PEOPLE
Sugar Land native Raja Deka
is a TV and film actor
Actor Raja Deka shares how his hard work
led him to Hollywood and a role in G.I. Joe
Written by Rina C. John | Photography courtesy of Raja Deka
28 r   Visit SugarLandMagazine.com for Fort Bend jobs, events, news and more.
Raja Deka lives
in LA now, but
always finds time
to come back to his
hometown to visit
family and friends
Deka’s acting career
started with a theater
role as Sonny in Grease
Deka says acting
involves hard work and
believing in yourself
Sugar Land resident Raja Deka always knew he wanted to do something
interesting and inspiring with his life. After a conversation with his
dad, he realized he needed to pursue his dream of acting.
What was your first acting gig?
I played Sonny in Grease at the Pasadena Little Theatre.
What did you do before you started acting?
I actually did acting on the side while working a full-time
job supporting NASA’s flight operations. I was also recruited
to support U.S. Embassies worldwide. I started acting fulltime in Los Angeles in 2010.
Why did you start acting?
I resigned from my job shortly after a conversation I had
with my father. He said, “I noticed you’ve been putting a
lot of energy into your acting. This is your time to really do
it. You have the heart, the will, and are my blood; you will
have no choice but to do well in entertainment. I am going
to transfer to LA, and we will buy a home together. I want
to see you more, and I promised mom I would look out for
you. I can even cook for you like when you were young. Let
me know when you resign.” That was the last time I talked to
dad; just days later he passed away. After that, it was clearer
than ever I should leave my position in Washington DC and
head to LA to make my dream a reality. I had no financial
plan, but no decision ever felt stronger.
What other talents do you have?
I have been dancing since childhood, and have been told I
can channel Michael Jackson.
What advice would you give to someone who
wants to pursue acting?
Do it because it moves you and be ready to be in it for the
long haul. It’s a lifetime of commitment. It’s essential to be
open minded, positive, and have the mindset that you are
a student for life - always evolving and growing with every
experience.
What are the pros and cons of acting?
You have the ability to reach the world through this
medium, but it takes patience, lots of hard work,
perseverance, and unconditional belief in your ability.
What is your goal?
I want to become an icon and leave a positive impact
on humanity so when I leave this world, I can say I left
something to benefit generations to come.
Who is your inspiration?
What movies and TV shows have you been on?
G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Arrested Development, and Homeland
My parents. When I was young they said, “There is only one
of you in this world.” That never left me and to this day I
always knew I was destined for greatness - we all are.
What did you enjoy about filming G.I. Joe?
What do you love about Sugar Land?
G.I. Joe was my absolute favorite throughout my childhood.
I still have my old figurines and vehicles, and they filmed at
a NASA site, of all places.
My family and friends make it home. It’s the best place on
Earth, hands down. SLM
RINA C. JOHN enjoys meeting new people
and hearing their interesting stories.
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