I had the opportunity to meet the stars of Disney’s Million Dollar Arm Movie, Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal. As I walked into the beautiful Loews Hotel in Hollywood and was escorted to the 19th floor for a private 2:1 meeting, I was nervous with interview questions running through my head. Finally after what seemed like hours, (but actually only 10 minutes) I was up at bat so to speak. With tape recorder tightly grasped in one hand and camera in the other, I entered a curtained off section of the conference room There I came face to face with Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal. Both young men stood up and firmly shook my hand with the biggest smiles on their faces. They were very happy to see me promoting their movie as I was wearing my Million Dollar Arm Jersey. Madhur Mittal shared that having someone come up and praise them and their movie is what they work so hard for, having someone come up and give them praise is the best feeling. As I sat down and asked my first question, the boys, full of energy and happy to share the spot light, began excitedly talking about their experiences.
Madhur Mitall (who also starred in Slumdog Millionnaire) and has been working in the film industry since a young age, was the more outspoken of the two. However, both young men were able to play off one another and answer and finish each other’s comments with the ease of true professional.
Suraj Sharma (star of Life of PI) shared that one of the biggest reasons, they did the movie was the fact that this was happening in their country and it was all new to them. Friends and family and even Suraj and Madhur did not know about the story of Dinesh and Rinku. He continued saying how there was always something positive and negative in the sports world, but what the two guys (Dinesh and Rinku) did was unbelievable and people needed to know. This was huge and it was important. Madhur continued saying how Dinesh and Rinku were pushed into a very new and unique situation. The fact they were two very different personalities, with Rinku being the playful, and energetic one who adapted to the US and now is very comfortable here. Dinesh is on the other end of spectrum is shy and homesick and connected to his homeland. Suraj and Madhur, talked about how Dinesh, hours after landing in Atlanta arrived at the movie set and talked about already being homesick. Suraj mentioned the great friendship that developed between Rinku and Dinesh, completely respecting and understanding one another while pushing each other to do better. Madhur continued saying how that same scenario happened between he and Suraj. The chemistry between the stars were instant and something Madhur had never experienced before. They both feel very strongly about how the story needs to be told so the world knows. “The athletes deserve the recognition” Suraj also shared how the film will help finance and bring a change in how other sports are supported and viewed back home (India) because Cricket has always been the only recognized sport.
I asked Madhur who started acting at 5, and Suraj who is a newer actor, if their own personal experiences were similar to Dinesh and Rinku? Madhur laughed and said, yes, they were both in the same situation, because none knew about the sport of baseball and all had to learn and perform, as actors or athletes, in a very short span of time. Not only learn the sport, but having to gain weight and buff up to look like athletes. Actually, Rinku and Suraj and Dinesh and Madhur are nothing like one another and yet there were so many similarities. Suraj continued sharing how they were all thrown into the spot light and the homesickness. Madhur however, believes how it is important to portray the characters as much as possible but also to bring a bit of your own personal perspective into the characters. “if they (producers) wanted us to be just like Rinku and Dinesh, they would have hired them instead.”
I did not get my last question in about their thoughts regarding the recent Million Dollar Arm Pitching contest held at Disneyland, WDW and New York, but based the time spent with them, I can safely say, they would have thought it was a magnificent idea as again it continues to promote the movie and in turn, brings the story to the world. Both are very honored to be a part of the opportunity to increase the awareness of the movie. Not only to share an incredible story of their fellow countrymen, but to also give hope to upcoming athletes, in India and all over the world.
A tap on the shoulder signaled the end of my interview. Suraj and Madhur stood up and thanked ME for taking the time to visit. It was a true pleasure to have met such polite, articulate, and extremely sweet young men. Their behavior throughout the interview showed well mannered, yet funny and energetic young men who have a great future ahead.
Million Dollar Arm movie is based on the story of JB Bernstein’s quest to find a talented Indian Cricket pitcher and turn him into an American League Pitcher with the major leagues.
Don’t miss Suraj and Madhur in Disney’s Million Dollar Arm in theatres May 16th. Enjoy this clip of the Million dollar arm movie.
My name is Loretta Garcia and I am the entertainment writer for Chip and Co. I am also a travel agent with Destinations in Florida and happy to help you reserve your next Amazing Magical Adventures to your favorite destinations. Email me at loretta@destinationstoexplore.com for your next trip.
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