MUMBAI: Suraj Sharma‘s brilliant performance of Piscine Molitor Patel (Pi Patel) in his debut film Life of Pi has got him recognition as an actor and has been nominated for the BAFTA Rising Star award this year.

Suraj joins the likes of British actresses Juno Temple, Andrea Riseborough, Elizabeth Olsen and Alicia Vikander who are also in the running for the award recognising new talent in the film industry.

The 19-year old Suraj is the only male nominee on the shortlist, selected by a judging panel that included Sherlock Holmes actor Benedict Cumberbatch and director Kevin Macdonald.

Suraj had no prior acting experience whatsoever, and auditioned only because he was there with his younger brother who had asked him to come along. He was one of the 3,000 actors to audition for the role of Pi Patel.

Since filming Life of Pi, Sharma has returned to studying philosophy at St. Stephen‘s college Delhi University, and intends to continue working in film making in some capacity.

The award is voted for by the public and the winner will be announced on 10 February.

Earlier winners of BAFTA awards include James McAvoy, Tom Hardy, Eva Green, Shia LaBeouf and Kristen Stewart.