Biography
Jimi has achieved world recognition and success on both sides of the Atlantic. He has established himself as a star of both small budget independent films such as East is East and enormously successful Hollywood blockbusters such as Blood Diamond, 2012 and The Guru.
He can boast a galaxy of 'A' list co-stars such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Danny Glover, John Cusack and Heather Graham.
Career
Jimi first gained recognition as the rebellious son Tariq in the film East is East. He played the part on stage at the Royal Court before it was made into a film in 1998.
He then played Dr Fred Foncesca in EastEnders for 38 episodes (1999 - 2000).
He starred in his first US film The Guru playing Ramu Gupta, an Indian dance teacher who moves to America to be a star, but ends up with a career using his unique sensual abilities to please women. The film also starred Heather Graham and Marisa Tomei.
He has also appeared in Blood Diamond alongside Leonardo Di Caprio, Guy Ritchie's RocknRolla and Partition alongside Neve Campbell. He also starred in 2012 alongside John Cusack and Danny Glover, and the BAFTA-nominated Exam.
This year he appeared in Gurnder Chadha's new film It's a Wonderful Afterlife which premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, Basement - a horror movie with Danny Dyer - and he had a cameo in West is West, the sequel to East is East.
Jimi wrote and produced a music documentary about Ibiza entitled And the Beat Goes On, exploring the history of the island, the birth of House Music and the art of the DJ. DJs involved in the film included Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong and Danny Tenaglia.
Background
Jimi was born in Scarborough, Yorkshire.
His father is of Indian Hindu descent and his mother is an Irish Roman Catholic. He attended St. James' Catholic High in Cheadle Hulme before his family relocated to Cardiff at 16, where he already attended Radyr Comprehensive School.
It was in Cardiff that he joined a Thrash heavy metal band for two years, which he loved. In the late 80s he discovered a new love, hardcore rave. Jimi would travel all over the UK to go to the best raves.
Mistry says, "I never wanted to and still don't want to be an actor. I tried to check out of drama school but the head teacher, who didn't even like me, said I was the one student she believed would make the big time. What did she know?"
He married his long-term girlfriend Meg, and their daughter Elin, who is now 9, was born six weeks later. Meg and Jimi are now divorced.
Trivia
When he was a child he wanted to be Michael Jackson and would spend hours practicing in the garage.
Jimi still regularly DJs in clubs across the UK and Europe.
Are you a fan of Jimi and Flavia?
Why not join in the discussion at Jimi & Flavia's Blog page - the home of "Team Flavistry"!
Dancing partner
Jimi Mistry will be dancing with Flavia Cacace.
