In 2023, ‘Animal’ roared into theaters, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of the year, trailing only Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘Jawan’ and ‘Pathaan.’ Crafted with cinematic finesse by renowned filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga on a budget of Rs. 100 crore, ‘Animal‘ soared to global success, collecting over Rs. 900 crore worldwide. As the film gears up for its Netflix release on January 26, 2024, the spotlight shifts to a man integral to its triumph – Saurabh Sachdeva.
From Ranbir Kapoor‘s compelling portrayal of ‘Ranvijay Singh’ and ‘Aziz Haque’ to Bobby Deol’s heartwarming ‘Abrar Haque’ and Triptii Dimri’s standout performance, ‘Animal’ offered a fresh narrative for cinema enthusiasts. Released on December 1, 2023, the film is set to captivate audiences once again on Netflix.
Days before the extended cut of ‘Animal’ graced Netflix, social media erupted with opinions, both for and against the film. Amidst this buzz, a surprising trend emerged – the resurgence of interest in Saurabh Sachdeva, who played Bobby Deol’s onscreen brother, ‘Abid Haque.’ Viewers expressed a keen desire to see more of Sachdeva, praising his remarkable acting skills witnessed during the theatrical release.
Born on September 24, 1978, in Delhi, Saurabh Sachdeva’s journey to success was a long time coming. A product of Model Senior Secondary School in Saket, Delhi, his foray into acting commenced at Barry John Acting School in 2001, under the guidance of legendary theatre director Barry John. This marked the beginning of a transformative period, shaping Saurabh’s understanding of the art.
His evolution continued as he transitioned from acting to teaching, joining Barry John Acting School in 2005. Over the next 15 years, Saurabh imparted his knowledge and expertise to a plethora of aspiring actors, including the likes of Varun Dhawan, Rana Daggubati, Freida Pinto, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vani Kapoor, and more.
In a revealing interview, Sachdeva disclosed that acting was never his primary passion. However, teaching acting became his “favorite drill” after years of immersion in the craft. Despite his success, the actor-turned-mentor admitted to never respecting his school teachers, a sentiment that deterred him from ever considering a career in conventional education.
Saurabh also shared a personal struggle from his childhood – battling dyslexia. He expressed the challenges of conveying emotions and the joy he felt upon witnessing dyslexic children expressing themselves. This revelation provided insight into the actor’s empathetic approach to teaching.
Saurabh Sachdeva’s Legacy
Beyond the glitz of Bollywood, Saurabh Sachdeva is the founder of ‘The Actors Truth,’ a renowned acting school in Mumbai. His legacy extends beyond successful films and web series like ‘Manmarziyaan,’ ‘Sacred Games,’ ‘Housefull 4,’ and ‘Animal.’ Through this school, he continues to shape the next generation of actors, solidifying his status as a stalwart in the industry.
