Interviewing actor Arsalan Rezaei
1. What first inspired you to become an actor, and when did you realize that acting was your passion?
I think my passion for acting started very naturally. My twin brother and I were glued to the screen watching movies all day long. We were fascinated by the stories, the characters, and the whole world of cinema. Even before we started taking acting seriously, we would make our own little movies using old phones and then edit them ourselves. It was something we did just for fun, but looking back, I think that was the beginning.
Eventually, we started taking acting classes, and from there it became more serious. We got the opportunity to do theatre and later work on TV shows in our country. Each experience made me realize more and more that this was something I genuinely loved. I think I knew acting was my passion when it stopped feeling like something I was simply trying and started feeling like something I couldn't imagine my life without.
2. How would you describe yourself as an actor in three words?
Learning.Observant.Driven
3. When you receive a new script, what is the first thing you look for in your character?
The first thing I look for is their motivation. I want to know why they do what they do, even when their choices aren’t necessarily good ones.
4. How do you prepare yourself emotionally and physically for a demanding role?
I try to prepare as much as I can beforehand, whether that’s physically or emotionally. But I also try not to prepare every single moment. Sometimes you have to get out of your head and just be there.
5. Is there a particular character you have played who has changed you personally?
I would say playing Jesus in Salman the Persian. It’s a very different role from anything I’ve done before, and spending so much time with the character really changed the way I look at certain things. It’s been a very meaningful experience for me.
6. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced during your acting career?
I think one of the biggest challenges is staying patient and believing in yourself, even when things don't happen as quickly as you hope. Acting is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with uncertainty and difficult moments. I've learned that every experience, good or bad, teaches you something and helps you grow.
7. Do you prefer playing characters who are similar to you, or do you enjoy stepping completely outside your comfort zone?
I really enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone. Of course, it's sometimes easier to play a character you can relate to, but I believe the real magic of acting happens when you become someone completely different from yourself. I love discovering new emotions, understanding different personalities, and showing the audience something they might not expect from me.
8. What has been the most memorable moment you have experienced on a film or television set?
One of my most memorable moments was when my twin brother and I were on set and they suddenly informed us that we had been cast in a big upcoming TV series! We were both shocked and excited because we never expected it. Sharing that moment with my brother made it even more special, and it's definitely something I'll never forget.
9. Which actor or filmmaker has inspired you the most throughout your career?
There are so many actors I admire and love, but Christian Bale has inspired me the most. I really admire how he transforms himself for every role and makes each character feel so real. His dedication and acting style motivate me to keep learning and pushing myself as an actor.
10. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received about acting?
The best advice is to be honest with your character and never try too hard to impress people. I believe that when you truly understand what your character is feeling, the performance becomes more natural. It's not about pretending to be someone else; it's about finding the truth in that person and bringing it to life.
11. Is there a dream role or a particular type of character you would love to play in the future?
I’d love to play a character in a world like The Lord of the Rings or The Walking Dead. I’ve always been drawn to these kinds of stories, where characters have to fight for survival, face difficult choices, and go through real transformations. Playing a role like that would be an amazing experience because it would challenge me both physically and emotionally as an actor.
12. How do you deal with criticism and the pressure that can come with being an actor?
I think criticism and pressure are simply part of the job. Of course, not every comment is easy to hear, but I try to learn from constructive criticism and use it to improve myself. At the end of the day, you can't please everyone, so I focus on my work, stay true to myself, and keep growing as an actor.
13. If you could go back to the beginning of your career, what advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to be patient, enjoy the journey, and never compare my progress to anyone else's. Everyone has their own path, and things don't always happen according to our plans. I would also remind myself not to be afraid of making mistakes because every mistake is a chance to learn.
14. Finally, what does cinema mean to you, and what do you hope audiences feel when they watch your work?
For me, cinema is much more than entertainment. It's a way to tell stories, share emotions, and connect people from different backgrounds and cultures. What I love most is the ability of a film to make you feel something deeply and stay with you long after it's over. Through my work, I hope to create performances that feel honest, move people emotionally, and leave a lasting impression. If I can make someone connect with a character or see something in a different way, then I feel I've done something meaningful as an actor.
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