A Promising Dey

Rohan is the only child from an affluent family. Leading a secure, well-adjusted life, Rohan was happy and content with the world at larg...

Rohan is the only child from an affluent family. Leading a secure, well-adjusted life, Rohan was happy and content with the world at large. But little did he know that changes were on the way. And they came in the form of…
The big break
Nagesh Kukunoor (director of Hyderabad Blues), was looking for a 13-14 year-old to act in Rockford. Kukunoor’s home production team came to Rohan’s school and took down the names of students who were interested in acting. And Rohan gave in his name just for the heck of it. No one was more surprised than he, when he was called in for the interview, followed by an audition and he bagged the role. “I was just lucky,” says Rohan modestly.

It’s all about
“A year in the life of a shy, reserved but friendly student in a boarding school. The story revolves around him, his studies, his interaction with his friends, his crush on his teacher and how he deals with all this,” reveals Rohan.

Experiences
“…Something else. The whole production unit was predominantly young and friendly. They helped me adjust easily. We had shootings at Hyderabad and Yercaud — a small hill station in the South (Nagesh’s boarding school, Monteford, is here).

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The schedule was very tight which meant we had to work very hard. But it was fun. Thirty-two days of non-stop fun, coz that’s how long the shooting lasted. It’s an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life,” says Rohan.

Difficulties
“None, cause the character was just like me. I was able to relate to the role easily. I had a tough time only during one particular scene.”

“In this scene, I had to roll on the ground and say the dialogues while it was raining. The water kept entering my eyes and mouth making it difficult to enact the scene.”

New found fame
“It’s fun receiving so much public attention. But I have also noticed changes in the attitudes of my school-mates. I guess that was to be expected. However, the attitude of my family and my friends has not changes and that is what matters,”he says, sounding very mature.

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Recreation
“I love playing cricket and football with my friends. I read a lot especially horror stories, thrillers and murder mysteries. I have the whole series of Famous Five. Apart from these I like to read Archies. I like listening to music, and if I am in the mood, I write. I have no problems passing my time.”

Studies?
“I don’t enjoy studying except for English. But I do enjoy going to school. Nor do I take my exams seriously. I study for only 15 to 20 days before my exams.”

What next?
“Right now it’s studies. Other movies if I get offers. And most probably Law, cause according to my parents, I love to argue and usually end up winning. They think I will make an excellent lawyer.”