‘The Life Of Pi’ actor, Suraj Sharma, has come a long way in his new film ‘The  Illegal’

Suraj,  it's been  12  years since  your  phenomenal  debut  in The Life  Of Pi. How has  the Life  Of Suraj been during these years?

Life of Suraj has been like most lives. Full of ups and downs. I have been blessed however to get work in this film industry and meet the people I’ve had a chance to meet. I have lived in New York for the past 7 years and I love it here. I obviously miss home and India though. I’m hoping to learn and grow more as an actor and as a person and see what life has in store for me.

In The  Illegal,  I can see you have evolved  into quite  an Ang Lee Young Man. There is   anger, rage, bitterness and finally  acceptance in your performance. Where did all of this come  from?

I feel like everybody has emotions of struggle and frustrations in their life that they can tap into if they wish. I did the same. Also learning of these stories of immigrants in America and making friends with some of them, made me learn and realize things I didn’t before.

Like what?

A struggle and an emotional limbo that was and is still very hard for me to grasp. I tried to bring that into the performance and it had a strong affect on my character Hassan’s psyche. The loss he feels, the disillusionment, the distance, his endless desperation to do what he loves. Learning these things about him and taking to my director Danish Renzu about these helped us both  in trying  to  bring Hassan to life.

A lot has changed  for Asian  actors in  America  and  the West since Life  Of  Pi.  Do you feel that change? Have you benefited from the  'color blindness' that has lately crept into the casting of brown and black actors?

I feel like when I got here however many years ago things were way worse. Things have gotten better. There are better roles out here for people of color .But more importantly our stories are being told. There are more and more people of color as producers, directors, investors, and very importantly writers. Their stories and perspective shape the roles the actors get to play. This space is becoming more and more honest and wholesome which is a great and healthy sign for the industry and the people.

The Illegal casts  as you Hassan,  an immigrant  from Daryaganj chasing the  American Dream. How much did you  identify with the role? How  much research  did you have to undertake   before  plunging  into this complex part?

I identified with Hassan quite a bit.  Like Hassan I came from Delhi to the States to study film. Had dreams and an almost whimsical belief in how it would go. The process has been far harder than I or Hassan assumed and life has brought with it challenges to grow from.

Did you use your  personal  experiences in the US to play Hassan?

While in New York I spoke to many waiters and delivery guys at Indian restaurant while trying to get my homesick Indian food-fix. Slowly these turned into friendships and a few opened up to me about their families and how they feel like they’re stuck here. This really hit me and I feel for them. I also admire their positive attitude towards life despite these intense struggles. So when I read the script  of The  Illegal years later my mind went to them first. I talked to them more and found it important to do justice to their stories through this one. I hope the spirit of Hassan in his curiosity and kindness comes through as much as the loss and the frustration.

What  are  your forthcoming assignments. Are you happy  with  the progress you have made as an actor?

Next I am to do a film called Wedding Seasons. We are shooting in Canada and I am really looking forward to this project! There  are  more projects to do later during  the year . I am hopeful that I get to be more busy this year than last. Maybe even shoot in  India again, which is something I miss and want to do.

What developments in  your personal life? Are  you married? Or are  you seeing anyone?

I am not married yet. Need to learn and grow a lot first.

The past year has been  tough on the entire  civilization. How  has it been for  you? What would  your takeaways be from the pandemic?

I have dual emotions about the year. On the one hand the suffering of so many and the distancing from people has been really tough. It is a sad reality that we will overcome soon I hope. On the other hand I’ve had time for  myself after a long time. I spent a long time camping out in the forests of America. Living in nature after so long in the city really helped me get my energy back. I  went to a lot of the national parks when not many people were there and spent a lot of time writing songs, exercising, hiking and learning how to  cook. I feel like it’s been a long year but one I needed to live.

Finally, Irrfan who played  the grownup  version of  you in Life Of Pi passed  away last year. What did that mean to  you?

It was extremely saddening to hear the news. He had always been kind and warm towards me. He was always humble and generous with sharing his time and experiences. I cherish the time I got to spend with him and will never forget how he carried himself and the wisdom he imparted through his lighthearted humour.