From Engineer to Actor
Arun’s path to acting wasn't a direct one. He first pursued a degree in Computer Science at Sathyabama University in Chennai and went on to work at HCL Technologies in Bangalore. It was later that he decided to follow his passion and enrolled in the Balu Mahendra Film Institute, a pivotal step in his transformation from engineer to actor.
After his training, he delved into the world of theater in Tamil Nadu. His early days were marked by collaborations with notable personalities like Veli Rangarajan, a respected theater critic, and Arunmozhi Shivaprakasam, an eminent theater and film personality. Shivaprakasam was key in introducing Arun to Bagu, a collaboration that would become a defining part of his career.
The Theater Years
Arun became an integral member of the theater collective “Thinainilavaasigal,” led by Bagu. With this group, he immersed himself in all forms of performance, from stage productions to street plays focused on social issues. The collective traveled across India, allowing Arun to connect with diverse audiences and understand that performance is for everyone, not just those in traditional auditoriums. This experience, he says, kept him grounded and humble.
A defining influence in his theatrical journey was the veteran actor Nassar. Nassar not only guided Arun but also wrote and curated plays in which he performed. He even opened his farmhouse in Chengalpattu for the group to use as a rehearsal space, offering young actors the freedom and confidence to explore their craft. This mentorship went beyond the stage when Arun was cast as the lead in a Tamil film personally curated by Nassar. Although the project was never released, it proved to be an invaluable experience that solidified Arun's dedication to his craft.
In addition to his theater work, Arun also gained experience in cinema as a character artist in a few Kannada films before landing his breakout role in 1990’s. As the film now reaches a wider audience in Telugu, Arun Rayadurgam stands as an example of a performer whose sincerity and discipline were forged on the stage, polished by mentorship, and are now ready for the big screen.
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