Aabir Vyas, a trained method actor from the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City, has carved out a unique space for himself in both the world of theater and film, while also making waves with his strong social media presence. His journey from a teenager posting acting videos online to a professional actor performing in off-Broadway shows is nothing short of inspiring. We caught up with Aabir to discuss his acting career and how social media has played an integral role in shaping his path.
A Journey Born from Passion
Aabir’s story began at the age of 15, when he decided to take his first steps toward becoming an actor—without any formal connections to the film industry. “I was still in high school, so moving to Mumbai, the hub of Bollywood, wasn’t possible,” Aabir recalls. “The best thing I could do was create content and showcase my acting skills to people online. That’s exactly what I did.”
Aabir started posting comedy acting videos on YouTube and Instagram, slowly building an audience. “It took some time, but around 2020, things really started to pick up.” That year, Aabir landed his first notable acting gig—a web series called Dare or Dare for Facebook Watch, produced by FilterCopy. “The show was inspired by Impractical Jokers, and I was part of the lead cast. In a way, my first big break came through social media.”
A Diverse Acting Career
Following this breakthrough, Aabir moved to New York City to pursue formal training in acting. His time at Lee Strasberg opened doors to various off-Broadway productions, including Ramaavan: A Musical, Katha, and The Annual Krishna Show. He was also the only South Asian performer in the Global Drama Project, a showcase for Method actors.
In addition to theater, Aabir has made his mark in short films, starring in titles such as Give Me Love, Abs by Chance, and Soot, Char, and Ashes. Reflecting on his career, Aabir acknowledges that his success wouldn’t have been possible without his social media presence. “I made money through content creation, and that helped me afford film school in the U.S.”
The Role of Social Media in Acting
When asked about the significance of social media for actors today, Aabir emphasizes its power to create opportunities. “If you look around, every actor—from Will Smith to Shah Rukh Khan—is creating content for social media because they know that acting isn’t confined to the stage or screen anymore. It has to be done where the youth is, and that’s on the internet.”
Social media has opened doors for Aabir to collaborate with renowned names in the entertainment industry. He has engaged in deep discussions on comedy and the importance of online presence with famous stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das, the first Indian to host the International Emmy Awards. He has also collaborated with National Award-winning actors like Manoj Bajpayee and Konkona Sen Sharma for Netflix. His talent even landed him on a billboard in Mumbai, and he recently starred in the popular music video Chitthi, produced by legendary composers Salim-Sulaiman, opposite singer Priyanshi Srivastava. Additionally, Aabir has been invited to TEDx Talks to share his journey and insights into the world of content creation and entertainment.
A Rising Star on Social Media
With over 400,000 followers across his social media platforms, Aabir’s influence is truly remarkable. His latest Instagram Reel soared past 52 million views, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences far beyond traditional acting. Aabir passionately states, “Today, an actor is not just a performer on stage or in film; they are also a content creator and an influencer, shaping narratives and connecting with fans in unique ways.” With his unique blend of talent, charisma, and adaptability, Aabir Vyas is clearly a rising star who continues to push boundaries both on and off the screen. His journey is a testament to how social media can empower actors to connect with audiences, collaborate with industry giants, and take their careers to new heights.
