It's Tough to Get Good Work in Both India and US, Says Actor Suraj Sharma

Mumbai, November 28, 2025 - Actor Suraj Sharma, known for his breakout role in the Oscar-winning film "Life of Pi", has opened up about the challenges of navigating the entertainment industries in both India and the United States. Sharma, who is currently attending the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where he is presenting his new movie "This Tempting Madness", shared his insights in a recent interview.

"I take a lot of time to choose what I want to do," Sharma explained. "There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes before choosing something. I've always been picky about the stories and the characters I want to play, and the people I want to work with". This careful approach, he says, is crucial in an industry where quality roles can be difficult to come by, regardless of the geographical location.

Sharma, born and raised in Delhi, India, catapulted to global fame with his portrayal of Pi Patel in Ang Lee's 2012 adaptation of Yann Martel's novel. The film, a critical and commercial success, garnered four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Lee. Sharma's performance was widely praised, earning him a BAFTA Rising Star Award nomination.

Since then, Sharma has skillfully balanced his career between American and Indian cinema. He has appeared in films and shows such as "Phillauri", "Gulmohar", "Wedding Season", "Homeland", and "How I Met Your Father". Despite his success, Sharma acknowledges the difficulties of straddling two distinct entertainment landscapes.

"I've been lucky enough to keep myself going in this industry, in India, trying to keep a foot on both continents," Sharma told PTI. "It's been tough, but it's been a great one for me, and I'm very lucky to be one of the few people who get to do both". He emphasizes that the story and the character are the primary factors that attract him to a project, irrespective of whether it is in India or the US. "They are very different industries, but they both have good stories to tell, and that's what I'm trying to be a part of," he added.

Sharma is particularly drawn to roles that offer complexity and challenge. He looks for stories with unique perspectives that explore new ways of looking at the world. He also appreciates collaborative environments and working with talented individuals.

The actor is currently presenting his new movie "The Tempting Madness" at IFFI. The film, directed by Jennifer E. Montgomery, is a psychological thriller inspired by a true story. It stars Simone Ashley, Austin Stowell, and Zenobia Shroff alongside Sharma. Sharma has described his experience working on the film as transformative, praising the collaborative environment and the film's exploration of cyclical violence.

Sharma is also eager to work on projects that bridge the gap between the US and India. "We've been building these projects to shoot in India and projects that are a bridge between the US and India," he revealed. "I want to focus on making good things, just not a lot of things," he added, highlighting his commitment to quality over quantity.

Looking ahead, Sharma is optimistic about the future and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. While acknowledging the challenges, he remains dedicated to his craft and passionate about telling meaningful stories. Sharma's journey from a young Delhi student to an internationally recognized actor is a testament to his talent, hard work, and unwavering commitment to his artistic vision.