Actor Rohan’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep-seated love for cinema. Born and raised in Chennai, with his roots in Trichy and Madurai, Rohan’s life has been a fascinating blend of cultural richness and personal ambition.
Growing up in Chennai, Rohan’s formative years were filled with a remarkable mix of academic and extracurricular pursuits. Known for his sharp intellect and a flair for activities beyond the classroom, he thrived in sports, cultural events, and drama. It was during these early years that he began to carve out his path, fueled by his admiration for Tamil cinema.
Completing his engineering degree in VIT Chennai was a significant milestone, but Rohan’s heart was always in cinema. The choice between a conventional 9-to-5 job and pursuing his passion was clear for him—he chose to follow his dreams. Supported unwaveringly by his parents, particularly his father, who remained his backbone throughout, Rohan took a leap into the world of cinema.
In November 2019, Rohan joined Koothupattarai, an acting school that became the crucible for his craft. He envisioned himself not only as an actor but as a writer and director. However, just as he was ready to embark on this new journey, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, leading to a global lockdown. Undeterred, Rohan seized the opportunity to learn editing, a skill that would later prove invaluable.
His partnership with Director Barath Neelakantan began as an assistant director, where his editing skills played a crucial role. This collaboration opened doors for him in the industry. Inspired by directors like Thiagarajan Kumararaja, Ram, Karthik Subbaraj and Manikandan, Rohan made his debut with an uncredited role in Gautham Vasudev Menon’s Venthu Thaninthathu Kaadu.
Rohan’s journey continued to gain momentum with a prominent role in the upcoming film Alien, directed by Barath Neelakantan starring Taapsee Pannu. His role in the short film First Kiss, produced by JFW, and his ongoing projects with JFW highlight his versatility and commitment to his craft.
Rohan’s love for movies began with the films Vaaranam Aayiram and Ayan, and his admiration for actor Suriya. Rohan cites Kamal Haasan, Suriya, Vikram and Vijay Sethupathi as his core early inspirations but ever since becoming an actor himself he realised every actor and technician has qualities that he can learn from and be inspired. “In 2023, I watched Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky. Stallone, a struggling actor in the 1970s, had written Rocky and was looking to sell the script but on the condition that he would play the title role. After several rejections, he finally made Rocky on a meagre budget. The film became a classic and won 3 academy awards. This story struck a chord with me. On days that I’m feeling low, this story keeps me going” he says.
His dedication to fitness, inspired by his father, is not just about physical strength but about discipline and mental fortitude. Rohan’s father, a pivotal figure in his life, instilled in him the value of discipline through sports, which Rohan took to heart. Maintaining a robust, athletic physique and exuding self-confidence, Rohan likes to experiment with his physique according to the role. “In Alien, I play a young constable. So I focused a lot on sprinting and athletics, as part of my preparation. I loved putting in that extra effort to look the part” he says. He has a discerning eye for both international and classic Tamil films, which continues to drive his passion for cinema.
Looking ahead, Rohan’s directorial short film “Ethirveetu Hero” is set to release in October. Starring as the lead, he has also written and edited the film. With a runtime of around 40 minutes, he calls the film “a black dramedy with a little bit of action and surrealism”. He has started pre-production for his second short film that he is set to direct in November, which he calls a “sports-crime-drama”. With a bright future ahead, Rohan’s journey from the vibrant streets of Chennai to the cinematic world is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his dreams and the support of his loved ones.
