Akshaj Bhatnagar is a 12-year-old aspiring actor and model from the Greater Toronto Area, Canada. With his expressive energy, warm personality, and love for storytelling, Akshaj naturally gravitated toward acting through his deep passion for movies and television. He is currently represented by a Canadian talent agency and just participated at the 21st Annual Summer iPOP in Los Angeles, California, in order to take the next big step in his entertainment journey. When he’s not performing, Akshaj enjoys drawing, traveling, playing video games, and spending time with his family and friends. He also loves playing soccer and cricket.
HELLO AKSHAJ BHATNAGAR, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! WHAT GOT YOU INTO ENTERTAINMENT THAT MADE YOU REALIZE THAT IT WAS YOUR CHOSEN PATH?
Watching movies and shows made me feel a wide range of emotions – from laughter and excitement to even tears. I realized I wanted to be a part of that magic and create those same feelings for others. That’s when I knew I wanted to act.
My parents enrolled me in acting coaching, which made me even more passionate about the craft. I’ve also performed in school talent shows a few times and am now working hard to land my first break in both acting and modeling.
WHAT KIND OF TRAINING HAVE YOU RECEIVED SO FAR AHEAD OF IPOP!?
Ahead of iPOP, I’ve worked with coaches to strengthen my acting technique, expression, and improvisation. I’ve attended various acting workshops and have taken part in media and red-carpet training and practiced self-tape auditions.
This includes multiple acting and monologue workshops with Connor Weil (Disney’s KC Undercover). I also participated in intensive acting bootcamps led by Derek Maki (Instant Dads) and Robert Vito (Spy Kids 3: Game Over) in Los Angeles, California. For modeling, I trained under Suzanne Von Schaack (New York Fashion Week) during her modeling bootcamp, also in Los Angeles.
In the past one year or so, I have done workshops with Matthew Michael Ross (Mother’s Day Memories), Ryan Pinkston (Young Rock), Jareb Dauplaise (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen), and Cody Sulek (Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell).
WHAT ACCENTS AND DIALECTS CAN YOU DO?
I speak two languages: English and Hindi. I’m comfortable with North American English and am currently working on refining my American accent. I naturally speak with an Indian English accent, and Hindi is my first language, which I speak at home.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PROJECTS THAT YOU TYPICALLY PREFER?
I love screen acting, but I’m open to all types of projects. I really enjoy comedy and adventure, but I also like dramatic roles that let me express deeper emotions.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR AN AUDITION?
I read the script multiple times, understand the character’s emotions, and then practice with my parents or in front of a mirror. I also record myself to see how I can improve my expressions and timing.
HAS THERE BEEN ONE PARTICULAR MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE SO FAR THAT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
Being selected for iPOP 2025 and getting signed by a talent agency in Canada! It felt like my hard work was being recognized.
WHO ARE YOUR INFLUENCES GROWING UP THAT HELPED TO MOLD YOU INTO WHO YOU ARE TODAY?
My parents – they always support me and believe in me. Also, actors like Dwayne Johnson and Shah Rukh Khan from Bollywood inspire me with how real and expressive they are on screen.
IF YOU HAD ONE MESSAGE TO GIVE TO YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Believe in yourself – every small step counts.
IF YOU WEREN’T A PASSIONATE ACTOR, WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU BE DOING?
I’d probably be an artist or an explorer. I love drawing and discovering new places.
WHAT IS ONE WORD TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Dreamer
WHAT IS ONE FOOD YOU WILL NEVER EAT?
Broccoli – I’ve tried, but no thanks!
DO YOU PLAY ANY SPORTS OR INSTRUMENTS, IF SO WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?
I enjoy soccer and cricket – but acting is still my favorite “sport”! I don’t play any instruments (yet!), but I make up for it with a lot of energy on stage!
WHAT WOULD YOUR DREAM JOB BE – ON TV?
Starring in a Disney or Netflix series where I get to play a lead role in a mystery or adventure story.
FOR FUN! IF YOU WENT BACK TO THE GOLDEN ERA OF HOLLYWOOD, WHICH ACTOR DO YOU RESONATE WITH MOST AND WHY?
Maybe Mickey Rooney – he started young, had tons of energy, and wasn’t afraid to try different roles.
WHAT IS YOUR THING TO DO WITH YOUR FRIENDS?
Play video games, act out funny skits, and build complex LEGO sets together.
HAVE YOU SET ANY 2025 PROFESSIONAL GOALS TO ACHIEVE?
Yes! I want to book my first job as a commercial or acting gig and keep improving my acting through more auditions and workshops.
WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT ATTENDING IPOP!?
Meeting amazing coaches, learning so much in just a few days, and performing in front of real agents and managers – it all felt like a dream! And to top it off, I got so many callbacks and won the awards – truly unforgettable!
I scooped up five awards during iPOP! Winner – Self-Tape, 2nd Runner Up – Headshot, 3rd Runner Up – Actor of The Year, 3rd Runner Up – Fashion Runway PJ, 3rd Runner Up – TV Beauty Commercial. It was an amazing experience!
CONGRATULATIONS! WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO FOLLOW YOU ONLINE?
People can follow me on Instagram @officialakshajbhatnagar, Facebook @officialakshajbhatnagar, YouTube @officialakshajbhatnagar, IMDb.
