Actor Hesh Sarmalkar at the News India-Times office with his ‘Best Actor’ trophy which he received at the ‘Rome Georgia International Film Festival.’ (Photo: Jyotirmoy Datta)

Hesh Sarmalkar, an Indian-American actor who lives in New York, has received the ‘Best Actor’ Jury award at ‘Rome Georgia International Film Festival,’ for his portrayal of a hapless immigrant from India in the movie ‘Sangam.’ The festival was held from Sept. 9-12.

The short film, written and directed by Prashant Bhargava, has been to several film festivals, including the Sundance in the U.S., Sao Paulo, Brazil and Salento, Italy.

Jake Jacobson, the Festival Director at the ‘Rome Georgia International Film Festival,’ praised ‘Sangam’ and it’s star’s performance. “Much of the success of the haunting short film ‘Sangam’ must be attributed to an electrifying and daring performance by New York actor Hesh Sarmalkar.

“He provides unusual depth to a difficult character of a newly-arrived immigrant from India on a fateful and dramatic subway ride in the New York City night.

“Sarmalkar smoothly marries the exuberance of a new American arrival to the disturbing paranoia and desperation of the same. He makes it a seamless study and works absolute magic. Such tremendous promise.”

In the role of Raj, a hapless immigrant from India with only $20 to his name, Sarmalkar won the sympathies of audiences with his poignant and compelling performance.

Sarmalkar feels that Raj’s naivety and innocence is almost universal — “The creative energy at these festivals is amazing. I have made new friends from all over the U.S., from Brazil, from Germany, from Italy.

“It’s remarkable - everywhere I’ve gone, everyone can sympathize on some level with Raj,” Sarmalkar told News India-Times whose offices he visited with the trophy.

“I’ve been all around the world with this film, promoting it and getting the best feedback and although I have received some offers, I am waiting for the right role, so now it’s time to let the film travel on it’s own. I am looking forward to the next exciting project,” he said.