Kiran Shergill
Actor, Dancer, Singer, Model

What do you love about your job?

I love meeting different people and being exposed to so many different talents. I also love the spontaneity of my job – it keeps things interesting all the time.

Did you do anything else before this?

Yes, too many to note down, including waitressing, bartending, computer technical support and dance teacher. I have always had at least two jobs at a time since I was 14.

What’s been your career high point so far?

Working with Tina Landon, the mastermind behind Janet Jackson’s dance choreography, has been a career high point for me.

Any claim to fame?

Being Jennifer Lopez’s body double was pretty cool for me. I’m not sure if that would be a claim to fame though!

What’s the hardest thing in your industry?

The fickleness of it can get a bit frustrating from time to time because you can’t make plans in advance and you don’t know what you will be doing or where you will be months from now.

Would you say it is a difficult industry for Asian women to get into?

Yes, to a degree, because we are still a minority in the entertainment industry. I truly believe in the law of attraction, so if you want to succeed in something, anything, and if you work hard enough, you will get to exactly where you want to be.

Would you recommend your job to others?

The entertainment industry is not cut out for everyone – just like being a doctor or a lawyer isn’t for everyone. I could only recommend my job to someone who is a people person, has a strong passion for the art, a strong desire to be in front of a camera and is willing to give it their all.

What are your tips for success?

You have to believe in yourself. Not everyone supports the idea of entertainment. As a career choice it’s often frowned upon, especially in Asian culture. Going against the grain takes a lot of guts and you will have to rise above what everyone says and thinks about you. Keep in mind that you are constantly in the public eye so those kinds of things should be the least of your worries. I also recommend that you continuously work on your talents and always better yourself. Also, networking is very important. People need to know that you exist so get out there and be seen!