“Movies were never just entertainment for me. They were something more. As a child, I would sit in the theatre wondering — what if I could be that character? What if I could live that scene?

I still remember watching Vikramarkudu, directed by SS Rajamouli sir, and being stunned by Ravi Teja’s police character. I was so moved that I performed a monologue from it at my school’s fancy dress competition. The applause I received that day was the first spark. That was the moment something shifted. I started paying attention to narratives, to the emotion behind a character. That’s when I knew this wasn’t a phase. This was my calling.

Even as a student, I found my way to the stage. From Ravindra Bharathi to other local venues, I performed in several plays growing up. After completing my BTech, I got placed in a top MNC in Chennai. But the cinema stayed with me. I’d work as a software engineer by day and do part-time theatre in the evenings.

I trained at Naveena Koothupattarai, which gave me a strong base. Theatre taught me what books couldn’t — the discipline, the silence, and the power of performance.

My parents have always been practical. They never discouraged me. They said, “If this is what you truly want, be focused and committed.” That meant a lot. I started making short films, some of which even won awards. Slowly, I moved towards full-time acting. I’ve worked on commercial ads, political campaigns, social message videos, web series, and feature films — each role pushing me further.

In my journey, from short films to feature films, I’ve realised something important: art can’t be taught, it has to be lived. You learn from failing, from observing, from being around fellow artists.

I’ve worked on commercial ads, political campaigns, social message videos, web series, and feature films — each role pushing me further.

But my most challenging role till date is in Million Views, my first Hindi feature film. I play Jai, a complex, grey character in the film. I had to be mentally present at all times during the shooting phase, knowing where Jai was emotionally in every scene. It took me three intense weeks of prep and shoot. Working with director Anshul Sinha was a great learning experience. He’s clear, passionate, and mad about his characters. His workshops helped me dive deep into the role.
I wrote notes, did detailed character breakdowns, and worked on language and voice since it was in Hindi. This role demanded everything from me — and I gave it.

I’m constantly learning — from greats like Irrfan Khan, Mohanlal, Rajamouli sir, Nolan, Rana Daggubati, Imtiaz Ali, and countless technicians and co-actors who bring magic to a set.

To every aspiring actor — remember every day you dreamed of doing this. Consistency is everything. If not today, tomorrow. If not tomorrow, the day after. But never stop. Your inner voice will guide you. Be disciplined. Be prepared. Live the life of every character you meet.

That’s where the real journey begins.”

• Sai Sohan, Actor

cinema #passion #journey #againstallodds #acting #theatre #Lifelessons #hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad

(…Continued in the Next Post)