Sohum Shah’s latest film, Crazxy, has been making waves in the entertainment industry, and one of the standout performances is that of Dr. Rutuj Mali, playing a junior doctor in the film. Mali’s journey to becoming a renowned actor is a fascinating tale of perseverance, passion, and dedication.
The Early Years and Pursuit of Acting
Acting had always been a part of Mali’s life, and he had performed professionally before opting for a stable career in medicine. His parents, aware of the uncertainties of the entertainment industry, urged him to have a secure profession to fall back on. As a result, Mali pursued his MBBS while keeping his passion for acting alive.
Training and Early Career
After completing his medical degree, Mali trained at the prestigious Barry John Acting Studio. During his time at the studio, Barry advised him to secure a job to support himself while waiting for acting opportunities. Thus, Mali joined Cooper Hospital on March 1, 2020.
| Experience | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Doctor | Cooper Hospital | March 1, 2020 – present |
A Turning Point: Auditioning for Pippa
Mali’s life took a significant turn when he auditioned for the biographical war film Pippa (2023). With the support of his HOD, he took the leap and pursued acting full-time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mali worked at the airport, screening passengers, and continued to audition for roles.
Working with Sohum Shah
Mali’s journey to becoming a part of Crazxy began when he was cast as a junior doctor. Working with Sohum Shah was an incredible experience, as he demonstrated a unique approach to filmmaking. During a scene where Shah was fixing a tire, Mali was asked to provide cues, ensuring the scene felt natural. Shah’s approach to filmmaking was inspiring, focusing on creating a good film rather than chasing deadlines.
- When working with Sohum Shah, Mali noticed that the director was often stressed about deadlines.
- However, Shah remained calm and focused on creating a good film.
- This approach inspired Mali to approach his work with a similar mindset.
Breaking into Broadway: Devdas
Mali’s success in Crazxy led to him being cast in the Broadway musical Devdas. He had been taking dance classes and was approached by the choreographer to audition for the lead role. At his script reading, Mali arrived in full Devdas attire, showcasing his dedication to the character.
Performing Devdas
Mali and the cast of Devdas performed at Le Grand Rex, Paris, to a full house of 3,000 people for five shows. The response was overwhelming, and the musical was promoted on the French reality show Star Academy. This year, they have 14 shows in Mauritius and 21 in Paris.
Veer Murubaji: A Challenging Role
Mali’s role in Veer Murarbaji was a challenging one, requiring him to train extensively in weaponry, agility, and horseback riding. He insisted on doing his own stunts, which led to multiple injuries. Despite the risks, Mali committed fully to the character, shaving his head and keeping the look for a year.
The preparation for Veer Murarbaji was intense, with eight hours of training every day. I insisted on doing my own stunts, which led to injuries, but I believe in committing fully to the characters I play.
A Lesson in Auditioning
Mali also auditioned for Chavaa, a project that did not work out. However, he learned to view auditions as an opportunity to improve and move forward. He believes that a strong audition never goes to waste and will lead to future opportunities.
“Neeki kar aur dariya mein daal”
Mali has learned to treat auditions as a process of giving his best and moving on. He believes that this approach has helped him in his career, and he is grateful to have tested for prestigious projects like Chavaa. “I’m just grateful to have tested for such a prestigious project. A strong audition never goes to waste, and I believe it will lead to future opportunities.”
Mali’s journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for acting. From pursuing a stable career in medicine to becoming a renowned actor, his story is an inspiration to aspiring actors.
As Mali continues to navigate the entertainment industry, it’s clear that he has a bright future ahead of him.
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