ZION DAS

When did you start to get interested in acting?

As a kid, I loved chatting, not only to kids my age, but also to those younger and older than me, especially adults. I always wanted to be an active participant in anything and everything happening around me, be it a conversation, a heated debate, exploring ideas to solve a problem, hatching a mischievous plan, whatever. I have been pushed onto the stage for extempore speeches, be a judge at church during Easter for dads saying dad jokes, sing a song at a gathering, and so on. From my childhood I didn’t have any stage fright. In fact, I used to quite enjoy it when people around me gave me importance and wanted me to perform on stage while other kids around me were extremely reluctant. I must admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the claps, the noise and the appreciation from the audience, and I started becoming confident that I must be quite good on stage. Since I enjoyed performing so much, I made it my business, not only to memorize my lines, but also those of my fellow actors/actresses. My teachers in school and the creative team at church loved me for that. My parents spotted my qualities and started encouraging and motivating me to excel in things that I am good at. They always wanted me to utilise my strengths and follow my dreams. I started dreaming that one day I will become a very popular actor, have a great following, and utilise my popularity to bring the word of god to millions that desperately need it.

If you were an advertisement, which would your slogan be?

My slogan would be “Humility in achievements paves the path to success.”

Tell us about your leading role in the project WeSwim.

During and post COVID attendance at public and private pools had reached a record low. Since the majority of the Australian population resides along the coastline, it is necessary for Aussie kids to be getting swimming lessons. Parents are also encouraged to keep their children engaged in swimming as long as possible. This project was an Australian Government initiative to boost attendance in swimming centers across the country.

Do you like your character and why?

I liked doing the campaign, because I could swim and have fun in the water for almost 6 hours. Made new friends. I was going to be seen on the cover page of the brochure and on TV screens all across Australia.

How did you prepare for the role?

It was shot in Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Surfers Paradise, Australia. It was a huge place, and I had to prepare myself to swim in the huge pools. I also needed to find out what types of swimming I’d be required to do – freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, etc. I made friends with my co-models so that it was easy to work with them and have fun along the way. I needed to find out about the type and number of swim gear I needed to wear for the occasion.

Who are your filmmaker influences?

Dallas Jenkins and Steven Spielberg

Have you set any future goals to achieve?

Yes! Short term goals are to land a heap of significant projects in the Aussie entertainment industry, and my long term goals are to make it big in Hollywood like Leonardo DiCaprio.