Sidhartha Mallya, who has just ventured into films, insists he has had a normal upbringing, something that prepared him to take on the rejections and struggles integral to the life of an actor
The son of an industrialist opts to become a movie actor. So, he steps out of his plush comfort zone and prepares himself for rejection and ridicule. Siddharth Mallya’s persistence has paid off. His debut flick, Brahman Naman releases today. He plays the goodlooking antagonist Roonie, who is the main rival of the lead character, Naman. Ronnie is a cricket player who attracts girls easily much to Naman’s dismay. Is this an extension of his real life persona He is amused, “Not at all, remember the movie is set in the 80s. But it’s a decent supporting role.”
Why would Vijay Mallya’s son opt for a small part, when he can easily fund a lavish launch “It is important to do a supporting role and work your way up as opposed to being launched as a lead star, like it happens in Bollywood,” reasons Sid in a telephonic interview from London.
Sid’s journey into the fascinating but unstable celluloid world began three years ago. He left his dad’s business and relocated to LA to pursue his dream career. “I realised that I was not cut out for a corporate role, where I sit on my chair for eight hours and make decisions. I always wanted to act and have participated in plays in my school days,” he admits.
He promptly enrolled himself for a master’s programme at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He shares his alma mater with icons like Laurence Olivier and Judy Dench amongst others. Isn’t acting an organic process Can a school teach you how to act, if it isn’t an inherent talent “I agree. But in life, we all go through varied experiences and you are taught how to tap into those inner emotions while performing. You are trained how to use your voice, which I believe is important for any performer. There are also technical aspects like how to stand, walk and emote while facing the camera. It’s an intense experience and helps you connect with your inner self,” says the 28-year-old who confesses that contrary to expectation his journey so far has not been a cakewalk. “In America, the surname Mallya doesn’t ring a bell. Maybe in London, people may know me better. So it may open a few doors as people may have seen my pictures and feel I suit a certain part. So they call me for an audition. But that doesn’t really matter. I have gone through my share of struggles, going for audition after audition and getting rejected,” he adds.
Unlike the general perception, of a rich, spoilt brat, Sid insists he has had a normal upbringing. “I was sent off to boarding school at the age of 10 and things were never given to me on a platter. Unlike in India, where people in their 50s live with their parents, I’m used to living on my own and handling my life,” he insists.
Sid has even done a small role in The Homecoming. “I got to act opposite Lauren Bowles (half-sister of Julia Louis-Dreyfus). I was just happy to share screen space with her,” he adds.
