Actor Puneet Sud reflects on the opportunities, challenges, and memorable moments that came with being part of ‘Rihana’ that premiered at the recent Cannes Film Festival
VINIKA VISWAMBHARAN
NT BUZZ
A Cannes premiere, an international feature film, and scenes shared with Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons have added a significant new chapter to Puneet Sud’s acting journey.
The actor and model is part of ‘Rihana’, directed by Chandran Rutnam, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival recently. Inspired by a true story, the human rights drama follows a young Sri Lankan domestic worker in Saudi Arabia whose life is transformed by a tragic incident. It explores themes of justice, migrant workers’ rights and
international advocacy.
For Sud, the project was appealing not only because of its subject matter but also because of the opportunity to be part of a production that brought together talent from across the world. “At this stage of my career, I am less concerned about the length of a role and more interested in the quality of the project and the contribution I can make to it,” he says. That philosophy is reflected in his portrayal of a Saudi tribal leader, who is a religious elder with the cultural and moral authority to participate in forgiveness negotiations. “Although my role was not extensive, it was well-defined and served a clear purpose within the narrative,” he explains.
The film assembled a multinational cast, creating an environment that Sud found both inspiring and educational. “Despite our diverse nationalities, everyone shared the same objective, serving the story. It reinforced the idea that professionalism, preparation and respect are universal languages in our industry.”
The production also gave him the opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s most respected names, both in front of and behind the camera. Sharing scenes with Irons was a particular highlight and “a masterclass in professionalism”. “What struck me most was not his stature, but his humility and complete focus on the work. Actors of his calibre remind you that true excellence often comes with quiet confidence rather than display,” he says.
Equally influential was director Rutnam, whose approach to filmmaking left a lasting impression on him. “His ability to make every member of the cast feel valued stood out immediately. No role was treated as insignificant because he understood how each character contributed to the overall narrative,” says Sud.
Not every memory from the set, however, involved lessons in filmmaking. One encounter with the director still makes him laugh. “I walked up to Rutnam on set to ask him where I could find Mr. Rutnam,” he recalls. “It was the kind of embarrassment that makes you wish the floor would open up, swallow you whole, and politely close behind you.”
The Cannes premiere stands among the most meaningful achievements of Sud’s six-year journey in modelling and acting. Yet amid the international recognition, Sud remains deeply connected to Goa, where he spent his formative years in Vasco and Panaji. His childhood memories include watching celebrated tiatr artistes such as C. Alvares, M. Boyer, and Kid Boxer perform before captivated audiences. “As wide-eyed kids, we clamoured for ringside front-row seats, determined not to miss a moment of the magic,” he recalls.
Those experiences continue to shape his affection for the state. “As an ‘adopted’ son of the soil, I carry a sense of pride in my Goan roots,” he says. “Goa may be geographically small, but it possesses a rich cultural identity and an outward-
looking spirit.”
Looking beyond ‘Rihana’, Sud believes international collaborations are creating new opportunities for Indian performers. “Indian talent is increasingly being recognised worldwide, and collaborations of this nature help accelerate that process while enriching the creative landscape for everyone involved,” he says.
As for the future, he remains focused on opportunities that challenge him creatively and allow him to grow. “I am particularly drawn to characters with depth, complexity and authenticity,” he says.
Drawing from his own journey, Sud encourages aspiring actors to concentrate on developing their craft rather than becoming fixated on destinations. In his view, continuous learning, professionalism, and perseverance are what ultimately create opportunities. “Most importantly, believe in yourself,” he says. “You’ll be surprised at how unique your
individuality is.”
