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Work as an Actor

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Acting, for me, began as a natural extension of storytelling. As a kid, I was always the one weaving tales for my friends, and I discovered something magical happened when I added expressions and gestures—the audience leaned in, their eyes lit up, and suddenly we were all living in that moment together. That ability to project emotion and make others feel deeply intrigued me, and it became the foundation of everything I do as a performer.

My philosophy as an actor is simple: to live the moment and be spontaneous. Real acting happens when you stop performing and start being. I believe in harnessing the full spectrum of human emotion—the navarasa—while drawing from personal experiences and staying completely present in each scene. Some of my most powerful moments on screen have come from unexpected interactions, like during the filming of George Reddy when a fellow actor's genuine gesture of comfort allowed me to access raw emotion that transformed the entire scene.

Filmography & Range

My journey spans across languages and genres, showcasing versatility as both actor and creative collaborator:

Thadiginatom

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Played against type as a serious Tamil kidnapper in this comedy film, bringing intensity and authenticity to what could have been a stereotypical role. The four-month workshop process helped me craft a complete backstory—from his favorite songs to his political views—grounding the character in reality.

George Reddy

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Portrayed a student grappling with his father's suicide and seeking justice from the government. Beyond acting, I served as Assistant Director, managing supporting cast and coordinating 100-500 background artists—an experience that deepened my understanding of filmmaking from every angle.

Holy Smoke!

I've also explored darker characters, including a compelling villain role in the short film Holy Smoke, where I portrayed a man driven to murder by betrayal—a performance that required me to tap into raw emotions of hurt and vengeance while maintaining the character's twisted sense of justice.

Tulsivanam

Embodied a Delhi character studying at an IAS coaching institute, adapting my natural Hindi-speaking background to create an authentic portrayal of ambition and struggle.

Behind the Camera

Currently in post-production with my directorial debut Born Yesterday, I've discovered that directing has made me a better actor, and vice versa. Training newcomers and young actors on set revealed the intricacies of performance in ways I never expected. As they say, when you teach, you learn—and watching fresh talent discover their authentic voices reminded me why I fell in love with this craft.

My approach varies by language and medium. While Hindi comes naturally to me, working in Telugu and Tamil requires additional preparation, but I've learned to trust my instincts once the groundwork is laid. Each language brings its own rhythm and emotional texture to a performance.

Influences & Vision

Drawing inspiration from filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap, Scorsese, Tarantino, and Vetrimaaran, I'm building my identity as a filmmaker who can act—someone equally comfortable in front of and behind the camera. I'm committed to staying ready for any opportunity while building a brand rooted in authenticity, spontaneity, and emotional truth.

Whether I'm stepping into the shoes of a grieving student, a determined kidnapper, or an ambitious civil service aspirant, my goal remains the same: to find the universal human truth in every character and share it with audiences in a way that makes them lean in, just like my friends did when I was that storytelling kid.

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                                Raj Rajan

Ph no: +918698324725    Email. rajrajan1789@gmail.com

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