Pop Culturalist Chats with Siddharth Dhananjay

Siddharth Dhananjay is one of the stars of Patti Cake$, the breakout hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The story follows Patricia “Patti Cake$” Dombrowski, an aspiring rapper, who overcomes many obstacles in her life while pursuing her dreams of breaking into the music industry. Siddharth plays Jheri, Patti’s ride-or-die best friend, who believes in her even when she may not, and his performance is quickly making him an actor on the rise. Pop Culturalist had the chance to chat with him about the film, how he got started in the industry, and where we can see him next.

PC: Tell us about Patti Cake$ and how you got involved with the project?
Siddharth: Director Geremy Jasper found me on WorldStarHipHop! My friends and I make these spoof rap videos that we had put up online. Geremy randomly saw one and reached out to me.

PC: Who do you play in the film and what is his relationship with Patti?
Siddharth: I play Jheri who is Patti’s best friend/sidekick/hypeman/number one fan/life coach. He’s the R&B to her rap. He’s the guy who wholeheartedly believes in her even when she doesn’t believe in herself.

PC: Patti has aspirations of becoming a rapper but faces many naysayers in her life. Was this similar or different to your experience when you began acting?
Siddharth: It was quite different really. This movie was my first real acting experience, so I was naturally quite nervous about it, but the whole cast and crew were so loving and supportive. It almost never felt like it was my first time because everyone around me treated me like a peer and wished for me to do my best. It was the same with my parents and friends, as well. There was excitement and support all around.

PC: The film was a standout at Sundance this year. Why do you think it has struck a chord with audiences?
Siddharth: It’s really hard not to fall in love with Patti! She has so much heart and determination; you really want her to succeed. I also think people want to watch a movie like this right now where you can walk out of the theater feeling hopeful and positive about the world around you. There’s so much hate and negativity in the air right now, and this movie feels like a breath of fresh air.

PC: What was it like working with Geremy Jasper, who’s making his directorial debut?
Siddharth: Geremy is such a generous director and an incredible guy. He’s a genius! This being my first movie as well, I really looked to him during the whole process for guidance and support. I learned so much from him just watching him work, and I hope I get to work with him again in the future.

PC: The film is in theaters now. Can you describe how you’re feeling?
Siddharth: I’m nervous for sure! I really hope everybody likes it. It has been almost three years since we started making this movie, so it’s really bittersweet that it‘s finally out and that this chapter of my life is coming to a close. Who knows, maybe this isn’t the end for Patti Cake$.

PC: If you had to give an elevator pitch for the film, what would it be?
Siddharth: Patti Cake$ is about a young woman from Jersey with big dreams of becoming a rapper and escaping her tough life in the suburbs of Jersey with her misfit best friends. It’s about overcoming your haters and chasing your wildest dreams.

PC: Where can fans see you next?
Siddharth: On instagram, @therealbrahmin! I’m currently working on securing my O-1 Visa, which will let me work as an actor here in America. Once I have that, the possibilities are endless.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Siddharth: Bigg Boss Tamil

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Siddharth: Mars Attacks!

PC: Favorite book?
Siddharth: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Siddharth: Waiting for Godot

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Siddharth: Candlemass

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Siddharth: Instagram

PC: Go-to karaoke song?
Siddharth: “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel

Follow Siddharth on Twitter and Instagram, and catch Patti Cake$ in select theaters now.

Photo Credit: Michael Becker / Groomer: Cat Sherwin / Stylist: Veronica Graye