Sanyu Srikanth is a South Indian actress with over a decade of experience in film and theatre, with credits in more than 19 films and 14 stage productions. She holds a B.F.A. in Acting for Film from the New York Film Academy, where she honed her craft in Acting for Film, Contemporary and Theatrical Acting, Shakespeare, Period Styles, Voiceover, Improvisation, Audition Technique, and Stage Combat. Throughout her time at NYFA, she was named to the Dean’s List every semester for her acting and academic achievements, and she was honored as the commencement speaker at her graduation ceremony. Her performance credits include FOR HIM, BEAN DIP, MURDER'S IN THE HEIR, BACHELORETTE, and MODERN AMERICAN ROMANCE.
Now based in New York City and Washington D.C., Sanyu balances her time between auditions, film sets, and her creative projects in writing and filmmaking.
Her love for acting began at age 10 with homemade videos that evolved into a lifelong passion for storytelling. She took her first bow in WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN at Rocky Run Middle School and went on to immerse herself in Chantilly High School's theatre program, performing in productions like LOVE/SICK and GROUP THERAPY. Her commitment earned her a letter, pin, and induction into the International Thespian Society. In addition, Sanyu has also brought dynamic characters to life in unconventional spaces, most notably as Joanne Diamond in COMMONWEALTH VS. DIAMOND, performed at the Fairfax County Courthouse. She quickly attracted industry attention, by being offered a role in a JCPenney commercial after a standout audition in New York.
Between 2007 and 2013, Sanyu trained in Classical Indian dance and singing, winning multiple awards in both solo and team categories. She also served as an anchor for live cultural events hosted by Anu Arts Academy, earning recognition for her stage presence and charisma.
Her passion for storytelling extends far beyond performance. Sanyu has earned over five writing awards, including the Peace Essay Award and the For Love of Country Foundation Award, and continues to refine her voice through filmmaking, creative writing, and script development. She served as dramaturg for the production of CRAVE, exploring the psychological depths of the text and guiding the cast through its emotional landscape. In addition, Sanyu has hands-on production experience, taking on roles such as behind-the-scenes photographer, marketing, sound, and 2nd AC for FEDORA RON. She has contributed as stage manager for IT’S NOT YOU, GOING TO SCHOOL, and CUT at Chantilly High School, supported the props team for MAMMA MIA, and assisted the tech teams for LEGALLY BLONDE and WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN at Rocky Run Middle School.
Recently, she created her own film project, FOR HIM, taking the lead as both writer and editor. With full creative involvement, Sanyu brought the story to life on screen and continues to develop additional original projects, including WHEN SPARK MEETS STILLNESS and MY MUSEUM.
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 2020, she’s used her platform to promote discipline, strength, and self-confidence.
As a proud first-generation South Indian artist, Sanyu is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry. She strives to bring diverse characters to life in ways that not only reflect the complexity of human experience, but also offer audiences a sense of connection, catharsis, and relief from the weight of reality. Whether she’s performing on stage, starring on screen, or creating from behind the camera, she remains grounded in her mission: to inspire, connect, and challenge through the power of storytelling.
