Dailymirror.news, September 1st,2025:For Arun Rayadurgam, cinema is not merely performance-it is a natural extension of the discipline, rigor, and honesty he discovered on the stage. With his debut film 1990’s now reaching Telugu audiences, Arun’s journey reflects perseverance, mentorship, and an uncompromising love for the craft.

Shaped by Theatre, Guided by Mentors

Arun’s first training ground was the theatre, where he spent years portraying demanding roles that instilled in him the seriousness of a true performer. At the heart of this journey stands Nassar, one of India’s most respected actors. More than just a mentor, Nassar wrote and curated plays in which Arun performed, nurturing his growth and sharpening his discipline.

Their association extended beyond the stage. Nassar personally chose Arun to play the lead in a Tamil film he curated. Though the project was shelved after completion, the experience reinforced Arun’s faith in his path and became a cornerstone of his artistic identity.

From Engineer to Actor

Before entering cinema, Arun pursued a degree in Computer Science at Sathyabama University, Chennai, and worked at HCL Technologies, Bangalore. But his passion for storytelling led him to the Balu Mahendra Film Institute, where he formally trained in acting. Alongside theatre, he appeared in a few Kannada films as a character artist before taking on the lead role in 1990’s.

Now, with the film expanding into Telugu, Arun stands at a pivotal moment — ready to bring the sincerity of theatre into cinema.

Theatre Roots and Collective Spirit

Arun’s grounding in theatre runs deep. After completing his acting course, he immersed himself in Tamil Nadu’s vibrant stage culture, working as a freelancer and shaping his identity as a performer.

He collaborated with respected theatre personalities such as Bagu, Veli Rangarajan (renowned theatre critic and publisher of Veli magazine), and Arunmozhi Shivaprakasam, who introduced him to Bagu and became an important collaborator.

Under Bagu’s direction, Arun acted in several plays and became a core member of the theatre collective “Thinainilavaasigal.” With this group, he explored theatre in its rawest and most authentic forms — from stage productions to socially conscious street plays performed across India. These experiences kept him humble, reminding him that performance is not confined to auditoriums but belongs equally to the streets and villages.

One of the most cherished aspects of his journey was Nassar’s continued support, offering his Chengalpattu farmhouse as a rehearsal space for the group. This generosity gave young actors like Arun the freedom and confidence to explore their craft without constraints.

A Discipline, Not Just Training

For Arun Rayadurgam, theatre was never just training — it was a way of life. It taught him discipline, sincerity, and respect for the audience. Today, as he transitions into cinema, he carries with him the same values that shaped him on stage: honesty in performance, reverence for mentorship, and the belief that art must stay connected to people at every level.