With fame comes social responsibility, says actor Sooraj Ohri – myuttarakhandnews.com | Uttarakhand News in English | Dehradun News Today| News Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand latest news

Tuesday, 25 JUNE  2024 | Anupma Khanna | DEHRADUN PIONEER INTERVIEW In a career spanning a decade in the Indian film and television industry, Sooraj Ohri has acted out various roles from portraying a member of the main squad in Rohit Shetty’s latest big-budget cop-universe action series ‘Indian Police Force’, primary roles in Ekta Kapoor’s hit TV serial ‘Parineetii’,  historical drama ’21 Sarfarosh’, Prime Video biopic ‘Swami Ramdev’ and other roles including in television series. Talking to The Pioneer while on a vacation in Dehradun, he spoke about his experience in the city, his journey as an actor and the social responsibility that accompanies fame. What brought you to Dehradun and how was your experience? I was here on a short holiday to get a break between my work. It was my first visit and Dehradun has become a favourite city. At a quiet homestay tucked away in the Kimadi area, I really enjoyed the serene environment, beautiful landscapes and experiences Doon has to offer. But I heard some locals worry about the haphazard urbanisation underway.  I truly hope that this wonderful place does not become a victim of excessive deforestation. How did you get started in the acting industry and what inspired you to pursue this career? I have always been passionate about bringing characters to life. Even as a child I loved cinema and storytelling. But after my studies I took up high-paying jobs with a super-luxury brand in Delhi. There was stability, security and material success, but my heart felt a void.  Three years in, I realised that I had to follow my dream and I relocated to Mumbai to become a full-time actor.   That was ten years ago and there has been no looking back. What has been the most challenging role you’ve played and why?  One of my most challenging roles was in the television serial ‘Parineeti’ where I played the primary negative character. It was challenging because I had to dive into the character’s complex psyche and motivations, which were totally different from my real personality. Bringing to life such a dark character required a great deal of emotional depth and nuance, making it a demanding but fulfilling experience. How do you prepare for a role? Do you have any specific techniques or rituals? I begin by reading the script multiple times to internalise the lines and get into the skin of the character. I often develop a back-story for the character to make them more relatable. In excellence, there is no substitute for practice so I rehearse a lot. I sometimes use method acting techniques to delve fully into the character’s world. What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are not star kids? Never give up on your dreams, no matter how tough the journey gets. Conviction, perseverance, and patience are what it takes. Keep honing your craft, hustle and believe in yourself. The entertainment industry is challenging, but your passion is worth the struggle. Just keep making an honest effort, the universe will show you the way. What are your future goals and aspirations within the film and TV industry and beyond? I wish to explore diverse roles and genres to push my boundaries as an actor. I’m excited about potential international projects, currently in talks with a major production house in Los Angeles. I also plan to direct a movie in the coming years. Additionally, I aim to use my public voice as an actor to promote positive change in the world. For example, having been practicing meditation for over 14 years, I want to spread awareness about the profound benefits and transformative power of meditation and talk about focusing on our overall health and fitness over only appearances. I firmly believe that with fame comes responsibility. Individuals in the public eye, regardless of their field, have a duty to positively influence minds and make a meaningful impact.