He is a new kid on the block but Partha Sarathi Ray is certainly making a mark in Odisha’s entertainment industry. Seen in small roles — Arun Govil’s U R My Jaan, Subhash Ghai’s Cycle Kick and Ajay Devgn’s Toonpur Ka Superhero — the 30-year-old actor is a known face in television. He has done a number of commercials in Mumbai besides advertisements for the AIDS awareness campaign of NACO and many other brands. He is currently working on the films, Nai Separi Kanak Gori and Gadbad.
A student of BJB School in Bhubaneswar, Partha graduated in history from Utkal University. He also completed a bachelor’s in computer applications (BCA) through distance mode from Bangalore University at APTECH centre here. After BCA, Partha moved to New Delhi to pursue modelling and acting. He joined Barry John’s theatre group in 2004. Within two years, the actor got several opportunities to play short roles in films in Mumbai. He has also done a cameo in the serial Lapataganj on SAB TV. Partha, however, says he owes a lot to his college life for the person he is today.
What did college teach you?
My college taught me to never take life seriously and live in the present. You haven’t seen the future, so there is no point wasting your present by thinking about the future.
Your proudest moment in college.
I was into modelling during my college days. I did it for fun. My proudest moment was when I was crowned Mr APTECH and when I short-listed for the Gladrags in 2002. This was in my third-year of graduate course at Utkal University. After this contest I decided to go to New Delhi and pursue modelling full-time. There, I joined Barry John’s theatre group and learned the nuances of acting.
Have you had any embarrassing moments in college?
I was too shameless for being embarrassed with anything in college!
How did you score points with the opposite gender?
To be honest, since I was into modelling I had a huge fan following in college, particularly the girls. I was very popular both in Utkal University and APTECH Centre. Besides, I was a good orator, so I guess girls liked me.
Was bunking a part of your college routine?
For the major part of my college life, I never attended classes. We used to bunk classes big time and go for khatti (hangout). We took life very easily then; were never bothered about marks, classes, teachers and exams. I mean, college is a time when youngsters tend to not bother about education. I was no different.
Did you have any rifts with professors? Why?
Since, I wasn’t present in classes for most of the time, they never got to see me. So I never had any rift with them. But yes, attendance was certainly a problem for me.
Where did you hang out in college with friends?
We used to hang out in Saheed Nagar area of Bhubaneswar and behind Ram Mandir where my APTECH Centre was located. There were no CCDs (Cafe Coffee Day) or other fancy joints in Bhubaneswar then. There were no mobile phones either, but life back then was much happier.
What extracurricular activities were you involved in?
I was big time into modelling. I also made it a point to participate in sports.
— diana@newindianexpress.com