AFTER over a decade of trying, Sugeindhiran, 34, made his much-awaited breakthrough in a local drama called ‘Katakan Pada Dia’.
The multiracial drama can be viewed every Monday and Tuesday from 8pm on our local channel, RTM TV2.
Sugeindhiran, a passionate actor, told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview on June 21 that he had to wait for this golden opportunity since 2011.
“I am ever grateful for this opportunity, and I have to thank the entire crew, especially my director, Mohd Fazli Yahya (Pali Yahya), for having so much faith in me that I will pull off the character that was given to me.
“In the drama, I portrayed the character Shankar alongside other cast members, such as Izzue Islam (Johan), Nina KSC (Yoke Lin), Amyza Aznan (Prof Melah), Hashmitha Selvam (Uma), Janet Khoo (Peggy), JC (Lee),Silfeny Osman (Sakinah), Shazia Rozaini (Haslina),Wanns Ahmad (Rosli) & Meor Mohd (Ikhwan).
“These amazing individuals have collectively played a key role in driving my passion and love for acting to a whole new level.
“My heart goes out to all of them and after this, I hope to be given more opportunities to let the audience see my potential and I truly want to improve and be a better version of myself,” Sugeindhiran said during the interview.
Before venturing into the entertainment field, Sugeindhiran worked various odd jobs.
During the interview, he jokingly said that even if he wants to return to doing those odd jobs, he could do it anytime since he has experience doing it in the past.
Another important point that Sugeindhiran stressed during the interview was that he not only aspires to continue to shine as an actor, but he is determined to make a name for himself as one of the first few Indian-ethnic individuals to prosper in the local Malay market in Malaysia.
“I speak fluent Bahasa Malaysia and it is just my desire to be someone in the local Malay market.
“For that to happen, there could not have been a better way to kickstart the vision than being featured in Katakan Pada Dia,” he said.
Sugeindhiran has also urged the Penang government to highlight the importance of the entertainment industry in the state, especially for being poised with numerous opportunities to let the world know about the beauty of Penang.
“As far as I know, a lot of talented individuals from the northern region are moving to Kuala Lumpur to make a living because the opportunities are very limited here.
“Just like how we are losing many talents from the semiconductor industry or other relevant sectors to neighbouring countries or elsewhere, losing acting talents is also becoming a frequent phenomenon.
“We need to create a platform here that will enable aspiring individuals to have some sense of security and confidence that this industry has a decent survival rate in the state,” Sugeindhiran added.
When asked about qualities that a person must possess to excel in this field, Sugeindhiran said there can be no bigger quality than to have an interest in doing it.
“Without interest, it is impossible to see any progress in this field. It is a highly competitive place to be in.
“There will be times when your patience gets tested, change in shooting time, venue and so on.
“Without interest to do it, it is impossible for the person to go through these challenges.
“And to all the aspiring individuals in this field, just do it!
“Put aside your doubts and worries. If you believe in yourself and have the right mindset that this is your thing, don’t think twice and get down to business.
“No journey is a smooth one. There will be bumps along the way, and it is up to you how you tackle those challenges and move forward with a vision,” Sugeindhiran said.
In addition to acting, Sugeindhiran is also a member of the Seniman Malaysia (Artistes Association of Malaysia).
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal