"Get to know your craft and don't be afraid."
In the effervescent world of show business, Aaron Virdee is a symbol of talent, perseverance, and enigma.
Hailing from Wolverhampton, UK, Aaron has appeared in various British theatre productions.
He has also earned an Olivier Award nomination for a production with the Birmingham REP theatre.
When it comes to film and television, Aaron Virdee has starred in BBC’s Doctors and Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows – Part Two (2011).
Aaron’s upcoming film Dog Run features him as Mario and is gearing up for an Apple TV release on August 23, 2024.
Filmed and set in Aaron’s native Wolverhampton, Dog Run is directed by Lorna Nickson-Brown and is in the running for several awards.
These include accolades in the US, Europe, Brazil, and the Phillippines.
In our exclusive chat, Aaron Virdee delves into his career and Dog Run.
What inspired you to become an actor?
I had grown up watching films and going to the theatre and always felt inspired. Particularly work by South Asian artists, made me feel that it is possible to achieve.
I had a brilliant drama teacher at high school. She advised going down a more practical route honing the skills to pursue so I went to college to do Performing Arts.
Following this, I then began auditioning for drama school and got a place.
Drama school is quite intense, sometimes 10-hour days doing all elements that contribute to performance ranging from voice, vocal technique, movement, Shakespeare, stage combat, and film technique.
After this, I secured an agent. I lived in Birmingham and spent a lot of time in London.
You’ve worked in theatre, television, and film. How would you summarise the three mediums with their similarities and differences?
They are very different. Theatre is a different skill, it’s live and you need to reach every member of the audience.
Sometimes the capacity in a theatre can be 2,000 people so physically and vocally it is more exaggerated.
Film and television are quite similar. They are a lot more subtle.
You can often find the camera directly in front of you or be attached to a mic or boom nearby to pick up the voice so it’s more toned down.
Can you tell us a bit about Dog Run? What is the story and your character and what attracted you to the project?
Dog Run is about a silent man lifted out of a life of exploitation through an unexpected bond with a guard dog.
He is new to the country and finds himself trafficked into labour jobs amongst others who are struggling to get out.
I play Mario, he is quite sharp, serious and determined, he has no way out of the job, underpaid and lives in a caravan onsite on a daily routine of forced labour.
I have worked with the director Lorna Nickson-Brown on a previous film.
She offered me the part of Mario and it’s so different to any other role I have done.
I have been excited about this project from the very beginning.
Are there any actors who have inspired you in your journey?
The cast of Goodness Gracious Me certainly set the tone for my inspiration.
It was the first South Asian comedy sketch that I felt was very relatable. Apart from Dog Run, most of my work is comedy.
I was also inspired by Sir Ian McKellen. His ability to transform from stage to screen in so many different genres is inspiring.
What advice would you give budding Desi actors who do not have easy access to the industry?
Persistence and hard work. It’s not an easy industry.
Training never ends, the industry is constantly evolving so continue to work on your skills.
This can be in the form of workshops and classes. Take up any opportunity to be involved in theatre and film groups.
Get to know your craft and don’t be afraid.
Can you tell us about any of your future projects?
I have written a play which is currently in development which is incredibly exciting.
I’ll have to come back to you when I can talk more about it!
When I was younger, I always felt very different to everyone else.
One thing I would say is: “Keep being your authentic self. It will be OK in the end.”
With so much interesting work in his career, Aaron Virdee has not only succeeded but continues to thrive in his profession.
Dog Run promises to be a hard-hitting, rousing film with emotion and a memorable performance at its core.
Aaron’s advice about perseverance and authenticity will inspire millions of fans.
So, make sure you watch Dog Run and keep an eye out for the talented star, Aaron Virdee.
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