Preeti Dhanda

Behind the Scenes with Preeti Dhanda: Working with Hollywood Stars and Staying True to Her Roots

In a world where Hollywood is slowly beginning to embrace diversity, Preeti Dhanda stands as an emerging force, ready to break stereotypes and pave the way for a new generation of actors. A Punjabi-Canadian actress, Preeti’s rise in the entertainment industry is not just a story of talent, but one of determination, perseverance, and staying true to her roots. Having worked with Hollywood icons such as Andy Garcia and Megan Fox, Preeti continues to hold on to her Punjabi heritage while making a mark on the big screen.

From Theatre to Hollywood

Preeti’s love for acting began in her childhood when she was involved in theatre. Born in India and raised in Canada, Preeti grew up between two worlds, balancing the traditions of her Punjabi roots with the westernized environment of her adopted home. Theatre became her outlet, a place where she could immerse herself in storytelling and performance, and it wasn’t long before her passion for acting began to define her aspirations.

“I fell in love with acting as a kid,” Preeti recalls. “Theatre gave me a space to explore different characters and express myself. It made me realize that storytelling is universal, and that’s what drew me toward acting professionally.”

Despite her early love for the craft, Preeti was well aware of the challenges she would face as a South Asian woman in Hollywood. There were very few South Asian actors on screen, and even fewer Punjabi actors. The lack of representation meant that she had to carve out her own path, one that would require not just talent but resilience.

Working with Hollywood Stars: A Dream Come True

Preeti’s hard work and dedication paid off, and she soon found herself working alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. One of her most notable experiences was on the set of Big Gold Brick, a film in which she shared the screen with legendary actor Andy Garcia and the iconic Megan Fox.

“Working with Andy Garcia and Megan Fox was surreal,” Preeti says. “They’re both such talented actors, and getting to be on set with them taught me so much about the craft. It was an incredible learning experience.”

Preeti describes Andy Garcia as a generous scene partner, always offering advice and guidance on set. His professionalism and commitment to his craft left a lasting impact on her. “Andy’s attention to detail and his ability to embody a character so completely was really inspiring,” she notes.

Megan Fox, on the other hand, brought an energy and confidence to the set that Preeti found equally inspiring. “Megan is unapologetically herself, both on and off screen, and I admire that about her,” Preeti shares. “She’s a reminder that embracing who you are is key to staying grounded in this industry.”

In addition to Big Gold Brick, Preeti also had the opportunity to work on a Hallmark movie with Jodie Sweetin and a Lifetime film. These roles solidified her growing presence in the industry and gave her the confidence to continue pursuing larger and more challenging projects.

Staying True to Her Roots

Despite her success in Hollywood, Preeti has remained deeply connected to her Punjabi heritage. Fluent in both Punjabi and Hindi, Preeti’s cultural background plays an integral role in her identity, both as a person and as an actress. For a time, Preeti went by the name “Jas Dhanda” in her professional career, believing it would make her name more accessible to western audiences. However, she later decided to revert to “Preeti,” a name her parents had called her since childhood.

“I used to think changing my name would make it easier for people to pronounce, but it didn’t feel like me,” Preeti explains. “Preeti is my true self—it’s connected to my roots, and I wanted to carry that part of my identity with me into my career.”

This decision to embrace her authentic name is part of a larger commitment to staying true to who she is, both on and off screen. Preeti’s experience as a Punjabi woman in Hollywood has often meant navigating a space that does not always fully embrace cultural diversity. However, rather than conforming, she has chosen to celebrate her heritage and bring it into her work.

“There aren’t many Punjabi actors in Hollywood, and growing up, I never saw anyone who looked like me on screen,” Preeti says. “That’s why it’s so important for me to stay true to my roots and show that there’s space for people like me in this industry.”

A New Voice for Representation

Preeti is keenly aware of the responsibility that comes with being one of the few Punjabi actresses in Hollywood. As representation becomes a more significant conversation in the entertainment world, Preeti sees her role as more than just acting—it’s about opening doors for future generations of South Asian actors.

“Representation matters,” Preeti emphasizes. “When you see someone who looks like you on screen, it gives you hope and confidence that your story matters too. That’s what I want to bring to Hollywood—more diverse stories, more authentic representation.”

For Preeti, this doesn’t just mean playing roles that focus on her ethnicity but pushing for more multidimensional characters that reflect the complexity of people’s lives. “I don’t want to be typecast into stereotypical roles,” she says. “Yes, my culture is a big part of who I am, but I also want to play characters who are defined by their humanity, not just their ethnicity.”

Balancing Heritage and Hollywood

Preeti’s journey as an actress is a continuous balancing act—honoring her cultural identity while navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry. Her fluency in both Punjabi and Hindi has been a unique asset, allowing her to connect with audiences both in the West and in South Asia. It has also opened doors for bilingual roles and projects that bridge cultures, something Preeti is excited to explore more in the future.

As she continues to build her career, Preeti remains focused on telling stories that resonate with her personal experiences. Whether she’s working on a Hollywood set or an independent project, her goal is to bring authenticity and depth to every role she plays.

“Hollywood is changing, and I’m proud to be part of that change,” Preeti says. “I want to show that you can succeed in this industry without losing sight of who you are.”

Looking Forward: A Bright Future Ahead

With several successful projects already under her belt, Preeti Dhanda’s future in Hollywood looks promising. Her commitment to representation, coupled with her talent and passion for acting, positions her as a rising star to watch. Preeti’s journey is not just about personal success—it’s about breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating space for more diverse voices in Hollywood.

“I’m excited for what’s next,” Preeti shares. “I’ve worked hard to get to where I am, but I know this is just the beginning. I want to continue growing as an actress and, more importantly, continue opening doors for others along the way.”

As Preeti Dhanda continues her journey in Hollywood, she remains a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to one’s roots. Her story is one of perseverance, cultural pride, and a passion for storytelling that transcends borders. In an industry that is still learning how to fully embrace diversity, Preeti is a force to be reckoned with—both on screen and behind the scenes.

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