I have been invited as media to attend these events. Expenses have been paid in exchange for my coverage. All opinions are my own.
Who went to the movies this weekend and saw Million Dollar Arm? What did you think? My dad never goes to the movies, like never, ever….how are we related? LOL! 😉 Anyway, yesterday was my dad and step-mothers anniversary and they went to the theaters to see Million Dollar Arm, and thought it was great! I’ve seen it twice, and well you already know how I feel about it. 🙂
While in LA, our group had the opportunity to interview several of the actors, including Jon Hamm and Aasif Mandvi (coming soon). Today I’m sharing our experience interviewing Madhur Mittal & Suraj Sharma who play the two teenage boys in the film.
Madhur Mittal is best known for his role in Slumdog Millionaire prior to filming Million Dollar Arm. He plays Dinesh in the film. Suraj Sharma’s previous work includes Life of Pi and he plays Rinku in this film.
Madhur Mittal & Suraj Sharma Interview:
Blogger Q: What compelled you to an audition? What was that like?
Madhur: I think I speak for the both of – what really hit me was, this is a tremendous feat that these guys have achieved and I had no idea about these guys. Nobody in my family knew. None of my friends knew this story. And what these guys have achieved is something that nobody has ever done any sport in the history of mankind. That is very big. And I think it’s very important that this story reaches people and that was the first thing that hit me.
Suraj: It’s just the fact that these guys came from nothing, went and did something phenomenal.
Blogger Q: Have you played baseball prior to the film?
Suraj: Absolutely not. Zero experience in baseball altogether. Yes, it was quite hard. We had a lot of fun during training though.
Madhur: We had three and a half weeks to do whatever we could do. We used to have four hours of baseball every day and we are both quite scrawny boys so we had to put on a lot of muscle. We trained for three or four hours every day and then rest an hour, and then go to the gym for a couple of hours, and strict diet. Yes, it was quite physically challenging, but it helped.
Suraj: Yes, I think we had a lot of draw from the fact that we were in the similar situation, you know, like we had a really short amount of time to prepare and then we had to perform on set. And also these guys they had like 10 months of preparation, and they had to perform. So I think it puts us in a similar kind of mind frame.
The boys collectively mentioned that the footage taken by Amit was a “massive treasure” and really helpful to the filming of this true story. And that the weather, being so hot in India, made it difficult at times for filming, but that they managed.
Madhur confirmed that Rinku’s infamous flamingo pose is another truth to the movie. Since both boys were javelin throwers, that is the initial stance for that sport.
Blogger Q: How did you guys get into acting?
Madhur: I have been in the business ever since I could remember. I started my career as a Michael Jackson impersonator as a child. Before I was three, you know, I started with Michael Jackson and that’s how I got into the entertainment business and when I was five my whole family they shifted from Agra, where I was born to Mumbai, just so I could pursue a career in the arts and just really amazing supportive family.
Suraj: I never wanted to be an actor or (have) anything to do with film. It was more of realization, look there is something here that actually I love a lot. And that’s how it began.
The guys were really nice to chat with and very outgoing. I was impressed with how friendly all of the actors were. It was a great experience! Remember Million Dollar Arm is in theaters now, and rated PG so it’s a great film for the whole family!
For more information on the film follow MDA on Facebook.
Donna says
I couldn’t imagine not ever doing something before and have just 3 weeks to learn it and then make it look like you’ve been doing it all your life on film. My son really wants to see this movie!
Lucero De La Tierra @earthformed says
Our family likes movies based on actual events. If there is any sentimental or tear jerking parts my husband will get choked up. . . don’t tell him I said that, LOL.
Cara says
My 12 yr old can’t wait to see this movie, he loves baseball!
Trisha Haas says
I just saw the previews for this this week and it looks very inspirational!
Jennifer H says
That’s absolutely the heart & soul of the film…
Shell Feis (@NotQuiteSusie) says
I can only imagine what a challenge it’d be to have zero baseball experience and then make a movie about baseball! I can’t wait to see this.
emilyroemmich says
How cool to be able to interview them!
blm03 says
What a great interview! Can’t wait to see the movie!
Kim @ What's That Smell? says
This sounds like a good movie, we LOVE baseball movies. It’s cool you all got to interview some of the cast!
Elaina At AtimeoutforMommy says
Looks like a great time and a great film!
HilLesha says
I haven’t watched it yet (didn’t realize it was already out!), but I’m interested in watching it sometime. 🙂
robyn says
My sons both play baseball and really want to see this movie! Do you think it is appropriate for little kids?
Jennifer H says
Yes, I believe it is. It’s PG and there isn’t foul language or nudity or anything. It’s family friendly. 🙂
Beth M (@simplybudgeted) says
Loved the interview and that he didn’t know baseball before the movie.
Beeb Ashcroft (@hardertobreathe) says
Great interview! I have zero experience too so maybe this movie will educate me, lol!
Beeb Ashcroft (@hardertobreathe) says
*in baseball, that was supposed to say!
Swa-Rai (@swaraiblog) says
Such a great movie, I know you had a blast.
valerieremymilora says
I have not seen the movie but now I must. I love empowering stories and these two guys seem impressive as individuals. What an experience! That mindset is the best 🙂
Dee @ Cocktails with Mom says
Can’t wait to see this. How fun you got to interview some of the actors.
Rachel Young says
Very cool!! I can’t wait to see it 🙂 So glad you had a great time!
Liz Mays says
I can tell there is so much heart in this movie. Can’t wait to check it out.
sippycupmom says
SO interesting! I love learning more about the behind the scenes of a movie.