Rath was active in theatre

Actor, anchor and businessman Sukant Rath has been a popular face right from his college days. The ever-smiling Rath was passionate about acting since his childhood. He nurtured his talent by participating in college plays and getting associated with various theatre outfits like Sabuja Natya and Rachibi in Odisha.

This MBA graduate (Utkal University, 2004) Rath debuted in television in 1998 with the serial Mu Bhala Pae. But this BJB College student (Rath completed his political science (hons) from this city college in 1988) is synonymous with Sabuja Tripathy, the character he played for Sara Akash on Doordarshan, though he considers his double role in Sanskar (ETV Odia) as one of the toughest. This talk show anchor is looking forward to playing some challenging roles and also acting in films.

What did college teach you?

My college (BJB) taught me to be a fighter in life. My talent was recognised here and I was encouraged by one and all. It instilled in me the confidence to face the world with my head held high.

Your proudest moment.

I was on top of the world when I was elected to the college’s dramatic society and also when I got the Best Actor, Best Director and Best Script Writer awards.

How did you score points with the opposite gender?

Since I had a very warm relationship with all of my batchmates and seniors, I didn’t have any issue with any of them. I shared excellent camaraderie with the opposite gender. Being a singer as well as an actor, I was always given special attention.

Was bunking a part of your college routine?

No, never.

Did you have any rifts with professors? Why?

I never had any altercation with professors, except for the one time when one of our teachers passed lewd remarks about my friend. This caused a major hungama and disturbance in the college.

Where did you hang out in college with friends?

The college corridor was the place for us to gossip and chill out. We also frequented the Table Tennis hall.

What extracurricular activities were you involved in?

I was part of dramatics, musical events and sports. We formed a society of our own called BJB Arts Society, which was the first in the college. Though there was a science and commerce society, we as arts students didn’t have a society to call our own. We established the  society in a grand manner, though with a lot of difficulties.

— kasturi@newindianexpress.com