Disha Patani is ready to add a new chapter to her acting career. After making her mark in Bollywood with action entertainers and big-budget commercial films, the actor is now preparing for her Hollywood debut with Holiguards Saga – The Portal of Force. While stepping into international cinema is often seen as a dream achievement for many Indian actors, Patani believes the journey is much more demanding than people imagine.
In a recent conversation with Variety India, the actor spoke about working on her first Hollywood project, collaborating with Kevin Spacey and the reality behind finding opportunities overseas. Rather than calling it a glamorous transition, she described the process as highly technical, where auditions, representation and simply being present in the right place can matter just as much as talent.
Disha Patani shares her experience of working with Kevin Spacey
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Holiguards Saga – The Portal of Force is Kevin Spacey’s involvement. Apart from sharing the screen with the Oscar-winning actor, Patani also experienced his directing style during the project. According to her, Spacey creates an environment where actors are encouraged to explore their characters instead of simply following instructions.
Speaking about the experience, Disha said, “He is amazing. Being an actor, he understands his actors. He is one of the finest actors in the world. He gives his actors a lot of space to experiment. He would tell us to draw from our own experiences. We would be encouraged to think of questions like ‘How would you react to a situation like this?’ ‘Would you cry?’ ‘What would you feel?’ ‘How would you emote?’ Every morning, he would sit with us and take us through the scene. I found that really special. I don’t think I had done that with any of the creators in the past. It’s also like taking some responsibility in understanding the character and delivering it.”
Patani explained that this collaborative process made every scene feel more personal because actors were expected to understand their characters on a deeper level. Instead of relying only on scripted emotions, they were encouraged to bring their own instincts and life experiences into each performance. She described that approach as one of the most memorable parts of working on the film.
Breaking into Hollywood isn’t as simple as people think
The actor also addressed a common belief that entering Hollywood depends purely on talent or popularity. According to Patani, the reality is much more complicated, with casting decisions influenced by accessibility, professional representation, auditions and practical factors that many people rarely consider.
Sharing her perspective, she said, “A lot depends on accessibility. The West focuses heavily on audition templates. You have to audition for things. It depends on how accessible that is for you and who you are signed with. Destiny also plays a role. Sometimes, they just end up seeing your work and offer you projects and auditions. It also depends on the visa and other logistics. It’s all very technical.”
Patani believes international casting follows a structured system where actors must constantly audition and build professional relationships. Having the right management team and being available in the market can often make the difference between receiving an opportunity and missing one altogether. She suggested that while luck sometimes opens doors, preparation and visibility remain equally important.
The actor further explained that physical presence in another country also plays a major role in securing international projects. She said, “It is a different country at the end of the day. But you will have to be present. You can’t sit here and crack roles there. You can audition from here, but it is best to go there, stay for a bit and work on it. It is the same with any country.”
Her comments reflect an experience shared by several Indian actors who have attempted to build careers overseas. While digital auditions have made global casting more accessible, filmmakers still prefer meeting performers in person during later stages of the selection process. Spending time in international markets also allows actors to network, attend auditions more easily and become familiar with the industry’s working culture.
With Holiguards Saga – The Portal of Force, Disha Patani now joins a growing list of Indian actors exploring opportunities beyond Bollywood. Whether the film opens more international doors for her remains to be seen, but the actor believes success abroad requires far more than simply waiting for an offer. As she puts it, persistence, preparation and being present where opportunities exist remain just as important as talent itself.
