A month and half back and cell ranged, it was by my college mate Ashish informed me of an audition being held near 'ZEE MALL' for a film. Earlier many times this guy has done the same but before this I had never paid heed to it. The conversation ended with same cliche statements like "Yea yea I will try but don't be too sure about it" and all that jazz.
SCENE 1 / TAKE 2
Honestly, like other times I would have skipped this as well had not another colleague from college forced me to come. We talked about experiences and trying everything once since all of us were pursuing mass. com so "its important to build contacts" totally convinced I decided to face it with zeal and enthusiasm.
SCENE 1 / TAKE 3
Though I did no homework for it but decided to look my best in white Capri and a purple top I was ready. At my chic best I jolted in an auto and headed towards my destination 'KHANA SHYAM GUEST HOUSE' I had so many inhibitions about this particular thing especially the infamous 'CASTING COUCH' then the people whom i will meet. My biggest fear was that the veterans of the field will rule it and I being a novice will be too minuscule to influence anyone.
SCENE 1 / TAKE 4
It was 10:30 am I was the only in that small cubical like room and my heart was throbbing with anxiousness. There I met 2 gentlemen( My perception changed with time) Rahul Sir 'THE CASTING DIRECTOR' and Raj Sir 'THE LYRICIST' there I was given a 1 page script and in 5 minutes they demanded me to learn and rehearse it for final audition. After reading the script thrice I had almost memorized it. And I was ready for it. In this entire event I found one thing very amusing was, that before the audition we were given a slate and a chalk and on that we had to write our name and phone number and stand before the camera and speak that loud placing it in front of you giving different profiles. I looked like a raid victim.
SCENE 2 / TAKE 1
After rehearsing 3 to four times before the camera my final shot happened, both the men were very supportive and encouraging. Then I was called again the next day but this time they asked me to wear a salwar suit and come. The character demanded it and they wanted to see my look in that attire. Next day Came with less inhibitions and more of excitement I herald to the guest house since it was more of a familiar place to me now. Today there were more people of all age groups. From kids to aged all experienced and were already doing theater for years. I was the most vulnerable there even the 6 year old kid was a veteran there and had been acting for like 2 to 3 years. I was sure by now that I don't stand a chance here at all. But I have never stopped trying. It was my turn now me along with 2 other girls went inside that small cubicle like room. This time I we were given situations to improvise as well, we a song and dance the audition ended.
SCENE 2 / TAKE 2
After that the entire event was forgotten and we were consumed in our daily mundane life, going to college, attending lectures, wracking our brains to think for projects. Well even Ashish was totally oblivious about it. We never discussed it. Just use to ask him where did he take the two gentlemen to show our city of Nawabs. That is it.
SCENE 3 / TAKE 1
Recently this September, I was busy doing an article for 'THOUGHT CAFE" I got a call from Ashish again asking me to come on the dice. Oblivious to everything but curiosity engulfed me I raced towards the dice. There Ashish and one more friend Vidit told me that I have been selected for the movie 'Tanu Weds Manu'. I was shell shocked this was something that wasn't sinking in. It took me 4 days to realize that I was in it. Finally a smile lit on my face.
SCENE 3 / TAKE 2
With the conformity of it came new challenges first being parents, consent which was granted, then came college support thanks to our new HOI who was more than just being supportive. He provided us with all the information and exempted us promising attendance to both me and Ashish. Gave us a lesson as to how to take life and challenges in life and also guided us how to make the right choice in life. Now with all our worries handled we were in a better condition to work.
SCENE 3 / TAKE 3
Next person was our print media professor Mr. Mahadev whom I share a great rapport with was next to know about it. He gave me ample advise on how to go about it. Then very same day I got a call from Sudhanshu Sir he was the local artist coordinator and wanted to meet us. Next day I met him in Coffee House now looked better with it new makeover. He briefed us about the film and quenched all our queries. It was first professional meeting and since that day I learnt how to built contacts. It was nice short and sweet meet. Ever since that day the learning journey began.
SCENE 3 / TAKE 4
My last stop before I embark upon the final journey was to meet Rahul Sir again. This time he had sheltered in a hotel called Tulip a little posh than the last time. It was 15 minutes meet but was very bubbly and pacey. We talked about what we did all this while when we were not in touch. Explained me my role and the kind of attire I will have to wear and since its a low budget film so we have to bring our own clothes. We few more greetings and wishes we parted ways and a different kind of happiness suffused me me. Like a lunatic with a Julia Robert like smile I came home.
INTERMISSION
The journey will be concluded in the next post
which will talk about the latter half and how the
film was made and how I grew as a person and
a professional. And how blessed I feel to have
achieved a film as my 1st venture...
"ITS NOT AN END ITS JUST THE BEGINNING"
