Dr. Rutuj Mali is playing the lead in Devdas, a Broadway musical, and is seen in Crazxy as a junior doctor

Kabir Singh Bhandari

If you’ve seen Sohum Shah’s recent theatrical release Crazxy, you would have noticed Dr. Rutuj Mali playing a junior doctor in the film. Acting had always been Mali’s first love, and he had performed professionally before academics took over. His parents, knowing the uncertainty of the entertainment industry, insisted he have a stable career to fall back on. So, he pursued medicine, completing his MBBS while keeping the passion for acting alive.

After graduation, he trained at Barry John Acting Studio. Barry advised him to get a job while waiting for acting opportunities, so he joined Cooper Hospital on March 1, 2020. Just days later, he volunteered for COVID screening at the airport. While working through both COVID waves, Mali auditioned for the biographical war film Pippa (2023).

His HOD supported him by approving his leave. After two years at Cooper, Mali’s parents encouraged him to take the leap and pursue acting full-time.  In an interaction with us, he tells us about working with Sohum Shah, auditioning for Chavaa and playing the lead in Devdas, a broadway musical. 

How did you get the role of a junior doctor in Crazxy? 

This one was unexpected! A casting coordinator was searching for a real doctor for the role. Initially, the character was older, but they asked me to audition anyway. I flew to Delhi for the test, knowing the film could be a career milestone. Though I thought I nailed it, I had to retest three more times with different variations. Finally, at a script reading session with director Girish Sir, he said, "I’ve found my junior doctor." That moment was worth all the effort. 

How was it working with Sohum Shah?

Shooting with Sohum Shah was incredible. One day, we were behind schedule while filming a scene where he fixes a tire. I was called in to give cues, ensuring the scene felt natural. I overheard the director stressing about the delay, but Sohum simply said, "We’re here to have fun and make a good film." It was inspiring to see a producer focused on creating art rather than chasing deadlines.  

You’re playing the title role in the Broadway dance musical Devdas? 

I was taking dance classes when choreographer Devendra Singh noticed me and suggested my name for the lead role. At my script reading, I didn’t just bring props—I arrived in full Devdas attire, from suspenders to a dhoti for the drunken sequence. The producer said he saw my hunger for acting, and I landed the role.  

We performed Devdas at Le Grand Rex, Paris, to a full house of 3,000 people for five shows. The response was overwhelming. Later, we promoted the musical on the French reality show Star Academy. This year, we have 14 shows in Mauritius and 21 in Paris. 

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