Actor • Writer

Sanyu Srikanth is a 22-year-old actress based in New York, balancing her time between auditions, film sets, and her studies at the New York Film Academy. Her journey in acting began at just 10 years old with homemade videos, but what started as playful exploration soon transformed into a lifelong passion for storytelling. Today, Sanyu brings depth and versatility to her roles, performing across stage, film, and digital media.

Her introduction to the world of theatre came during middle school at Rocky Run, where she took her first bow in Wiley and the Hairy Man. That spark ignited a fire. By the time she reached Chantilly High School, she had fully immersed herself in the theatre program bringing characters to life in productions like Love/Sick (Liz) and Group Therapy (Kelsey) while also working behind the scenes in tech and set design. Sanyu’s versatility extended beyond acting, and she rose to the role of stage manager for productions like It’s Not You and Cut. For her dedication, she earned a letter, pin, and lifetime induction into the International Thespian Society.

But Sanyu’s talent couldn’t be confined to school walls. In a courtroom-turned-theatre, she portrayed Joanne Diamond in Commonwealth vs. Diamond at the Fairfax County Courthouse, using sharp improvisational skills to hold the audience’s attention. She also captured the interest of talent agents in New York City, landing a role in a JCPenney commercial after a standout audition.

Performance art has always been in her blood. From 2007 to 2013, she trained in Classical Indian dance and singing, competing—and winning—in events such as the Centreville Immigration Forum and KAGW. Her success across individual and team categories speaks to her dedication and artistic range. She even ventured into anchoring, hosting two events for Anu Arts Academy, and earning awards for her on-stage presence.

Sanyu’s passion for storytelling goes beyond acting. As a writer, she’s explored everything from journalism to scriptwriting, collecting awards like the Peace Essay Award, Mentors Make a Difference Award, and For Love of Country Foundation Award. Her ability to develop compelling narratives lends a unique edge to her acting, allowing her to craft nuanced, layered characters that resonate deeply with audiences.

When Sanyu isn’t on stage or in front of a camera, she shares her journey on TikTok, where over 10,000 followers tune in to her posts about acting, fitness, and everyday life. Since taking up weightlifting in the summer of 2020, she’s been posting motivational content that empowers her audience to embrace strength, discipline, and self-confidence.

At the New York Film Academy, Sanyu is pushing boundaries, honing her craft in contemporary acting, voice-over, stunt work, and audition prep. Her dedication has earned her a spot on the Dean’s List, and she’s been cast in numerous short films, including Bean Dip, The Break Up, Love Life, Monomania, By Any Means, and The Door. Each project adds to her growing body of work, sharpening her skills and furthering her artistic vision.

As a first-generation South Indian actress, Sanyu takes pride in representing her heritage and is committed to telling stories that amplify underrepresented voices. Whether she’s performing on stage, starring on screen, or writing behind the scenes, Sanyu is driven by a single mission: to inspire, connect, and challenge audiences through the power of storytelling.