Dancing Away To Glory

Dancing Away To Glory

YouTube sensation Sailendra Samantaray has proved that if you have the talent and drive, there are ways to get noticed. This 19-year-old from Cuttack has nailed it with his dance in the remake of hit Odia track ‘Puchuki Gali’ and his role of ‘Google Boy’ in the popular web series ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Sala’. MCL meets the new generation Odia dancer and actor for an exclusive chat. Excerpts:

Tell us about your dancing guru and how it all started?

When I was only 8, I started learning dance from Guru Ranjit Gochhayat. Two years later, I participated in ‘Dance India Dance’. Following a suggestion from my elder brother, I started a YouTube channel called ‘Insomaniax’ and uploaded some of my dance videos. Now, I plan to change the channel’s name in my own name. Once director Raja D noticed my performance on this channel and approached me to do the music video ‘College Days’ with him. And I got quite a good response for the video, which was released on the YouTube channel ‘Vtunes Pro’. That was the beginning of my new journey. I am really overwhelmed with the response I am getting from my audience through different digital platforms. I feel like my hard work is finally paying back.

Is there anyone in your family related to the entertainment industry? Who is your biggest support in the family?

My mother is a homemaker now but was a lecturer at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, my father is a lawyer and my elder brother is an engineer. So there is no one in my family who belongs to the entertainment industry. My elder brother is also an art lover and is a brilliant sketch artist. Although my parents supported my passion but were strict that it shouldn’t hamper my studies (chuckles). But I would say my brother is my biggest support in the family.

How did acting come your way? Especially tell us about the character ‘Google Boy’ you have played in the popular web series ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Sala’.

The passion for acting was there in me since childhood. Since dance is always full of expressions, so acting is definitely related to it. As a child actor, I had acted in the serial ‘Kaliyuga’, which was telecast on Doordarshan. When ‘Saheb Biwi Aur Sala’ director Manas Padhiary narrated the character to me, he mentioned that I have to make the couple quarrel. I must confess that I am very good at that (chuckles) and so I agreed to do it. And I am blessed that people liked the character so much.

As a youngster, what according to you should be changed in the making of Odia films so that more youngsters are attracted?

First of all, we should stop copying. Even to make a copy of a film involves a lot of time, hard work and money. So why should we waste these things to make a project which the smart audiences are not going to accept at all. Rather we should focus on original content with the passion to make something new.

Who are your inspirations in dance or acting in Ollywood and Bollywood?

My all-time inspiration in acting is the king of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan. And his film ‘My Name is Khan’ is my all-time favorite. In dance, I am inspired by Bollywood stars like Sahid Kapoor and Vidyut Jamwal. In the Odia entertainment world, I would like to mention director Raja D and actor Raj Rajesh. I have learned a lot from these guys.

Are you planning to go for a physique like your favourite Bollywood stars?

I believe an actor should be more focused on the character that he is playing and acting rather than on looks or getup. But yes, I am ready to do anything to portray a character. So whenever there is a need to have a good physique, I will definitely try to transform my body.

You are in buzz now, so have you interacted with any fan yet?

Recently, I went to a place to have some snacks with my friends. Suddenly 3-4 young guys came to me and mentioned that they have seen my videos. Then, one of them took the plate from my hand, put it on the table and then they all took pictures with me. They then simply vanished from the place before I could understand anything. Of course, I enjoyed the experience as it was their love for a new artist like me.

What are your plans ahead?

After completing school, I joined an integrated law course in Madhusudan Law College, Cuttack and now I am in the 4th year. So the study is always my priority. I have some more albums in the pipeline and one movie too. We are working on them and they will be out soon. Most of the youth today are not watching Odia content, but rather prefer to watch Bollywood and Hollywood films. So I will try to do something to make them start watching Odia movies again.

Watch an exclusive interview with the upcoming star: