Bahador Foladi is a well-known actor on the rise internationally. He has just wrapped season 2 of the Apple TV+ series TEHRAN and is currently shooting the feature film KANDAHAR. The new season of THE MACHINERY (2020-2021) will soon be on TV. Bahador has starred in many productions such as the hit series GÅSMAMMAN (2016-2019), BOX 21 (2020), and STHLM REKVIEM (2018). His native languages are Swedish and Persian. And he also speaks American English fluently.
- Where are you originally from and where are you located recently on the map?
I’m originally from Iran, my family and I came to Sweden when I was 3 1/2. I was raised in Gothenburg in a suburb called Angered. I also started my career as an actor at ”Angereds Teater” theater company when I was a teenager. I’m based in Stockholm, Sweden. Right now, I’m in Saudi Arabia shooting a Hollywood feature film called Kandahar.
- Why did you choose acting?
Ever since I was a little boy, I loved watching movies and TV series, mostly American shows and movies. I remember myself as a kid, I used to watch a lot of classic films with my father because he was also a real film enthusiast and he was also an actor in Iran and Sweden. He introduced me to a lot of different directors and movies genres which affected my life in a very good way. But I never thought that I was going to become an actor when I was a teenager because for me life was about something else, I started to study martial arts at the age of 7, it was the art of tae kwon do and I thought that was going to be my future. I won the Swedish junior championship when I was 17.
There was this theater company “Angereds teater”, they had a high-level of education experience where they had an audition for 13 students which I auditioned for and got accepted, so I took leave from high school for a year to participate in this education. The theater company’s course plan was to have acting classes and different classes in fine arts and aesthetics. At the end of the education, during the 6 months rehearsal, we improvised a play together with the professional actors who were in the ensemble of the theater company. During my education, the Artistic Director who was in charge of the whole company asked me if I wanted to stay and continue my work as an actor at the theater company and I was really thrilled because I hadn't even completed my high school education and this company offered me to stay and work as a professional actor. So, I did what I had to do, I dropped out of high school and I became part of the ensemble at the theater company and that was just the beginning of my career.
- You’re a multi-talented actor with many credits in film and TV; what would you say motivates and inspires you to be the best in your profession?
The best inspiration for me is life itself and the experiences one lives throughout one’s life. But I also choose to be inspired differently for each project. I find my inspiration through music, books, movies, plays, through my kids, my wife, and my friends. Physical training for me is a good motivation to perform better when I’m trying to find the character role, even though the character is not physical. It's still helping me to find a good balance which I think is the most important thing for a role to have, a strong foundation for the character role.
- As an actor what would you say it’s your favorite genre in the roles you play?
I think my favorite genre is play comedies because you get so much joy when you make other people happy and laugh at your performance. I’ve done a lot of comedies throughout my career on stage but not much on TV or in the movies which I hope to play in the future. But I really enjoy other genres too, both drama and action are also part of my favorite genres and also science-fiction. I think the most fun I've had on the set is in the action genre because you get to do a lot of crazy stuff, like preparing a stunt or going through weapon training. Or even, when you get to train really hard physically for a part and maintain that strength and stamina through the entire shoot. That's fun.
- Do you want to share with us any of your hobbies or the things you do aside from acting?
One of my absolute favorite hobbies is spending time and playing with my two children. I am a film buff so I like to watch a lot of movies and also TV series when I have the time and not working much. Also, physical training like going to the gym and jogging outside in nature is a hobby too.
- Do family and friends play an important role in your life? How do they keep you balanced?
Absolutely. I have two children and live together with my wife and that’s the center of my life. Everything else is secondary. But I wish It was that easy. Sometimes it could get really lonely when I have to travel and work in other cities or countries and when it’s impossible, I bring my family with me. I hate “quality time via video calls” with my kids; it’s not what I hoped for by being a successful actor.
- What are some of the projects that you have just wrapped up recently and what are some of the future ones?
The last two projects I've wrapped are first of all the Machinery season 2. It was really a fun project. Richard Holm, who is a great director and a wonderful person, the way he works is just delightful, he makes everybody feel welcome and loved which is important. I think that’s one of the best qualities a director could have. The second project I wrapped a few weeks ago was Tehran season 2. I must say it was one of the happiest times in my life as an actor. Everybody on that project has a special place in my heart. So rewarding and grateful by being part of that show. So much talent in front and behind the camera. I was to remain lifelong friends with plenty of my colleagues from the series. At the moment, I shooting Kandahar which is a Hollywood feature film starring Gerard Butler and Navid Negahban. The film is directed by Ric Roman Waugh and produced by Thunder Road Pictures. A CIA operative and his translator flee from special forces in Afghanistan after exposing a covert mission.
- Tell me a few things about your role in the Tehran series and Kandahar film.
I can’t disclose much but I can say stay tuned for both.
- Who are some top film directors you’d aspire to work with?
All right! I’m going to name some of the directors I would like to work with because their movies inspired me when I was younger: Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Kathryn Bigelow, Quentin Tarantino, Susanne Bier, Cristopher Nolan, and many more.
- Do you believe social media are a great support to actors?
Yes, it’s a great support to actors if they want to reach out to their fans. Years ago, actors had to call the press if they wanted to make an announcement or just say something important, but now actors could just do it themselves, so yes, I consider it a powerful tool.
- Do some of your childhood dreams have come true?
To be successful in life was one of my childhood dreams.
- What’s your motto?
Never stop dreaming!
