Hailed as the next big thing, British Asian actor, West London born Ateesh is set to hit the silver screen. Seen as the good-looking boy next door type, his talents are set to unleash on the world during the Mayor of London’s India Now Festival where his debut movie as the male lead opens.
As a youngster, he had been approached by modelling agencies, but unaffected by the attention; he pursued his education as per the wishes of his Parents. Whilst completing his degree, he was picked up by Eye TV Group, where he produced and presented a TV show called Urban Vibes on Sky digital.
Just after the completion of his degree (Business Economics BA (Hons) at Kingston University - yes, he's got brains to go alongside his good looks and talent), Ateesh was signed as male lead by Kaybee pictures for the Aditya Raj Kapoor (son of Shammi Kapoor and Gita Bali) feature film, Sambar Salsa, alongside Bollywood royalty, Rishi Kapoor. This humourous cross-over film showcases his acting talents. Particularly standing out was his seamless transition between the cultures and languages – he’s fluent in Hindi and Punjabi. Ateesh was also approached by Sameer Bhanarjee, during a trip to India, for a role in a major Bollywood feature: Salami E Ishq as Govinda’s son. During this time Ateesh also visited South India and had been offered a role by to South Side director, Bharathiraja, for his maiden Hindi/Tamil bi-lingual, Kalidas/Bommalattam, alongside Nana Patekar and Southern Superstar Arjun.
Ateesh had to turn all these opportunities down as his father’s health was flailing and the family business needed attention. This spurred him to cut his trip short and head back to London. Ateesh felt it was time to put his acting career on hold and devote his time to help his Dad in their Indian Tandoori House, which had been established for more than 22 years. His parents have always been the real celebrities in his life. When they first started Priya’s Tandoori, they were only earning £10 a day; they worked extremely hard and now have a well established business. Through this period Ateesh challenged him self further and learnt how to cook Indian cuisine for their customers and even created a few signature dishes. His specialties include Butter Chicken and Lamb Saag.
After some time of deliberation and his Father’s health resuming, Ateesh made a spiritual pilgrimage to India in order to find his true path way in life. By sacrificing his time in temperatures of 52 degrees without all comforts and learning valuables lessons in life by spiritualists, Ateesh became a vegetarian and gave up the little wine that he did consume. Through this, his physical appearance with fitness training changed dramatically and now the acting world is once more knocking on his door. He has decided with full blessings of his parents that he will pursue his acting career with the films he as already signed and make sure he leaves a mark on British / Bollywood & Hollywood film industry.
Upon questioning his mum on what he should do in terms of pursuing his acting career and if this can really be a path way for him, his mum then told him how she was studying in India, she used to perform drama plays and sing in large college events, but this dream was cut short as this was not deemed the right thing to do for an Indian girl in those times. She became a teacher and then got married in London. This was the first time Ateesh ever found out about his mums dreams and ambitions as he questioned how the field of acting came so naturally to him. This had now become a chance for him to fulfil the dreams she never pursued.
Aditya Raj Kapoor identified Ateesh as having the same gifts as the legendary James Dean, as he could see him portray the legendary youngster through his acting. Ateesh has been signed for a further 3 features by Aditya and recently signed a film with producer Manish Nair of Cinevision Entertainment.
Ateesh would like to create an opening for British Asians, as he feels they are not given the chances to enter mainstream film industry. He wants to use his influences to encourage and help those that will attempt to join him. He is currently setting up an actor’s camp for British Asians, which will be running through his web site.
Sambar Salsa will show in UK cinemas from 21st September 2007 during the Mayor of London’s India Now Festival.
For further press information, interviews and photography please contact:
Sarita Randev / Varindha Wimlasena
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