Dharun Shathriya is a notable upcoming actor in the industry. Dharun was introduced as a villain in Simbu’s ‘Kaalai’ by Dharun Gopi. Now, the actor is growing to become a protagonist in movies.

His native place is Ambur near Velore. According to these people, Bengalooru is their capital and chef state. Dharun Shathriya has also moved to Bengalooru as he will be able to get more opportunities there.

Dharun’s father has produced several movies in Kannada language. Dharun Gopi was the one responsible for changing the actor’s name to Dharun Shathriya from Suleel Kumar. The actor’s performance in ‘Kungumapoovum Konjupuravum’ was critically acclaimed and earned respect in the industry. He was the main villain in the movie and everyone appreciated the way he delivered his performance.

Dharun’s next movie was ‘Anmai Thavarel’. Following that movie, he played main villain in Sundar. C’s ‘Nagaram’. Later, he acted in about half dozen movies including stunt master Vijayan’s own production ‘Markandeyan’. Now, Dharun is offered the protagonist role in ‘Padam Parthu Kadhai Sol’ in which he is paired opposite a Kannada actress Shika.

However, the actor is not adamant about acting only in lead roles. As a result, he has got five projects in his hand. We interviewed this upcoming actor and here is his interview:

What is your background to enter the cinema industry?

I don't have filmy background. In the Velore district, street plays and dramas are popular. Most of the artists from this district don't venture out for cinema. By God’s grace, I got that opportunity. My father has produced some Kannada movies. However, I haven't enlisted his help in coming to the cinema industry.

I ran a music shop in Bengalooru. I realized that I have passion for cinema. Then, I took up acting course and training for about a year. I learnt dance and stunt during that period. I came over to Chennai to hunt for roles and I was introduced to Dharun Gopi by some of my friends. The rest is history and I am now an actor.

You started out as a villain and now, you are a hero. You have to act in duets with other girls. How do you feel about it?

That is the most difficult thing to do for me. I can easily fight and challenge as a villain. However, it is difficult to get with a woman in a movie. I have to dance and I have to observe the expression given by my fellow actress. I have to change myself according to their body language. I guess it will be very challenging for me.

We heard news about you getting cozy with heroine Shika in the movie…

There is nothing like that. I acted according to my director’s wish. Truth be told, I was very uncomfortable and shy to get close to an actress on screen. I was very shy to be present alongside a woman all along during songs. Shika already has experience in Kannada movies. She really helped me to overcome my shyness and deliver a better performance.

Did you get appreciation from the directors and co-artists for your performances so far?

My friends outside the cinema industry have appreciated me. While acting in Kungumapoovum Konjupuravum, my director SPB Charan said, “You are a natural actor and you will make it big in the industry”. Directors Dharun Gopi and Sundar.C have also appreciated my performance. However, my fellow actors haven't offered any appreciation and I can only wonder why.

Will you listen to the entire story before accepting a project?

No. I will only listen to my role. I am not a grown up actor to demand the full story. Even after establishing myself, I will listen to the entire story only if it is absolutely necessary. I always trust my directors and follow their lead.

Are you determined to act only as a hero henceforth?

Not at all. I am ready to be a hero, supporting artist or villain. All I care is my characterization and the opportunity. I am in no hurry to hit it big. I will take a step by step route to carve my name in the industry. I feel that coming this far is already an achievement for me. I am interested in searching for the right opportunities that help me to be a better actor.

Who are your friends among the young stars in the industry?

My friends are mostly directors, technicians and assistant directors. I have been with them from the start and I am happy with my friendship. Truth be told, after Kaalai, I worked as assistant director in ‘Nee Oda Naan Thuratha’ produced by A.M. Ratnam. Dharun Gopi was the one who directed that movie. However, the project was abandoned later. I was then offered Kungumapoovum Konju Puravum.

We heard that you risked your life falling into a well. What happened?

The news published in the papers is not exactly true. It was a challenging scene. For the movie ‘Mayanginen Thayanginen’, we were shooting a fight scene in the well water near Kambam. While we were fighting under water, my co-artists held on to my hands and legs tightly out of fear. So, I wasn’t able to come up and ask for help. I lost my consciousness after drinking a lot of water. I was afraid that I might die and with my last effort, I came up the water and waved my hands for help. Immediately after seeing me, they pulled the rope that was tied to me. I was unconscious for about two hours and then, I came back. However, within a few hours, I started shooting for the other scenes.

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