How the promise of a free lunch led Suraj Sharma to unwittingly land the lead role in Ang Lee’s next Suraj Sharma was your average 17-year-old, going to school, without the slightest inkling of what he wanted to do in life. Circumstances, however, landed him at the audition of Ang Lee’s Life Of Pi two years ago.

And the boy who’d never harboured any ambitions to be an actor, found himself playing the central character of Pi. As Irrfan, Tabu and Suraj (the cast of the film) dropped in for a chat, Suraj reveals how it all happened by sheer luck.

Did you always want to act?*
Suraj: No. It was my brother who wanted to audition for the role and I went along with him. I’d told him “I’ll come if you buy me a Subway salad afterwards.” Next thing I know, I am in an Ang Lee movie! I was a school-going kid, literally, obnoxiously normal. I was in that stage when you don’t know what you want to do with your life. With this film, I went through something life-changing.

What was it like to work with Tabu and Irrfan?*
Suraj: Unfortunately, I didn’t get to share screen space with them. But I’ve spent time with them, and with Ang Lee. I’m one of those lucky people right now. I got the chance of a lifetime. It’s been a learning experience. Two years ago, I wouldn’t have been able to talk like this.

Did you rehearse for what you’re saying right now?*
Suraj: If you go through that journey, and are exposed to new things, it all just comes naturally. You don’t have to fake anything.

Tabu: Ask him if he has a girlfriend.
Suraj: No, there’s no girlfriend (laughs).

So, what’s next? Any directors you want to work with?*
Suraj: I don’t know. I’m going to college now. I can’t really decide things like that, because I’m not anybody to choose.

How much will life change for you after this film?
Suraj: It’s already changed.