Neel Tolani

Encouraged to pursue theatre as a means to express himself, Neel Tolani first began acting in period classic plays at the age of 14 in Kodaikanal International School. Guided and directed by theatre veteran, Mr. Donald Oberdorfer, he was first cast in a lead role as Phileas Fogg in Around the World in 80 Days. This role would serve as a milestone; not only in aiding him overcome his stutter and stammer, but also, allowing him to discover what he truly loved, acting. Over the remainder of his schooling period, he was cast in challenging, lead roles, on two further occasions; first as Henry Higgins in Pygmalion, (the non-musical version of My Fair Lady), and later as Wetherby Pond in The Happiest Days of Your Life. Keen to learn the art of filmmaking and the nuances that complement it, both in front of the camera, and behind, upon graduating from high school he chose to take a gap year and work in film and production. During this period he worked as a production assistant in the crossover film, The Other End of The Line, in which he was also cast as Aditya, who is featured in the trailer. Encouraged to follow a stable career path, he then attended Royal Holloway, University of London where he received his Single Honours Management Degree. However, persisting to follow his passion during his time at university, he worked closely with students from the film department, acting in, and assisting in directing several student short films. These include; Scott vs. The World, the lead role as detective Michael McDonnell in The Ghosts of Royal Holloway, and advertisements for classes such as Advertising and Marketing in Brand Promotion. Upon graduating from university, he rejected his offer for a master's degree from Imperial College London in Strategic Marketing to return to India to satiate his craving to act in theatre once again. Shortly thereafter, he was cast alongside India's biggest theatre personality, Alyque Padamsee, as co-lead Biff Loman in Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. Since his return, he's toured with the play to sold out shows in Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi. Acted in short films addressing matters he feels require immediate attention and awareness, such as the prevention of sexual harassment in professional work environments. Acted in corporate films for brands such as The Taj Group of Hotels and Kanakia builders. Acted in television commercials for brands such as Amazon and Philips. Modeled for India's biggest fashion houses and publications such as GQ, Elle, and Lakme Fashion Week. Worked as an assistant director on television commercials for a local production house for brands such as Johnson & Johnson and Himalya Herbals. At present, he acts, models, works as a voice-over artist, and assistant director. He continues to audition, as he manifests his dreams as a critically and commercially acclaimed actor in Indian and International Cinema. He aspires to act, write, and direct films addressing matters he feels require immediate ethical and humane attention and awareness in our country, such as addiction, depression, and sexual harassment to name a few.