JINN Actress Upasana Beharee Takes Time's Up To Heart

Actor/writer/director and comedian Upasana Beharee has made it her mission to portray women's myriad of experiences on screen; in provocative work that often deals with hypocrisy in society, she explores themes like female sexuality and how society wants to dictate what a woman's sexuality should look like.

Currently, she is featured in the indie film "Jinn" which made a critically-acclaimed debut at this year's SXSW Festival. Written and directed by Nijla Mu'min, it's a fresh take on the coming of age story of an Oakland teenager who finds her life upended when her mother converts to Islam. The film shows how religion, sexuality, identity, and friendship can explode in an instant. Beharee was drawn to the subject and the theme of the script which aligns perfectly with her own take on women and their unique identities.

According to "Jinn" director Nilja Mu'min: "Beharee exudes a gentle, warm aura and her ability to channel Maryam really impressed me. Her performance was honest and truthful...She has undoubtedly become part of our artist's community here in Los Angeles."

Beharee's acclaimed production and directorial debut "All In A Night's Work" can be found on the "Sex in Shorts" line upon the Shorts HD channel. Shot in moody black and white, and set in the trendy East Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, the short reveals all the sides of Dreeva (played by Beharee), a thirty-something single woman whose most recent illicit fling has devastating consequences. "All in a Night's Work" is currently playing worldwide throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Beharee is a most provocative personality who loves defying society's expectations. Originally from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, she is an award-winning theatre actress, who has been performing since the of age 4 - first as a ballet dancer, then later transitioning to stage, radio and television roles, her most famous as Tash in the South African Soap Scandal. She is best known for her film appearances in "You Can't Curry Love" (2009), "Angels "(2013), and "Best Dramatic Short" (2011).

Beharee attended an Indian-only school, was required by law under apartheid, the racist system of discrimination she grew up with. This upbringing ignited her work as a filmmaker, actress and stand-up comedian. She often performs at the legendary club The Comedy Store in Hollywood as well as appearing at Flappers. She credits her stand-up experiences with keeping her humble. "It challenges me every time I get up on stage, without fail!" she says with a laugh.

As a television performer, she has appeared in "New Girl" on Fox, and was also featured in NBC's "Powerless" with Vanessa Hudgens and Dani Purdee. After "All in a Night's Work" debut at the 2016 LaFemme International Film Festival, she was given the opportunity to direct the award-winning web series "The Reckless Juliets." Her episode "Last Night Was Crazy" won a Best Drama award at the Baltimore Media Fest 2017 as well as the Best Ensemble Acting award at the 2018 Los Angeles Acting Awards.

As Hollywood is opening its arms wider to diverse women performers, Beharee is perfectly positioned to become an important member of the film community.

You can find out more about Upasana Beharee on her Facebook page or at www.upasanabehareee.com.

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