He watched his uncle Arjun Sarja’s film, Sadhu, and ever since, the thirteen-year-old wanted to be an actor. His wish finally comes true — Dhruv Sarja, after a long wait, will debut in the film Addhuri.
“My grandfather, Sakthi Prasad is a theatre person and my inspiration. I was part of theatre too. It was during one such play, Uru Bhanga, that director Arjun discovered me. He offered a role in his film, Addhuri,” says Dhruv, who has ever since, been an obedient student of director Arjun.
“For almost three months I completed all the homework that was assigned to me from my director, who helped me hone my skills.”
It has not been an easy journey. “In the film, I play a character who is exactly the opposite of the ‘real’ me. I’m a quiet person and a slow talker. My character in the film is a jabber mouth. I studied in an all boys’ school and college. I’ve never had a girl sit next to me in class. Playing the college scene of having to share a bench with a girl felt a little weird,” he explains.
The actor had to lose 30 kilos for the film.
“I’m a boxer and a body builder. When the director saw me, he insisted that I lose at least 20 kilos. He wanted me to look like a lover boy and not like a rowdy,” jokes Dhruv, adding, “I’m quite an extremist. So, I almost fasted for 25 days — just eating a lot of veggies and drinking green tea. I lost 19 kilos in 25 days.”
Talking about the film, he says, “It’s a privilege to be a part of such a talented crew. I’ve great memories. I enjoy doing the action shots myself - I even had to jump from a height of 65-feet without a rope,” says Dhruv, who even suffered from a muscle tear.
Talking about working with Radhika Pandit, he says, “I was pretty nervous initially. But she really put me at ease. She didn’t treat me like a debutant. She always assisted and guided me.”
What most people don’t know is that this young lad is a member of two bands. “I used to be a part of the rap group, Urban Lads.
“I’m also a part of the hip hop band, Down South Rhythms. I love hip hop. I write songs and sing. I’m a huge fan of 50 cent and 2 Pac,” he says.