Actress Sara Arjun, who began her on-screen journey as an 18-month-old in a TV commercial, has steadily carved a niche for herself in Indian cinema. Her debut in Tamil film 'Deiva Thirumagal' at age six in 2011 was followed by her Bollywood entry in the 2013 horror-thriller 'Ek Thi Daayan'. Now, with a pivotal role in Aditya Dhar's anticipated project 'Dhurandhar', she is cementing her place in the industry. In an exclusive chat, Sara reflects on her career, her selective approach to roles, and her upcoming projects.
The Journey: From Child Artist to Selective Actor
Sara Arjun's path has been unique. Starting at just 18 months old, she transitioned from commercials to a significant Tamil debut. Her Bollywood debut came two years later. However, after her role in 'Ponniyin Selvan 2', the actress faced a crossroads. Her initial plan was clear: to pursue advanced acting studies at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Institute after finishing boarding school. The influx of offers post-'PS-2', however, presented compelling opportunities that aligned with her artistic hunger.
Choosing Stories That Matter: 'Euphoria' and 'Magic'
Despite her academic plans, two scripts stood out and changed her trajectory. 'Euphoria' by director Gunasekhar and a film titled 'Magic' captivated her not just as an actor, but on a human level. "These were stories that I felt needed to be told in our society," Sara explained. She felt a deep urge to be part of narratives that could spark essential conversations, especially on themes relevant to today's youth.
She signed 'Magic' while giving her 12th-grade board exams and committed to 'Euphoria' immediately after. Both films feature emotionally intense teenage characters, which Sara believes significantly contributed to her growth as a performer. This led her to postpone her Strasberg plans to first bring these important stories to life.
Bagging the Big One: 'Dhurandhar' with Aditya Dhar
Interestingly, 'Dhurandhar' entered the picture after she had signed 'Euphoria'. Sara recounted a whirlwind day during the shoot of 'Euphoria' where she flew overnight after pack-up to meet acclaimed director Aditya Dhar ('Uri: The Surgical Strike') the next morning, and returned the same day to resume filming. "It ended up being a really fun day," she recalled, highlighting her dedication to securing the role in what is seen as a major Bollywood breakthrough for her.
Inside 'Euphoria': A Socially Relevant Narrative
Delving into her upcoming Telugu film 'Euphoria', Sara describes it as a youth-oriented project tackling hard-hitting issues like Children in Conflict with Law (CCL) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. She plays a resilient young character navigating difficult circumstances. Working with veteran director Gunasekhar has been an honour, and she was particularly moved by the creative unity of his entire family, who were all involved in the filmmaking process. "The film weaves together multiple tracks, each adding to a meaningful and socially important narrative," she stated, expressing hope that it will resonate deeply with audiences.
Sara Arjun's career choices reflect a clear shift from a child actor to a thoughtful artist seeking substance. With 'Dhurandhar' poised to bolster her Bollywood standing and 'Euphoria' aiming to make a social impact, her journey is one of strategic growth and purposeful storytelling.
