Partha Sarathi Ray with veteran artiste Meenaketan (left) in a still from upcoming Odia film Gadbad. The actor in his different avatars. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 12: Partha Sarathi Ray is all excited to hit the big screens with two back-to-back Odia films — Nai Separi Kanak Gori and Gadbad.

Seen in small roles such as in Arun Govil’s film U R My Jaan, Subhash Ghai’s Cycle Kick and Ajay Devgn’s Toonpur Ka Superhero, the dashing actor has appeared not only on the big screen, but also in print ads and television commercials in Mumbai. He has also worked as a voiceover artiste.

But it was high time he returned home, felt Partha, who grew up in Bhubaneswar.

“After my graduation in history, I wanted to follow my dreams of acting in movies. So I took up a job in Delhi and joined Barry John’s theatre group there in 2004. Within two years, I got several opportunities to play short roles in films in Mumbai. I also did a few advertisements for the AIDS awareness campaign and many brands,” said the young actor now shooting in the city.

“But to be honest, I was tired of the struggle and started missing my family. Although, my parents initially did not want me to pursue a career in acting, last year, they advised me to try my luck in Odia films. I’m glad I listened to them,” said the 30-year-old actor.

Within a year, Partha was signed for two films both with interesting storylines.

“Nai Separi Kanak Gori is almost ready for post-production work. In the film, I play a doctor, who tries to change the backward life and society of a remote village called Gadamadhabpur. The script is very strong and totally reflects the Odia culture,” said Partha who will be seen opposite actress Ralli Nanda in the movie directed by Pankaj Pani.

The shooting is going on for the other film Gadbad, which is being directed by Subhasis Pati.

“This is an out-and-out comedy and has a very relevant story for people of the state. It is about three youngsters, who have come from different regions in the state to make it big in the capital city. They meet at the bus stand and become friends as soon as they land here. But, accommodation is a problem for them and the film revolves around their amusing plans to get a rented home,” he said.

For Partha, professionalism in Mumbai industry is incomparable. But, the Odia film industry is where he feels at home. “The crew feels more of a family here. I am enjoying my work in Odia films since I got to interact and learn from veterans in Nai Separi Kanak Gori, while the co-actors in Gadbad such as Ashwinee, Pritiraj, Jina, Ragini and Mousami are close friends since we belong to the same age group,” said the actor.