“Hollywood has a keen interest in India due to its rapidly growing economy. India is currently experiencing a GDP growth rate of approximately nine per cent per year, which makes it an attractive destination for global projects. Everyone wants to come to India, and Hollywood is eager to collaborate on projects here,” says Indian-American actor Vishy Ayyar. In a recent interview with Patriot, Vishy shared his insights on why India has become an attractive market for Hollywood and spoke about his journey in the entertainment industry.
Recently, Vishy was in India to promote his action-drama film American Warrior, which was screened at the prestigious 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on March 25. The story of American Warrior revolves around an Indian immigrant who loses everything due to business misfortune, only to ultimately rediscover himself.
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Vishy wrote the script for American Warrior and shared the challenges he faced in bringing the story to life. “I wrote the script for American Warrior back in 2013 and took it to Hollywood. They loved the story, but they did not think I was the right person for the lead role. However, I was adamant that this was my story, and I should be the one to play the protagonist. After much persistence, I made it happen,” Vishy recalled. His determination paid off, and the film marks a major milestone in his career, elevating him to the next level of stardom.
Vishy highlighted the differences between Hollywood and Bollywood, particularly the contrasting star systems. “In Hollywood, there is less emphasis on stardom. The industry is more open and inclusive, with opportunities for people from all walks of life to make films. There is a market for different types of films and the focus is more on the story than on the star,” he explained.
In contrast, Bollywood tends to prioritise established stars. “In India, I have heard that only big stars can get work. The industry is more star-driven, and that is something which I think from my own experiences,” he said.
Vishy also spoke about the unique storytelling approach in Hollywood, which focuses on realism. “In Hollywood, the approach is very different. Directors aim to keep things as real as possible, and there is a lot of freedom given to actors. They do not give you step-by-step instructions on how to act. They also allow you to add your own flavours to the character. Hollywood films tend to be gritty and real,” he said.
Vishy’s journey to Hollywood was not an overnight success. He began his acting career at the age of five, performing in theatre. “I grew up doing theatre, and I trained in French theatre as well,” he shared. Despite this early exposure, it was not until later in life that he realised his true calling. “Life taught me some spiritual lessons that made me believe I should pursue acting more seriously. I did school plays, but I always had the dream of becoming a Hollywood actor, particularly in action films. While I’ve done some smaller roles in films, American Warrior is the big break I’ve been working towards.”
Looking ahead, Vishy is open to opportunities in Bollywood if the right project comes along. “I would love to work in Bollywood if the opportunity arises. I am always looking for good stories to be a part of,” he said. He also expressed admiration for several Bollywood films, including 3 Idiots, Parineeta, Agneepath, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. “I enjoy watching movies that are different, that offer unique storytelling and perspectives,” he added.
Vishy spoke fondly of American actor Omi Vaidya, who plays his cousin in American Warrior. “Omi plays a negative role in the film, and he has been a good friend of mine.
I am a big fan of his work, and we have become close over time. I once told him that I was watching a scene with Aamir Khan and him in the same frame, and he joked that he was doing such an act with Aamir—imagine what he could do with me. He is a very humorous person and we have had a lot of fun working together,” Vishy said, laughing.
As an actor, Vishy hopes his work will inspire others. “Ultimately, my goal is to inspire someone, to contribute positively through my work. I want to bring good stories to the world,” he said. He shared an anecdote from a recent film festival, where he encountered a family from a sports background. “Our work had such a powerful impact on them that they got back into the field and ended up winning. That is the power of cinema—its ability to touch lives and change perspectives,” he added.
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Born in 1974, Vishy maintains strong ties to his hometown, Chennai. “I visit Chennai every year for two months to spend time with my father. It is important for me to stay connected to my roots,” he explained. His wife is from Haryana, and Vishy also mentioned that he visits Delhi every five years to maintain his connection with the capital.
