Suraj Sharma, a celebrated Indian thespian, hails from the culturally rich and historically significant metropolis of New Delhi, India, where the vibrant energy of the city's streets and the warm hospitality of its people have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his artistic persona.
Born in the vibrant city of New Delhi, situated in the northern region of India, Sharma's family tree has roots that stretch back to the southern state of Kerala, where his parents originally hailing from, have contributed significantly to his upbringing.
Before embarking on his acting career, Sharma found himself devoid of any prior expertise or involvement in the world of acting, a circumstance that led him to take a chance on auditioning for the pivotal role of Piscine Molitor Patel, or Pi, in the acclaimed film Life of Pi, a decision that was initially motivated by his younger brother, Shriharsh Sharma, who requested his accompaniment to the audition.
Among the numerous aspiring actors who vied for the coveted role, a staggering 3,000 individuals initially auditioned, with Sharma ultimately emerging victorious after navigating a rigorous series of auditions.
Director Ang Lee, renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, attributed Sharma's success to the young actor's striking features, specifically his expressive eyes and innocent appearance, which he believed perfectly captured the essence of Pi.
Lee further emphasized that Sharma possessed not only the emotional depth required to bring the character to life but also the uncanny ability to embody the "look" of Pi, a quality that set him apart from the rest of the competition.
Sharma's complexion, which could be described as neither extremely fair nor exceptionally dark, was deemed to be of a medium tone, thus making him an ideal candidate for the role. This physical attribute, in conjunction with his average build, contributed to his overall suitability for the part. As a result of his outstanding performance in the film, Sharma received widespread critical acclaim and positive reviews from a diverse range of critics and audiences alike.
Ang Lee's protégé, Suraj Sharma, who gained widespread recognition for his remarkable debut performance in the visually stunning film, Life of Pi, has since redirected his focus towards furthering his academic pursuits at the esteemed St. Stephen's College, Delhi.
