10 Things about Daya Vaidya
From an early age, performing seemed to be something that you were destined to do. Where did your love for the arts come from and what did you do in order to develop your skills even further?
I started dancing when I was three years old and my mom introduced me to theater when I was 10. I always loved performing and when I saw a youth performance of “Guys and Dolls,” I was hooked. I was forever changed by watching live theater. I knew that’s what I wanted to do. The next day, my mom enrolled me in that same theater company and I performed there until I left for college at UCLA. Everything about the arts moves me. I love the classics, namely Shakespeare. I love film and television and I love studying the overall craft of acting. I’ve spent many years training with Stuart Rogers at Stuart Rogers Studios. He is a true artist and taught me how to keep my love of art and theater alive, even when the business of Hollywood tries to take you away.
Which actor’s body of work made a lasting impression on you and which ones would you want the opportunity to work with?
It may sound typical, but I am absolutely obsessed with Meryl Streep. She is everything I want to be: she’s an artist, a mother, an activist…just an incredible talent. I saw her movies when I was in my teens and early 20s and read about her work ethic. I wanted to be as good at my craft and while that felt unattainable, the mere act of working towards such a lofty goal, still drives me to this day. She’s the best and I would absolutely die to work with her.
Currently, you’re on the Amazon series, BOSCH. How were you first introduced to the show and what was the most exciting part about jumping on board this project?
I auditioned for and joined Bosch in 2015 during season two. I knew that I wanted to play this role from the minute I read her. Jen Kowski is an ambitious, strong, savvy political animal. She doesn’t take no for an answer and wants to win at all costs. And, that’s just the kind of woman I like to play! The most exciting part of joining Bosch was getting to work with Lance Reddick. He’s the consummate veteran actor. He’s kind, fun and damn good!
As you mentioned, you play the role of Jen Kowski. What can you tell us about Jen’s personality and what you enjoy most about bringing her character to life?
Look at question three, but that is why I love this character. She was written as a man in the books, but now she’s a woman and it’s so much fun to be able to merge those two ideas. I love playing female roles that really go for power. Sometimes, society says women are not supposed to reach for power in that way, but that’s what I love the most in playing characters. I like breaking rules and taking chances…not just being the “nice little girl.”
One of the most appealing aspects of the show is the fact that we get to see a good portion of Los Angeles. How important of a role does that play for you as an actor when the location is authentic to the story?
One of the best things about Bosch is its authenticity. From the L.A. local, to the way they portray the characters, the cops, the mayors, to everyone, even the background. Everyone is real, authentic, and relatable. The show is about getting to the truth. That’s what makes this show special; it’s moody and real…it’s not polite or convenient. It puts you in that space when you’re playing in front of the camera and you’re automatically transported.
For those who haven’t binged the latest season, what can we expect to see from Jen and the rest of the cast?
Expect to see a lot of twists and turns and plot lines that mirror our real society. The Bosch writers seem to always know what’s going to be a pressing issue in our country, even though they started writing this a year ago. Somehow, they have their pulse on what’s happening in our world. So, everything on the show will take you on a ride and really split the difference between what is art and what’s reality. Jen gets to be on the political side of that, she gets to run the show this season, make new allies and make new enemies.
Dance has always been a major part of your life as a performer. Are there any plans to return to the stage where you can incorporate it even more?
I would love to do something and dance professionally again. I’m not sure yet what that might be, but I’m always open to incorporating dance into my career. My daughter is a serious dancer, so I see it maybe being something that I do with her in the future. I’m also obsessed with “So You Think You Can Dance.” I’ve never missed an episode in all its seasons. I would absolutely love to be a judge on that show!
If you weren’t working on your career in the entertainment industry, what career path would you get involved in?
I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else but this, because nothing else brings me the kind of joy I get from performing. I’ve never had a backup plan. The only other job that is as fulfilling, if not more, is being a mother. That’s the only other thing that I have as much passion for. Being a mother and being an actress – my two favorite things in the whole world.
When it comes to fashion, which designers and styles appeal most to your personality?
I grew up going to the garment district with my mom; she owned a clothing store. So, from a young age, my mom brought me along on her buying trips. I loved checking out new designers and fabrics and things like that. So, I’ve always been really interested in discovering new people, new designers and new trends that haven’t been discovered yet. I like to go into thrift shops, downtown L.A. or even to fashion schools to find that one designer that’s talented, unique and hungry.
We look forward to seeing more of you on Amazon’s BOSCH. What other projects do you have coming up?
Right now, we are in post-production with a film I produced with my husband, Don Wallace, as well as with our producing team, Jamie and Ryan Miningham (who wrote and directed the film), called “Locksmith”. I’m also in post-production on a pilot that Don and I star in called “Beyond The Badge.” We will be releasing these projects after we get more guidance on what will happen in our industry with social distancing. We look forward to getting back out there, but in a safe way.
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Photo Credit: Morgan Pansing