From the ring to the runway, from battlegrounds to spotlights; his path is far from typical. A fighter, performer, and teller of tales, he excels where discipline and creativity intersect and strength ignites passion.
Team credit:
Photographer: Rutvik Katuri (@rutvikkaturi)
Model: Nicky Sundaram (@nickysundaramofcial)
Wardrobe Stylist: Kara Erwin (@karaerwincreative)
Makeup Artist: Charina Redugerio (@cheenabobeena)
Hair Stylist: Claudia Oyanedel (@claudia_oyanede) using Oribe
Wardrobe Assistant: Daniel Mantelli (@daniel_mantelli)
Digi-tech: Omkar Huude (@iam_omkarhuude)
A Marine, a wrestler, an actor, and a model, he is the embodiment of discipline, determination, and artistic talent. His journey spans from the disciplined rigors of military life to the high-octane world of professional wrestling, the art of acting, and the precision of modeling. With formal training at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, he marries method acting with athleticism, bringing dynamic performances to the screen as well as to the ring. His time spent in the Marine Corps instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility, dictating the level of work ethic he follows in every endeavor. Whether executing high-impact wrestling moves, acting out the intricate and varied characters, or asserting himself on the runway, he exists to test limits. Now, he’s doing it at the next level by crafting his career globally while affirming his lifelong sense of adventure.
Your journey has spanned multiple fields—acting, modeling, wrestling, and serving as a Marine Reservist. What inspired you to pursue such a diverse set of careers, and how do you balance them?
My journey across these fields has been driven by curiosity, passion, and a desire to challenge myself. Each career path has offered unique opportunities for my growth and self-expression. Acting allows me to step into different lives and tell meaningful stories. Modeling has taught me confidence and the power of visual storytelling. Wrestling combines discipline, athleticism, and performance, while serving as a Marine Reservist has instilled a deep sense of duty, patriotism, resilience, and leadership. Balancing these pursuits comes down to prioritizing, staying disciplined, and having a strong work ethic. I view them not as separate careers but as interconnected chapters of my life, each enriching the other. For example, the discipline I’ve gained in the Marines translates to focus on acting and wrestling, while the creativity of acting helps me bring personality to my wrestling performances. It’s all about embracing opportunities that align with my values and staying true to my commitment to growth, both professionally and personally.
As an actor and model, you’ve likely had to adapt to various roles. Can you share a moment from your career that was especially transformative or memorable?
One of the most transformative moments in my career came during high school when I played the lead role of Charlie Gordon in Flowers for Algernon. Charlie, an intellectually disabled man who undergoes a life-changing operation to become a genius only to revert to his original state tragically, was a deeply challenging and rewarding character to embody. Portraying his journey, his growth, his struggles, and his eventual heartbreak was a powerful experience that taught me the importance of empathy and vulnerability in storytelling. That role didn’t just leave a mark on me as a performer; it also shaped my future. It was this experience that gave me the confidence and drive to pursue acting more seriously, ultimately leading me to apply and enroll in the Drama Program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. It was a pivotal moment in discovering my passion for immersing myself in complex, meaningful roles.
How do you see the intersection of physicality and storytelling in your work as an actor, particularly in roles that demand action or stunts?
For me, the intersection of physicality and storytelling is one of the most exciting aspects of acting. As a naturally athletic and physical person, I love taking on roles that allow me to incorporate movement and action into the storytelling. Being trained in MMA has given me a unique edge, especially for combat and fight scenes, where I can bring authenticity and intensity to the performance. Doing my stunts is something I’m passionate about because it keeps me fully immersed in the character. Physical action isn’t just about the moves; it’s a way to express the character’s emotions, stakes, and personality without words. Whether it’s a high-energy fight sequence or a tense action moment, I view these physical challenges as opportunities to deepen the story and make it as real and engaging as possible for the audience.
As an NYU Tisch graduate, how has your formal theater training influenced your approach to professional wrestling and acting? Do you find the similarities between the two?
My formal theater training at NYU Tisch, particularly as a method actor, has profoundly influenced both my acting and professional wrestling careers. As a method actor, I fully immerse myself in the characters I portray, stepping into their shoes to understand their emotions and perspectives. This approach has been invaluable in wrestling, where storytelling is at the heart of every match. Wrestling is, at its core, a form of performance art. Each match tells a story—of conflict, triumph, and emotion—and my acting background helps me convey these narratives authentically. Whether it’s through physicality, facial expressions, or improvisation, my training allows me to connect with the audience and make the story come alive. In many ways, wrestling and acting are deeply similar. Both require a commitment to character, an ability to connect with the audience, and a deep understanding of storytelling. My training has helped me bridge the two worlds seamlessly, allowing me to bring depth and authenticity to every performance, whether on stage, on screen, or in the ring.
From the discipline of the Marine Corps to the creativity of performing arts, how have your experiences as a reservist shaped your work ethic and outlook in your other professions?
My experience as a Marine Reservist has profoundly shaped my work ethic and outlook, not only by instilling discipline and focus but also by broadening my perspective. The Marines demand an unparalleled level of dedication, resilience, and attention to detail—qualities that I’ve carried into my work in the performing arts. Whether preparing for a role or navigating the challenges of a fast-paced industry, that discipline keeps me grounded and committed to excellence. At the same time, serving alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures has made me more open-minded and adaptable. This ability to connect with and understand people from all walks of life has enriched my approach to storytelling as an actor and performer. In the performing arts, where portraying human experiences authentically is key, my Marine Corps experience has given me the tools to adapt, collaborate, and bring depth to every role I take on.
From the discipline of the Marine Corps to the creativity of performing arts, how have your experiences as a reservist shaped your work ethic and outlook in your other professions?
My experience as a Marine Reservist has profoundly shaped my work ethic and outlook, not only by instilling discipline and focus but also by broadening my perspective. The Marines demand an unparalleled level of dedication, resilience, and attention to detail—qualities that I’ve carried into my work in the performing arts. Whether preparing for a role or navigating the challenges of a fast-paced industry, that discipline keeps me grounded and committed to excellence. At the same time, serving alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures has made me more open-minded and adaptable. This ability to connect with and understand people from all walks of life has enriched my approach to storytelling as an actor and performer. In the performing arts, where portraying human experiences authentically is key, my Marine Corps experience has given me the tools to adapt, collaborate, and bring depth to every role I take on.
Wrestling and MMA often require mental toughness as much as physical strength. How do you maintain focus and resilience during high-pressure situations?
My Marine Corps training has been instrumental in helping me develop the mental toughness required for wrestling and MMA. The discipline, focus, and resilience I cultivated as a Marine have become second nature, especially in high-pressure situations. A lot of it comes down to pushing myself beyond what I think my limits are and adopting a ‘never quit’ attitude, no matter how tough things get. In both wrestling and MMA, it’s not just about physical strength—it’s about staying calm under pressure, adapting to challenges in real me, and focusing on the task at hand. I’ve learned to channel the adrenaline and pressure into performance, reminding myself that every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger. Mental toughness isn’t something that happens overnight— it’s built through perseverance, preparation, and the confidence that comes from knowing I’ve done the work.
With so many achievements under your belt, what’s next for you? Are there any new challenges or goals you’re particularly excited about pursuing?
I feel like I’m just getting started in my career, and I’m excited about building a successful path in both acting and modeling, not just in the United States but also in India. I want to take on roles and opportunities that challenge me creatively and allow me to grow as an artist. On a personal front, I’ve developed a deep love for surfing, which I’ve been doing since I was 14. It’s become a true passion of mine, and one of my goals is to eventually become a big wave surfer. Surfing, much like my other pursuits, pushes me to face fears, stay disciplined, and keep improving. I’m looking forward to embracing new challenges—whether in my career or my adventures—and seeing where the journey takes me.
