The Acting Journey of Sooraj Ohri
Can you tell us about your experience working on the TV show “Swami Ramdev Ek Sangharsh” and how it has influenced your acting career? “Swami Ramdev Ek Sangharsh” was definitely the most special Project for me till now. The character of Govind who was a yoga guru and was one of the Leading characters embodied the spirit of a warrior. This is set in the 1970’s when India was going through chaos. Was in a state of emergency. And there was a lot of police brutality, Govind carried the light within him and Fire. It was a story about him fighting the system and dying in the process of creating change. However, playing Govind made me realize my power as an actor. And that, come what may, I shall always be an Actor for Life.
What was it like playing the leading character in “Sunshine music tours and travels”? How did you prepare for that role? SMTT was a fun experience. For starters it was an ensemble cast and I was one of the leads. There wasn’t much preparation needed for this as a lot of it was improvised. Just once again shows that there is no one way to prepare for every role. It varies from project to project.
As an actor, how do you approach playing a negative lead character like in the show “Parineeti”? What challenges did you face while portraying this role? I feel it’s very important or at least helpful to Draw from the animal kingdom when creating characters. For me, when I was portraying Leo in Parineeti. I drew from the Eagle and Tiger. Embodied their body language, intensity and energy. Alongside, it’s also important for me to listen to my own instincts. I do feel a negative character needs to exude power and charm. Be magnetic. I did not face any challenges per say. My director Kushal Zaveri gave me all creative liberty to sketch my own character. It was a fun ride.
Could you share with us your experience working on the Amazon Prime series “Indian Police Force” and how it was different from your previous projects? This was a huge project. Pretty much like Marvel here. One of the biggest productions in India. And star director Rohit Shetty’s venture into streaming. I was one of the leading characters in the main squad of the Indian Police force. I was working with the biggest Stars alongside and in awe of the sets. The production value, the sets, the amount of people on sets – everything was magnanimous.
What do you enjoy most about being an actor in the entertainment industry? I love the process of being an actor. I always say being an actor is like being a warrior. You need to embody the warrior spirit to be able to be a working actor and reach the top. I am deeply in love with what it entails to be an actor. From being in class every week doing scene study to making sure I put myself out and meet industry associates at events to just making sure I am always prepared when opportunity meets me halfway.
Can you share any memorable moments or experiences from your acting journey so far? The most memorable moment was definitely when I was shooting for a short film “Within” which unfortunately never got released. It had one of the most senior actors in India playing my father. The film was all about a boy who ran away from his house because he was physically abused by his disciplinarian father in his childhood. And how he comes back home after 20 years, when he is at a very high position in the UN. He does not look like a 9-year-old boy now. He is a 30-year-old man, and how he connects with his Father. The scene was very tricky and emotional. But I remember when the director said cut after that reconnecting scene. I was in a trance and just felt it so deeply. And before I could think, the whole set was clapping, and the director came and kissed my forehead and hugged me. Even though the film never saw the light of day, that moment will always be special.
How do you keep yourself motivated and inspired in such a competitive industry? I think motivation and happiness is a skill. I believe in fluid discipline. Not binding yourself and being rigid but doing whatever you need to everyday to be aligned mentally, physically and spiritually. Come what May I start my day with gratitude, meditation, coffee and strategic journaling, cold reading and improv and a healthy breakfast to reward myself. In that order. Doing these things every day keeps me motivated and inspired.
Are there any particular actors or directors who have had a significant impact on your acting style or career? Kushal Zaveri the director who directed me in Swami Ramdev ek sangharsh and recommended me for Parineeti years later and directed me in that too. Will always remain my most special director. Have given me my two most treasured characters, also having faith in me to create and trust my art. And the way he would come and help me tap into my reservoirs when I would feel depleted. Inspires me.
What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are just starting their journey in the industry? I would say, make sure you know Why you Want to be an actor. If it’s only for the fluff and glamour, it mostly will be a rude awakening. If it’s for the love of the art and craft of acting, you will sooner or later … Thrive!!
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or roles that you are excited about? I am about to sign with a big agency here in Hollywood. I am in the midst of choosing who I go with. I do feel it’s not about having an agency, it’s all about having the right agency. In terms of the projects, something’s are definitely brewing and simmering and are exciting. But I can’t reveal more about them right now. I will most definitely later when I can, and things are more concrete.
You can follow Sooraj career at
https://www.instagram.com/soorajohri1/
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12191420/
