Dr. Rutuj Mali |
If you’ve seen Sohum Shah’s movie Crazxy which is currently in theaters, you would have noticed Dr. Rutuj Mali playing a junior doctor in the film. Acting had always been Mali’s first love, and he had performed professionally before academics took over. His parents, knowing the uncertainty of the entertainment industry, insisted he have a stable career to fall back on. So, he pursued medicine, completing his MBBS while keeping the passion for acting alive.
After graduation, he trained at Barry John Acting Studio. Barry advised me to get a job while waiting for acting opportunities, so he joined Cooper Hospital on March 1, 2020. Just days later, he volunteered for COVID screening at the airport. While working through both COVID waves, Mali auditioned for the biographical war film Pippa (2023). His HOD supported him by approving his leave. After two years at Cooper, Mali’s parents encouraged him to take the leap and pursue acting full-time.
In an interaction with us, he tells us about working with Sohum Shah, auditioning for Chavaa and playing the lead in Devdas, a broadway musical.
Q. How did you get the role of a junior doctor in Crazxy?
A. This one was unexpected! A casting coordinator was searching for a real doctor for the role. Initially, the character was older, but they asked me to audition anyway. I flew to Delhi for the test, knowing the film could be a career milestone. Though I thought I nailed it, I had to retest three more times with different variations. Finally, at a script reading session with director Girish Sir, he said, “I’ve found my junior doctor.” That moment was worth all the effort.
Q. How was it working with Sohum Shah?
A. Shooting with Sohum Shah was incredible. One day, we were behind schedule while filming a scene where he fixes a tire. I was called in to give cues, ensuring the scene felt natural. I overheard the director stressing about the delay, but Sohum simply said, “We’re here to have fun and make a good film.” It was inspiring to see a producer focused on creating art rather than chasing deadlines.
Q. You’re playing the title role in the Broadway dance musical Devdas?
A. I was taking dance classes when choreographer Devendra Singh noticed me and suggested my name for the lead role. At my script reading, I didn’t just bring props—I arrived in full Devdas attire, from suspenders to a dhoti for the drunken sequence. The producer said he saw my hunger for acting, and I landed the role.
We performed Devdas at Le Grand Rex, Paris, to a full house of 3,000 people for five shows. The response was overwhelming. Later, we promoted the musical on the French reality show Star Academy. This year, we have 14 shows in Mauritius and 21 in Paris.
Q. Tell us about Veer Murubaji.
A. While interning as a casting assistant, I was asked to audition for a mystery role. The producers liked my performance, and I was offered Mahadji, the second lead in Veer Murarbaji, Almond Creations’ first Bollywood venture, distributed by AA Films.
Preparing for the role was intense—I trained eight hours a day in weaponry, agility, and horseback riding. I insisted on doing my own stunts, which led to multiple injuries. A prop sword sliced my face, leaving a deep cut. Another time, I was hit so hard that my eye was narrowly spared. But I was back on set the next day, ready to shoot.
For authenticity, I shaved my head and kept the look for a year, turning down other projects. I believe in committing fully to the characters I play.
Q. You had also auditioned for Chavaa.
A. While shooting Veer Murarbaji, I auditioned for the role of Raya Ji in Chavaa. I felt confident about my performance, but when I didn’t hear back, I knew it wasn’t meant to be. Later, I saw that the role went to someone significantly older, confirming I wasn’t the right fit.
Over time, I’ve learned to treat auditions as “Neeki kar aur dariya mein daal” – you give your best and move on. I’m just grateful to have tested for such a prestigious project. A strong audition never goes to waste, and I believe it will lead to future opportunities.
