Saroj Kumar Mishra is one of the few names from the Odia film industry to have shot to fame in no time. The handsome hunk from Balasore has already won millions of hearts with his acting abilities and is one of the most sought-after names when it comes to playing villain in Odia films. Saroj, who is affectionately addressed as Tapi by his industry colleagues and fans, also has vast experience of performing on stage. Tapi, who had earlier served the Indian Army, shares his journey as an actor with Orissa POST.
Born to Manorama and Basanta Kumar Mishra in Simulia, Balasore, Tapi started his acting career with a small role in Bajrangi. Although he didn’t enjoy much screen time, Tapi impressed the audience with his performance. This helped him bag a role in Dekha Hela Prema Hela, where he was cast as the antagonist. And he once again gave in his best, with the film going on to be a runaway hit.
“I was discussing the performance of an actor who played villain in a film with producer Ramesh Barik, when he offered me to play the antagonist in his film. Acting wasn’t an alien territory for me since I had done many shows. However, I hadn’t faced the camera earlier, which made me a shade jittery. The film’s cast and crew came to my rescue. They encouraged me which gave my confidence a boost. I never felt like a newcomer when I finally faced the camera,” says Tapi.
Playing a negative character, says Tapi, is always challenging, given that the audience always comes to the theatre with a preconceived notion about the villain. “These days, it’s not about the look. Villains need not necessarily look dreaded and conniving. Today, the audience wants the villain to look as smart as the hero. They want the antagonist to look like the protagonist, but with an evil mind,” he adds.
Tapi says that he was inclined towards films and acting since childhood. He loves watching films of all languages. “I spend most of my free time watching films or exercising in the gym. I always wanted to be an actor but never made any serious effort to be in the profession. But today I am doing what I love the most,” says Tapi adding that acting in plays and films is a completely different affair. “Performing on stage has its own set of challenges and excitement. You have to show your acting skill in one go as there is no option of retakes. Cinema gives actors some liberties,” he adds.
The actor, who also has been offered to do television on numerous occasions, says that his focus is films right now. “I have also been part of a number of plays and played a variety of roles but I am more comfortable doing negative roles. I like doing action and comedy, which most youngsters prefer watching these days. However, I don’t want to get typecast, so I am doing a character role in my next,” says the actor.
Tapi has also been part of a few music albums and short films that have been released on YouTube. The song Jajabara, which was part of one of his short films, Ravana, became so popular among the youth that many of his fans have affectionately started calling him ‘Ravana’. “I feel good when my fans call me Ravana. It motivates me to perform better,” says the six-foot tall actor.
Tapi also has fond memories of his days in the Indian Army. “I served the 57 Engineer Regiment as a wireless engineer for 15 years and then took voluntarily retirement form the service. Later, I joined my brother-in-law’s business. There I got an opportunity to meet a number of Odia film producers and directors. They suggested me to give films a try since I had the perfect height, looks and physique,” says Tapi, adding, “An actor should lead a disciplined life. I learnt discipline in the Indian Army. I still wake up early in the morning and spend at least a couple of hours in the gym before going to work.”
Tapi has quite a few big films up for release. “I am shooting for three films but can’t divulge the details. The only thing I can say is that I am playing a villain in all the three films,” says Tapi, who recently launched his production house and has plans of producing television shows.
SOYONG, OP