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A slice of life

OUT OF 3000 people auditioned, Delhi native Suraj Sharma won the coveted role of Pi in Ang Lee’s long-awaited adaptation of the eponymous best selling Yann Martel novel.

A sweeping representation of the book, which charts the memories of a boy who was shipwrecked in his youth with only a few animals who were onboard the vessel for company (most notably a tiger), Pi has been one of the most sought after parts for actors since the movie was announced. It is with no small amount of irony then that it went to Suraj, a 19-year-old student with no acting experience. Turning up to the screen test simply to support his brother, something about Suraj caught Ang’s eye, which led to him being catapulted along this life-changing journey.

Having already opened in the US and Europe, reviews for the film have been staggering. We spoke to Suraj over the phone in LA to find out more of what to expect.

What do you think made you right for the part when so many other actors tried and weren’t successful?

I have no idea! I don’t know if there was anything “Pi-like” about me before the movie. Since shooting, though, Ang has built up the character so much in me that I believe I will always carry a bit of the persona around. Like Pi, I was thrust into a situation I never thought I’d be in. I had to sink or swim. And like him, I swam.

Do you think the lack of nerves helped because you weren’t planning on trying out?

I went with my brother and I guess that did help. I had never thought of a career on screen and I was surprised when I got a call back. It was only when I got to the final rounds that I realised I really wanted the part.

How did your brother feel?

He was really happy for me.

How do you feel now the film is about to be shown in the Middle East?

I’m nervous, but I’m excited. I have seen the movie and honestly, if I weren’t in it, that would have been enough of an experience.

It’s a wonderful thing to have worked so hard on something and to have it come out so well.

What’s one specific aspect you feel is worth going to see the movie for?

Everything around you, when you watch it, is so beautiful. I think this is the movie where 3D will come into its own. The colours and images are so rich. Each shot is like a famous painting.

There are many Computer Generated Images in the film. Did you have trouble reacting to elements that weren’t in the room with you?

I had an amazing crew and this is my first film, so it is all I have ever known. Whatever I did would have been new, so I just adapted. I tried to make it as real as possible.

How close is the film to the book and were you a fan of Martel’s work?

I hadn’t read the book. I only read it after I got into the auditioning process. After I did, I really liked it. The film has taken some licence with the work, but remains faithful.

Do you think the movie gives a good representation of India?

It’s a good representation of that India; the India of the 1970s and ’80s. Ang has made it very colourful. I think people from abroad will be captivated by the country.

What was working with Ang like?

It was amazing. He is a genius. What I really like about him is that he is a great person. He knows and gets what he wants, but by being down to earth. If he tells you to do something, you want to do it.

So is this your career from now on? Will you stay in America or also incorporate Bollywood films?

I don’t know whether I want to act again or not. I like it, but may not do it again. More than acting I love being on set. So, whether in front of the camera or not, I want to be someone who tells stories.

I don’t mind which country that is in, as long as I get to be involved in the film industry and create pictures.

david@khaleejtimes.com