Carving his name on the international stage is Durban University of Technology’s (DUT’s) adaptive alumnus, Ashish Misra.
The charismatic Information Technology (IT) graduate, actor, model and entrepreneur is currently building a career in both South Africa and the United States.
Ashish moved to Los Angeles in October 2024 to study at the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Arts Academy (AMDA) after receiving a full scholarship. Upon completing his studies in Los Angeles this year, he plans to pursue acting full-time in Hollywood.
Ashish has showcased his talent in South African productions, including the film Cane Cutter, which was released last year. His most recent role is in the South African film Sugar Cane Boy, where he plays one of the lead roles.
In Sugar Cane Boy, he portrays Ruen Murguppa, the heir to the powerful Murguppa empire. What drew him to the role was the depth of his character.
“He challenges the life that was mapped out for him and discovers that true character isn’t measured by status or power, but by how you treat others,” he expressed.
As a South African actor who grew up in Durban, Ashish said it was an honour to help tell a story that reflects the country’s people, culture and the universal values of family, identity and resilience.
“I hope audiences connect with Ruen’s journey and are reminded that humility is one of the greatest strengths a person can have,” he said.
As a DUT alumnus, Ashish says his time at the University gave him a strong foundation in discipline, critical thinking and problem-solving, while his acting training has taught him creativity, resilience and the ability to adapt quickly.
“The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, and every project presents new challenges, different cultures and unique ways of storytelling,” he highlighted.
Working on productions in both South Africa and the United States has required him to continuously learn, collaborate with diverse teams and step outside his comfort zone. Those experiences have strengthened his ability to adapt while remaining committed to excellence.
He believes this is what it means to be an adaptive graduate: embracing change, continuously learning and using every opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
Representing DUT on the international stage is something he carries with pride, and he hopes his journey reflects the values of perseverance, innovation and lifelong learning that the University instils in its graduates.
Looking ahead, his immediate goal is to continue building his career in Hollywood by breaking into major television series and securing leading roles in A-list feature films.
“Every role is an opportunity to grow, and I’m focused on working with world-class filmmakers, collaborating with exceptional talent and taking on characters that challenge me creatively while connecting with audiences around the world,” he shared.
At the same time, Ashish says it is important for him to maintain a strong presence in the South African film industry.
“South Africa is where my journey began, and I’ll always be passionate about telling stories that showcase our country’s incredible talent, culture and diversity on the global stage,” he added.
Ashira Misra in his studio.
Alongside his acting career, he recently launched RBQ AI Studios, a creative company that combines artificial intelligence with cinematic storytelling to produce Hollywood-quality commercials and branded content.
“It allows me to merge my background in technology with my passion for film while creating innovative opportunities within the creative industry,” emphasised Ashish.
To achieve these goals, he is committed to continually refining his craft through training, consistently auditioning for high-level projects, expanding his professional network and creating opportunities through his own work.
“I’ve always believed that success comes from preparation, persistence and having the courage to dream beyond your circumstances. My goal is not only to build a lasting international career but also to inspire the next generation of South Africans to believe that, with hard work and determination, the world truly can become their stage,” he expressed.
Sugar Cane Boy is currently showing at Suncoast CineCentre and Nu Metro cinemas. Audiences are encouraged to check cinema schedules for screening times.
Pictured: DUT alumnus, Ashish Misra.
Waheeda Peters
