gwen Lampoor TV movie
2003 Line of Fire Fathima TV series
2004 Strong Medicine
  • Ears, Ho's & Threat (#4.18)
Shaheena TV series
2004 Indian Cowboy Sapna
2004 The Proud Family
  • Culture Shock (#3.3)
Radhika TV series (animated)
2005 Dancing in Twilight Nicole
2005 Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World Maya
2007 The Singles Table
  • Pilot (#1.1)
  • The Work Dinner (#1.2)
  • The Housewarming Party (#1.4)
Martina TV series
2007 The Trouble with Romance Nicole
2007 First Fear Maya
2008 I Can't Think Straight Leyla nominated for, Best Actress
gay Film Festival,2008
2008 The World Unseen Amina Harjan Winner, Best Actress
Gran Canaria Film Festival, Spain, 2009

Winner, Best Actress

Festival del Mar, Ibiza, 2009

Winner, Best Leading Performance

Out Takes Film Festival, Dallas, 2009

Winner, Best Actress

Festival del Mar, Ibiza, 2009

Winner, Best Leading Performance

Out Takes Film Festival, Dallas, 2009
2009 Why Am I Doing This? Nira
2010 StaleMate Kayleigh Nominated, Best Actress
Staten Island Film Festival, 2011
2010 Nip/Tuck
  • Dan Daly (#6.11)
Aria TV series
2011 Three Veils Nikki
2011 Being Bin Laden Nabeelah TV movie
2011 Royal Pains
  • A Little Art, A Little Science (#3.10)
Raina Saluja TV series
2011 NCIS: Los Angeles
  • Deadline (#3.10)
Shari Al-Kousa TV series
2011 Johnny Bravo Goes to Bollywood voice of Sumi,
Shark
(animated)
2012 Yes, We're Open Elena
2012-13 Nice Girls Crew
  • Out of Order (#1.1)
  • Count Chocula of Venice Beach (#1.2)
  • The Byronic Hero (#1.3)
  • Hoot N Holla (#1.4)
  • Castle in the Sky (#1.5)
  • Sisterhood of the Traveling Fat Pants (#2.1)
  • The Reluctant Mixologist (#2.2)
  • Game Day (#2.3)
  • The Talented Geraldiney (#2.4)
  • Sophie and the Giant Buttcake (#2.5)
Leena TV series
2012 Reign Fadwa Co-Producer
2012 Brickleberry
  • Hello Dottie (#1.7)
Dottie TV series (animated)
2012 The Wisdom Tree Dr. Trisha Rao
2013 Blue Bloods
  • Warriors (#3.15)
Isabelle Nassar TV series
2013 Lips
  • Audition This! (#2.6)
Rousaura TV mini-series
2014 Futurestates
  • Sister of Mine
Evelyn Malik, Cammie Malik TV series
2014 Go North Riya Short
2016 Family Guy Padma, Tapeworm (voices) TV series
2020 I'll Meet You There Shonali Independent film

Citations

  1. "Sheetal Sheth on Instagram: "Rainbows all around us. ❤️🙏🏽🌈. #lastdaysofsummer #itsthelittlethings"".
  2. 1 2 "In Any Language", CHI Magazine
  3. 1 2 Reebok Freestyles – New York
  4. 1 2 3 Sharma, Jaya. "Simply Sheetal"
  5. 1 2 3 Melwani, Lavina. "Lethal Sheetal"
  6. McManus, Bridget; Sheth, Sheetal. Brunch with Sheetal Sheth (Brunch with Bridget, Episode 70), Part 1 of 3: time 1:54
  7. Roy, Sandip. "Straddling Cultures"
  8. "'Transcend Mediocrity,' Liberty Graduates Told", p. 3. The Morning Call. June 18, 1994
  9. "Liberty, Saucon Valley Grads Are At The Head Of The Class". The Morning Call. June 20, 1994.
  10. Metal, Sheena; Sheth, Sheetal: time 31:05
  11. Song, Jenny. "Sheetal Sheth – Gorgeous and Grounded"
  12. Metal, Sheena; Sheth, Sheetal: time 23:38
  13. Apeles, Teena. "Bright Eyes" Audrey magazine: p. 70
  14. Honeycutt, Kirk. "Film Review - ABCD". The Hollywood Reporter. "Reminiscent of early films by Wayne Wang and Ang Lee, ABCD should win enthusiastic fans"
  15. Travers, Peter (April 2, 2001). "ABCD". Rolling Stone. "Extraordinary…funny, touching and haunting…seek it out"
  16. Thomas, Kevin. "Immigrants, Their Children Raised in America, in ABCD". The Los Angeles Times. "Sheth illuminates the tempestuous Nina"
  17. Sebastian, P. "Film Review - ABCD". The Deccan Herald. "Sheetal is a find, an Indian beauty who can act - she's star material."
  18. Pasha, Kamran. "Desi Diva"
  19. Karn Batra, Rohit. "Getting Noticed: Sheetal Sheth", East West Woman, p. 32
  20. "Sheetal's Showtime". Indian Life & Style Magazine, 2005, p. 110
  21. "'Looking for Comedy' Among Studio Execs". Studio Briefing - Film News.
  22. Schneider, Michael. "NBC's Table Gets Smaller". Variety.
  23. Curiel, Jonathan. "At Arab Film Festival, a Daring Drama Features a Lesbian of Faith". KQED.
  24. "Best Shorts". January 12, 2012.
  25. Chung, Leeva; Sheth, Sheetal; Chen, Lynn; Kim, Elaine H. (2011). "Asian American Women in Hollywood and Beyond" Panel
  26. "Girls of Maxim - Sheetal Sheth"
  27. "I Can't Think Straight - Cast - Sheetal Sheth"
  28. McManus, Bridget (March 31, 2011). "Interview with Sheetal Sheth".
  29. "Sheetal Sheth & Neil Mody Tie the Knot". People Magazine. November 24, 2013. Archived from the original on November 27, 2013. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
  30. "The World Unseen actor Sheetal Sheth reveals struggle with breast cancer, answers questions about her health". 28 June 2019.

References

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