Star power

By Lia Bichel
The 12-year-old Cranbourne West actor took home silver and bronze medals from Hollywood’s 13th World Championships in Performing Arts.
Five years ago, the Serbian-born Borko, formerly a Hampton Park resident, enrolled in drama classes at Helen O’Grady Academy and has been sweeping up the competition ever since.
He received numerous awards for his performances and was given a small role in the movie ‘Fight to Glory’ which was directed by Thomas Jones.
In May, Borko told the News he was chosen to represent Australian at the international competition earlier this year, but the high cost to travel overseas left his dreams hanging by a thread.
Borko’s mother Vesna said fortunately, the family saved enough money to send him to the competition and make his dream come true.
“It was really important to him,” she said.
“Everyone told us Borko was very talented. Our aim was to assess his skills and discover whether or not he should continue his dream to become an actor – and the competition proved Borko definitely has skills.”
About 75,000 competitors from 50 different countries were entered in six categories of competition.
Borko came second in the acting category, to fellow Australian Joe Robinson, but was given a special invitation to meet one of Hollywood’s top agents.
Ms Pajic-Jondic said the agent exchanged contact details with Borko’s manager Jasper Bagg, and said he would consider the young thespian for future movie roles.
Borko said he enjoyed the trip, where he visited Hollywood’s hot spots, celebrated his twelfth birthday, and brushed shoulders with the rich and the famous.
He said the event has opened many doors for him.
Since coming home from the competition, Borko has taken hip-hop lessons, hopes to eventually take singing lessons, and has set big goals for his future.
“I want to be an actor in movies,” Borko said.