It was March 2012. Due to excessive drenching and debauchery on Holi, I had invited a viral fever. A really persistent casting director called and woke me up one noon. A not-so-big part in a huge film beckoned. The reference was a performer who could look like the late Smita Patil, specifically her from Mirch Masala.
Initially ignorant and disinterested, I tried to convince her that I wouldn't be able to do much since I was sick and purple-eared from Holi. Yet, there I was, an hour later, sans make up, waiting in a nondescript Aram Nagar studio with a tissue held to a running nose.
There was to be a look-test. Basically, specific costume and make up was put to be put on to check if you looked the part or not. But this one was unusual. Unlike other places, my complexion was largely celebrated, in fact I wasn't made pale at all.
While I waited, I scanned the competition. Reknowned TV actors, models and a few Veejay type of girls filled the room,looking freshly sun-kissed. This was a few months before Gangs of Wasseypur released, and I was at best, just another wannabe-actor in the burbs. It was permissible for me to peer anonymously.
I looked on curiously at how a simple look-test was carried out with so much attention to detail. A reference folder was brought out to determine how the character would wear the jewellery and tattoos. The costume was authentic and beautiful. Assistants scurried about the room to shoot the ready actors from different angles. It reeked of perfection.
It was done. And that was that.
A few months later I signed the film, the first time ever without reading the script or knowing "screen-time". It was a powerful yet supporting role. The director was an 'auteur'. Everybody and their mother, from within the industry or outside, wanted a chance to feature in a single mis-en-scen he created. A multi-multi award winner,he was reserved,yet always spoken of,revered and often-imitated.
Genius.
The first day on set was my first day on a set. Previously, all the filmmakers I had worked with mostly shot at real locations. The locations were obviously tweaked for the narrative but this was a little piece of life constructed and created solely for the purpose of story telling.
Each day of shoot reminded me that I knew nothing and there were miles to go. And humility is a tremendous feeling. A year passed during the shoot and I still felt that the next time around,I would improve on aspect x or y.
...
In less than five days,the film will release. It shall be my first proper- mainstream outing. I will at best, be remembered as a satellite for this one. A memorable, luminous satellite. Am often asked if that upsets me.
Hell no!
The journey is the destination and I don't even have a map...
It's not how I will be remembered, it is that I shall always remember of this.
:-)k
