The Story On How Ram Got ‘Radhe’!

The Story On How Ram Got ‘Radhe’!

He dared to struggle and now he dares to win! Hailing from a remote village of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, Ram Sirka had no clue that some day his tinsel town struggles would end up giving him a chance to share screen space with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan! But with ‘Radhe’ due to release on the occasion of Eid on May 13, Ram knows his hard work has finally paid off!

Ram’s parents, Shambhu and Pana Sirka, are originally from Odisha but migrated to Jamshedpur in search of work before Ram was born!

Ram grew up in Jamshedpur but was always rooted to his homeland. As a young boy, he decided he did not want to follow in the footsteps of his parents and wanted to move out of his comfort zone and explore his creative side! That’s how he landed in Mumbai eventually.

My City Links caught up with this young man to find out more about his journey so far as he gears up for his big release.

Tell us more about ‘Radhe’ and your role!

The movie, Radhe, is directed by Prabhu Deva and produced by Salman Khan. It was a dream come true for me to work with such huge personalities. I have an extended cameo role of a villain, sharing screen space with Salman Bhai. You need to watch the movie to understand how this character adds some ‘spice’ to it!

I would particularly like to share a very funny moment that happened when I was called to audition for ‘Radhe’. It was after the audition that I noticed SKF (Salman Khan Productions) written on the door and I was like, ‘would I even get another chance to be back here?’ So, I immediately took a selfie there to at least have a memory of auditioning for the film!

So how has your journey been to Bollywood?

My life has been a roller-coaster ride with several ups and downs that came my way. I started out by learning Taekwondo unaware that it would lead me into the film industry. I had always been interested in martial arts and I found it very engaging. After completing my +2 degree in Jamshedpur, I decided to try out in Bollywood and started following advertisements and auditions. Finally I left for Delhi, where I ran into a fraud, who posed himself as a director and promised to cast me. This was new and very exciting for me. Later I realised I was being fooled. Then I left for Mumbai, the abode for all Bollywood aspirants. I finally got a break in Bollywood in 2016.

How did you find your foothold?

Since I knew martial arts, I took up a job as a trainer in Mumbai. Gradually, I got noticed when celebrities started coming to train under me. My craft gave me the recognition I was working hard for. These associations gave me the chance to work in movies. Besides Radhe, I have worked in Dabbang 3, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, a Malayalam movie, Kung Fu Master, and a few others.

In Dabbang 3, I had gone bald without any qualms, despite having long hair during that time. But my role was cut short. However, Prabhu Sir came up to me and praised me and promised to look out for me in his upcoming project. I literally cried out of happiness for being recognised by my Guru himself. And a few months later, I got a call from Salman Khan Productions. And I got a role in ‘Radhe’! In this, I have an extended screen time.

Tell us about your struggle period.

I still recall the days I spent on an empty stomach! There were godsent people who did help me with accommodation and trainers who exempted my fees and taught me without charging a penny, just for the sake of my dedication. I will always be indebted to them. There is struggle in every profession. I choose to look beyond that and remember the cheerful moments and the fruits that I have reaped.

What do you have in store for the Odia audience?

I would be happy to act in Odia movies, if given a chance. I visited Odisha after many years and I feel so blessed to see my motherland and my relatives. I was invited by an organisation in March this year and was honoured for my work. I have seen the Ollywood industry evolving and if given a chance, I would surely like to explore the Odia film industry and do my bit for my motherland as well.

How has your family’s reaction been throughout?

My parents have always been supportive despite being from a conservative lower middle class family. My father’s only advice to me is not to while away my youth, rather utilise it effectively. I hardly go home. But we are strongly connected. My wife and little daughter are with me and I am grateful for all the support. I am my own boss and my own servant. I am my worst critic and most generous fan as well. I always dream high despite having no idea how to reach there. Perhaps it is destiny, my fate, that always pave the way for me towards my goal.

Any message for other aspirants?

Believe in yourself. Explore yourself. Hone your skills and always be dedicated towards your goal. A little hard work never killed anyone. And do not get dejected by the failures that initially come your way. Pick yourself again and rise and shine with the same vigour and zeal. That is how you can etch your name in whichever field you aspire. “As you think, so shall you become, ” is Bruce Lee’s famous quote which I have aptly adhered to in my life and as a matter of fact, we share the same birth date.

Well, as we wish Ram all the best, do not forget to watch ‘Radhe- Your Most Wanted Bhai’ in your nearest theatres following the COVID protocols or from the comfort of your homes on ZeePlex or Zee5 on 13th May, 2021.