How Film Stars Struggled in Life | Their 7 Audition Tapes

Don't dream unwisely to be a Bollywood star overnight or in a few months or in a few years.
No way!

It's hard and prolonged struggle where the success rate is 2% or less. Thousands of aspiring actors are roaming the streets of Mumbai for a break! However, the brighter side is that today's superstars are man and women like you and me who by their sheer grit, determination, persistence and perseverance, facing rejections and long periods of financial instability have succeeded. 

So, the question is can you do it?

Superstars of today had to figure out a way into Bollywood and the road was honestly not an easy one. They have come a long way with every role that came in their kitty

But what started it all? 

Take a look at the audition tapes of some of your favorite actors

If you think that big celebrities have always had an easy way into Bollywood, time to break all the myths. Because filmmakers have their own way of ensuring that the characters they have in their films are carefully chosen. "Swades" had beautiful detailing of the characters like Kaveri Amma, Geeta and Mohan himself. Now watch how Ashutosh Gowarikar found his Mohan, Geeta and Kaveri Amma, right here!

1. Shahrukh Khan and Gayatri Joshi's audition for Ashutosh Gowarikar's 'Swades'

We often think that the star kids hardly have to put in any effort in entering Bollywood. But this audition tape of Alia Bhatt, recently posted by Dharma Films on Alia Bhatt's birthday, will change your thoughts! Like any other newcomer, Alia did give an audition for the role in Karan Johar's 'Student of the Year'. Don't believe us? Watch it here!

2. Alia Bhatt's Audition for SOTY won Karan Johar's heart

In a recent interview with one of the news channels, Anushka Sharma revealed her own little secret to Raju Hirani and Aamir Khan by showing them her audition tape for a role in 3 Idiots which later went to Kareena Kapoor.

3. Anushka Sharma's audition for a role in 3 Idiots, which she revealed to Aamir Khan and Raju Hirani recently

Do you know that Chatur was never a planned character in the movie 3 Idiots? Oh yes. Raju Hirani was actually auditioning for Sharman Joshi's role, but destiny had some different plans. People who were auditioning found Omi Vaidya so unique that they spontaneously sketched out the character of 'Chatur' which later went on to become one of the most famous characters from the blockbuster film.

4. Watch how Team 3 Idiots found their character 'Chatur' in Omi Vaidya

It wasn't a cakewalk for the very talented Rajat Barmecha to crack a role in a movie as epic as Udaan. After certain steps of auditioning and convincing the filmmakers, Rajat chose to not look back.

5. Rajat Barmecha's entry ticket to Bollywood was this hilarious audition for UTV's 'Udaan'

Gautam Gulati rose to instant fame with his stint in Big Boss 8. But do you know that he had some other plans for himself too? Yes! Gautam Gulati also took Bollywood into consideration and he auditioned for Aashiqui 2 as well. He was rejected, but he found himself a small space as 'Suraj's younger brother in Diya Aur Baati Hum. Reports have said that he has already signed a film but we are yet to be sure of it!

6. Big Boss 8 winner Gautam Gulati's audition for 'Aashiqui 2'

(Excellent audition-author)

Manjot Singh, popularly known as 'Lucky' of Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! Auditioned for the role that finally went to Rajat Barmecha. Later he evidently became one of the most popular choices of the UTV Clan because he got roles in films like Fukrey and Shaitan. Manjot also won the Filmfare Critics Award for the Best Actor category for his performance in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!.

7. Manjot's Singh had his struggle before he turned "Lucky"

Indiatimes

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Didn't Know Acting for Camera and Was Kicked Out | 20 Tips

Acting for camera- a fine art

Ignorance may hurt you!

Let me give my own example when I faced the camera for the first time in 1999. It was for an episodic "AAHAT" by Mr. B.P. Singh, the great director, cinematographer and producer of "CID". I had a small role of a scientist.  I had to deliver a dialogue and leave. I didn't know nor anybody told me how to take an exit. As usual, they had taken me for granted that I knew all about acting for camera. Well, I left after my dialogue, walked straight and stopped thinking that shot must be over. What followed was a silence. And then shouts! "Aarey, why did you stop?" " You should have taken a left turn out of camera frame!" There were more shouts... "Who recruits these idiots?" "call coordinator John!"
"Kahan se aise logon ko pakad kar latey hain?" yelled assistant director!...

I was kicked out!
Hurt and broken I realized then the importance of learning acting for the camera and took immediate steps to know the art.

Film Vis Theater

• The major difference between acting for film and stage is the venue.
• A film presents your performance to viewers at closer range. There�s nothing �Deep� about the difference; it�s just like moving from outdoor Theater to a small room.
• In film, you are acting in front of a camera, and you need to speak in a normal voice with restrained body movements. And on stage, you are standing on a river bank talking to a group of people standing on the other side across the bank and trying to listen to you and understand your gestures. So you have to speak loudly with a bit of exaggerated gestures.

Acting for Camera

1. Ask if you don't know a thing...entry, position, blocking. Ask AD or ADP. Your mistake could be terribly embarrassing!
2. Always keep going until the director shouts "CUT". Continue to be in the character. There may be a retake immediately!
3. Never stop either movements or dialogues when the camera is rolling
4. Never look into camera lens directly unless asked to do so
5. Hitting mark- you may have to walk while delivering your dialogues and reach to a mark (for the camera). Know that mark. Usually it is marked with a colored tape. Unfortunately, you cannot look at it while walking. Quickly rehearse creating intermediate "points" marks such as a table, light, chair to reach to your final point. If there are tiles on the floor, count them before you reach to your mark. The best is to count your steps as you walk normally to reach the mark
6. Generally ignore the camera lens; "let it find you"
7. If you cannot see the camera from your eyes (even from the corners of your eyes), your face will be hidden from the camera. Know this before making facial gestures
8. In a multi camera studio or where there is more than one camera, ask for where to look. Otherwise a red light means that the camera is on. So keep a reaction on your face for that camera
9. If the shot is of a group or with co-stars, ask if you are in the camera frame. If not, then relax. If in then take care of your expressions and gestures
10. Manage your acting style within the camera frame as per a particular shot

• Long Shot: Large gestures (camera at a distance)
• Medium shot: Small gestures (Camera at a short distance, e.g. 10-15 feet)
• Medium close up: Normal gestures
• Real close up: Restrained gestures of facial expressions

Other important tips nobody will tell you

1. Vocal intensity and impact can be created by the increasing pace (speed) at which you speak your dialogues rather than volume.
2. When the camera is moving with you (tracking you) as you walk, talk fast BUT move slowly
3. There is a tendency to speak loudly when you're speaking with a heavy accent e.g. in a particular dialect (Bhojpuri, South Indian, Tapori..)
4. When speaking at low levels do not lose energy or reduce the pace
5. Remember carefully: When you are going to be contained in more than one shot of a scene, which often happen as the same shot is usually taken from different angles or POV (Point of view) or OTS (over the shoulder), remember what you have spoken in the first shot and do not change your dialogues for the 2nd or 3rd shot. Speak exactly the same.
6. You are acting for an audience of one-the other player/ players will be picked up by the camera
7. Learn your lines well.  While on camera your mind should not dwell on remembering lines. You have to take care of many other important things in a shot such as camera angles, movements, handling props, reacting with your co-stars etc.
8. React before you speak. For example, open your mouth before saying "A"...of a word "Aaj" of a sentence "Aj main Delhi Ja raha haun". Or intake a breath before you speak
9. React with your expressions to what is going with a shot. When another actor is talking or moving or picking up something
10. A camera loves eyes. Move your eyes when in a shot. They can be very effective. Move them up and down when listening to another character

Updated Post Since 2013

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Can't Do Comedy? Missing Chances? Learn Easily Here

Comedy in Bollywood film Grand-Masti

Tell me, who doesn't want to laugh? Especially, even more so in these depressing times! Comedic acting is tough, but if you get it right and then there are plenty of opportunities not only in Indian cinema and in serials but internationally as well for you.

The key factor to do comedy: Learn Improvisation! 

What is comedy?

Comedy is a genre of film that uses humor as a driving force. The aim of a comedy film is to provoke laughter from the audience through entertaining stories and characters.

Types

Absurd Comedy

The humor in these films tends to be nonsensical with exaggerated characters and situations. This type of sub genre often uses slapstick tendencies

Action-Comedy

It combines action with humor. Action-Comedy relies on the characters to bring out the humor, while the action scenes tend to be less intense than in the traditional action movie.

Romantic-Comedy

It attempts to catch the viewer�s heart with the combination of love and humor. This sub-genre is light-hearted and usually places the two protagonists (main male and/or female characters) in humorous situation. Romantic-Comedy film revolves around a romantic ideal, such as true love. In the end, the ideal triumphs over the situation or obstacle, thus creating a happy conclusion.

Horror-Comedy

Horror-Comedy combines comedy with traditional horror movie themes and characters. Horror-Comedy films aim to scare the audience, but also provide comical outlets that let the audience laugh at their fear.

Spoof�Comedy

These films impersonate, ridicule, or scoff at serious situations and people. These films rely heavily on satire. For example tomfoolery, to deceive, to play a hoax, to play a trick or to satirize gently

Slapstick-Comedy

Slapstick comedy is a sub-genre of film that incorporates physical comedy into the story. Slapstick uses visual action, such as harmless violence and horseplay (rough, boisterous play), to depict humor. Slapstick film often relies on comedic timing and a controlled psychical performance of a single actor.

In Bollywood films and TV serials there are only few productions based totally on the above mentioned sub-genres. Indian comedy films/serials may incorporate all of the above or some of the above genre in a single film/serial. Therefore, an actor must learn and practice all the above-mentioned types of comedy

How to be a successful comedy actor

1/ What exactly comedy is. What makes us laugh so hard?
Comedy is about suffering. That�s right � pain, sadness, tragedy, and injustices are all the perfect foundations for a funny story. The old saying, �you�ll either laugh or cry,� couldn�t be truer when it comes to comedy. The more a character is in trouble, the funnier it is to watch � hence the term �comedy of errors.� Desperation, unpredictability and deep situational entanglements force actors to solve improbable (and often crazy) situations with exaggerated (and hilarious) solutions.

2/ Stick to the script.

Comedy is all about rhythm, timing, and pace, and it's your job as a comedic actor to identify those things in each and every piece of scripted comedy you perform.
Comedy, when done right, is like a good song. Just as a musician plays the melody as composed, a comedic actor must stick to the script. That means following the words exactly as written. Don't add or drop words or attach handles to the beginnings of sentences, like "Look," "I mean," "Well," and "So." And don't change the punctuation e.g. exclamation signs, question marks, pauses etc!
3/ Improvisation
Learning the technique and excellence in Improvisation is mandatory. Note that auditions for a comedic may character require improvisation.

Mistakes committed

Unscripted movements

One of the biggest mistakes that can kill a comedic scene is unscripted movement (which are NOT in the script. This includes adjusting your clothes, scratching your nose, stretching your neck, waving your arms, tapping your thigh, rolling your eyes, and so on. Unless movement is specified in the script or by the director, you should stay still, as any extra movement will distract from the comedic rhythm.

Overacting

Do your absolute best not to over-act. Don�t try to be funny. Don�t fake it. Don�t get embarrassed. Don�t expect laughs by over-exaggerating your facial expressions. If the script is well written and funny, then the laughs will come � do not force them! One of the worst errors a comedic actor can make is to anticipate laughter.

Not understanding timing

A very important aspect of comedic timing is pausing for the audience to laugh (that is, if they are laughing). Young or novice actors often get nervous and continue with dialog without a pause, forcing the viewers to either stop laughing or left wondering what they just missed in the dialogue. The amount of time that you should pause for laughter comes with practice and experience.

Develop your own funny style

Think about the all of the successful comedians you know like Mahmood, Johny Walker, Johny Lever. Asrani and many others. They all have a distinctive personality, But how do you do this?

Watch these great comedians and ask the following questions to yourself and seek answers

1. "What makes them funny?"
2. "What does their voice do while speaking major comedic points?"
3. "How is their body language?"
4. "Are they realistically funny, or do they playing the role as a 'character' ?"
5. After watching actors perform their craft, you can then begin to study your own style and then plan to develop as a comedic actor.

My simple formula to prepare for a comedic character

Just imagine and practice-

• If I am an idiot, how will I behave?
• If I am a fool, how will I perform a role?
• If I am a fool but behave as if I am the most intelligent person on the earth
• I grasp things very slowly. People have to explain and repeat things repeatedly. Therefore, my reactions are absurd. I either make a poker face or drop my jaw or just smile or become serious. I am always unconnected 
• I am always in hurry. Many a times though I do not understand, I react as if I knew in responding or replying
• My physical responses are either too slow or abnormally fast
• I am always in incongruity which means out of keeping or place; inappropriate; unbecoming

Bollywood comedy films to be watched repeatedly for learning comedic acting

Golmaal 3 (2010), Singh is King (2008), Golmaal Return (2008), Dhamaal (2007), Welcome (2007), Kya Kool HaI Hum (2005), No Entry (2005), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Munnabhai M.B.B.S. (2003), Hungama (2003), Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega (2001), Hera Pheri (2000), Chachi 420 (1997), Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Gol Maal (1979), Bombay To Goa (1972), **** Padosan (1968)

Join us NOW to get trained: http://topactingcoach.werbly.com

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Rejected? 10 Tips on How Not to Annoy a Casting Director

Millions of artists from different parts of country aspire to become an actor and enter the entertainment industry and long for one big break. Some of them do get their chance while many end as "Strugglers" only and one of the major reasons behind this is nothing but the lack of proper knowledge of the "auditioning process"
Soon a book "Casting Room" will be published in English and Hindi written by one of the top casting director Manoj Ramola. Aspiring actors must buy this book when published

1. Don�t wear strong perfume or cologne 

Many a times, a casting director along with his/her colleagues sit in a small, cramped room without ventilation for hours. Some of them are highly sensitive and allergic to perfume and get migraines and nausea. Think of the casting office like a doctor�s office. Don�t do it. Females more often make this mistake.

2. Take showers or a bath

Though it's true that you should avoid strong perfumes, it's equally important that you don't smell badly. In a hot and humid climate of Mumbai, a mild underarm powder or a deodorant after a shower is ok.

3. No props

If you know your scene in advance and which shows your �character� with props like a brief case, some stick, bottle, knife or anything else, don�t carry into the audition room. It distracts people. The same applies to over dressing as a �character� trying to impress a casting director. For example, over dressing for a politician's character from head to toe.

4. No beard or stubbles or half -nude

Unless told so by your coordinator or by production people. Give a casting director a clean slate to visualize and draw a �character� in you by your looks and performance. Girls should be careful. Be decent unless informed otherwise; let a casting director imagine what he/she wants

5. No cutting jokes or touching the casting director

It could be a deadly mistake if a casting director is a female. Men: Charm, wit, and personality are great, but being over friendly or flirting is just bad manners.

6. Wear underpants 

(Need not to be explained)

7. Don�t audition if you�re not available for the job

Find out in advance which are the shoot days. Actors who think it�s better to be seen even if they aren�t available are wrong.

8. No Excuses

 Leave them at home. Words like �sorry�, �I got stuck in traffic�, �I had a fever and cold last night�, Sorry, I didn�t get time to memorize�, �I have a bad throat��.or �I�m sorry I may not give a good performance because I��
If you have an explanation for your poor performance, don�t go for an audition

9. Don�t do any odd or unnecessary gestures

Like slapping your fingers, scratching your nose, swinging from one leg to another. It distracts auditioners.

10. Be nice and courteous to everyone

Partly based on

My final suggestion

Before you start going for auditions, learn auditioning techniques from experts- school or from your acting coach.

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3 top Secrets Only for You | How to Learn Acting Free Online

Do you know the cost of being trained as an actor in a good institute in India?
In Mumbai top schools like Barry John Acting Studio and Whistling Woods charge from Rs. 2 Lakhs to Rs.9Lakhs
This is a hell of a cost!!
I have learnt over a period a secret to learn acting on camera, with directors and on an actual set free of cost!
This is how you can do it:

Secret No 1

Get the entire training material online visiting free acting site (Like this blog of mine) and practice religiously alone in front of a full size mirror or with your friends. Unfortunately, there are no well known online free courses in India except mine. However, I will strongly recommend this International site for online learning:
http://www.backstage.com/

Secret No 2

When you are a bit more confident, create your resume and a picture portfolio. It is better to create a video, writing few good lines and asking some friend of yours to shoot video with a good camera or on a good mobile. Transfer it to a computer.

Secret No 3

In Mumbai, go  to:

• ZIMA (ZEE INSTITUTE OF MEDIA AND ARTS, Lokhandwala circle, Andheri West)
• DIGITAL ACADEMY (Near Hotel Tunga Paradise, MIDC,. Andheri East)

And do what?

• Find out where the classes for students undertaking courses in Direction or Filmmaking are being held. 
• Wait for students to come out. Meet them (Preferably before the end of their course). 
• Introduce yourself and give your resume and pictures. 
• The students of these courses will be making a film to be eligible to get a diploma or certificate. It is mandatory! These future directors usually do not prefer student actors from their institute due to either poor quality or due to some other problem.
• They look desperately for aspiring actors outside of their own institute, as they can't pay well. 
• Hang around their classes and meet them. Tell them about yourself 

And You Got a Job, buddy!

When they make films, everybody, i.e. Director, cinematographer,  including yon, are "1st timer" so learning is a fun with an additional advantage of decorating your resume with a creditable work!

If you need further help, contact me.
GOOD LUCK!

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9 Steps to Help You | Don't Depend Only on Acting Ability

A good actor's frustrations of not getting a break

Do not let anyone fool you.

• Acting ability alone will not help you much in your acting career if you cannot get the right people to see you.

1. This will help you: For the right people, read the relevant post from this blog on good casting directors or coordinators. Just type "Casting Directors" and then "Arist Coordinators" in the search box at the right sidebar of this blog. The relevant posts will open

• It will not help you much if you do not understand the difference between auditioning and working as an actor on a film set.

2. This will help you:  Read and follow the relevant posts on camera acting and auditions from this blog. Put query in the search box as mentioned under No 1 help

• It will not help you much if (preferably), you cannot arrange sufficient money to fund your acting career in such a way so that you do not have to work for someone in order to make ends meet. This will help you to devote 100% of your time and energy in pursuing your dream to be a successful Bollywood actor

3. This will help you: If you cannot fund your living, then the only alternative you have is to take up a part time job, home business opportunities or be a freelance online worker and be patient.

• It won't help you much if you don't truly understand what are the hurdles an aspiring actors have to face before they see a ray of hope. The enormous commitment, a long drawn struggle and an ability to withstand failures, rejections, frustrations you will need to make in order to just get to making enough money to live off, working only as an actor.

4. This will help you: Build your body and a strong personality by joining a gym and learning Yoga, Relaxation, Exercising, Auto Suggestions and Self-hypnotism. Read relevant posts in this blog. This is possible. Save money by rationalizing expenses on housing, local travel, head shots and on show reel. Use internet and web technology as, much as you can. It is cheap

• It will not help you much if you do not know the steps to take not just to get your career started, but to build a base for getting auditions and acting work regularly and not just once a while

5. This will help you: Keep your eyes and ears open. Exploit every available audition and casting notice sources such as web, Facebook, Yahoo and LinkedIn groups, regularly contacting your coordinators to name a few

• It will not help you much if you do not really FEEL with every cell of your mind and body that this is what you really want and there's nothing more that you want. If you don't eat, sleep, drink, talk and walk acting its not gonna work
• It will not help you much if you do not realize what will drive you forward is your undying passion for this career and not the fame, not the money, not the glory, not the red carpet, but the just your love for acting.
• It will not help you much if you don't realize that no matter how good of an actor you think you are or how good others tell you you are, it's not gonna work  unless you are professionally trained and continue to learn and update techniques acting till you die!

6. This will help you: Join a good training school. Preferably, have a coach who wants to help you rather than with an objective to earn only money through you

• It won't help you much if your whole strategy for becoming an actor is built on "I gotta get a Co coordinator and find auditions.",  This strategy that statistics show has a success rate of almost to less than 3%

7. This will help you: Exploit all the avenues at one go. Run around to auditions whenever, wherever these are. Make contacts and friends who would inform you of these events

• Why, in spite of struggling for long periods still not getting acting assignments regularly? It will not help you if you do not identify the reasons and correct your mistakes in your current strategy. 

8. This will help you: Before you start, does a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) analysis of yourself and review your strategies and �Change� if required.

Girls, this is important for you

• It won�t help you much if you are shy and reluctant. Bollywood, serials, private feature films or commercials require pretty, tall and bold girls.

9. This will help you: Be bold. Learn to be embarrassingly close to your Co actor in romantic scenes and be ready to kiss. About fashion, shots or prints learn to undress partially until you become a star. Then you can dictate your terms and refuse to do the objectionable scenes.

Refuse sex

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*However, this does not mean you should be ready to have a sex. Under no circumstances, you should sell yourself. Be blunt and say a big �NO�

If you integrate your acting abilities with all the OTHER THINGS as mentioned above, you will for sure become a full-time working actor.
( You can contact the author for a free help)

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Should You Join Acting Classes? Good and Bad About Them

Is it your wish to break into film acting and become an aspiring Bollywood/ Hollywood actor or actress? If so, are you or have you recently taken an acting class? If not, you should take this step.
After all, acting classes have their benefits and are essential if you want to become an actor/actress. In fact, four reasons why you should take an acting class are outlined below.

1 � Gain Acting Experience and Knowledge:

Classes for actors, which come in a number of different formats, provide the skills you will need in the acting industry. There are classes that offer onstage experience and for those that want a film acting career, on-camera lessons are offered. Also, there are summer acting camps and programs available for teens.

Remember, you will be gaining experience even if you are just standing in front of the class reciting a monologue. This experience can set you apart from the competition and give you connections to the professional acting world.

2 � An Acting Class Gives You Formal Training For Your Career: 

Receiving formal training in an acting class is typical for directors, producers and especially actors If you were to take an acting course, which is multiple classes joined together, you will likely walk away with a certificate of completion. Although not a degree, it still highlights the training and experience you gained and is considered formal training.

The Formats:
Earlier it was mentioned that acting classes come in a number of different formats, and those that are highly recommended are not just taught by anyone. The professional instructors who provide face-to-face learning are trained in the field of theater, acting, drama and arts. This guarantees that you walk away with a lot of knowledge about movie acting.

3 � Necessary Feedback Provided For Actors And Actresses: 

Remember, you are paying the acting class instructor to improve your acting skills, not to boost your ego. Therefore, you will be getting positive and negative feedback and evaluations from your teacher.

Get Good At Accepting Criticism Of Your Acting Abilities
It will be difficult at first to have your work dissected and torn apart, but, these instructors have been there and they know what improvements are necessary. This criticism can be used to your advantage if you take their advice and put it into action.

4 � Learn Inside Scoop about Acting Classes: 

There are numerous acting classes available today, so ask around and get some input from people you know who have already been around the block. Acting classes are not free, so check around for an affordable rate.

Acting Class Size:
The size of a class can vary from as few as five students to twenty or more. If you have a good networking ability, you may enjoy a public class or for one-on-one help, you can choose a private acting coach.
Learn To Act From Someone Who's Been There, Done That:
Taking an acting class from a former actor/actress or one who has experience in the acting field can work to your advantage. You will have first hand information about open casting calls, agents and audition tips. There is nothing better than hearing this information firsthand through someone who has been in your shoes before.
Since you are all excited and know what's involved in taking an acting class, why not get started today? Even if you decide not to pursue an acting career, the classes will help build your confidence in whatever field you choose in the future.

However, there may be disadvantages of acting classes

1. Teaching acting is not like teaching maths or chemistry where you deliver lectures for a limited time, conduct some practicals and then leave students at their own fate. Unfortunately, this is what happens in most of the acting classes. Once a student leaves an acting school, he/she enters into a world not known to him/her and starts wondering "What to do now"!
2. Acting is an art where an actor has to create a life. Each actor like a normal, non actor person is different and may react to a life situation differently in the terms of emotional and physical reactions and needs a personal syllabus and coaching to develop how to display different emotions and attitudes, as we see in people around this world. Sadly, the acting classes in schools have limited time and too many students to focus  on them individually.
3. Most of the schools don't focus on how an actor should market and promote him or her, when in today's highly competitive cine industry environment, it is absolutely essential. They forget that to be a successful actor, apart from developing craft, an actor has to be a good businessman or woman!

Is there any option other than acting schools?

Yes. A private professional coach!
http://topactingcoach.weebly.com




The advantages:
An acting coach is like a sports coach who would ensure an individual's development to win a highly competitive race of stardom. He/she is supposed to work not only acting techniques, but on acting for the camera, filming of monologues, marketing and promotion of an actor of social networking, online promotion, setting goals and action plan and finally, to give information whom to contact, how to make portfolio etc. He/she would be your personal guide to success for a long time.

Lastly, weekend courses, in good schools is rare, but may be possible with an acting coach.

A must read related posts: 
Acting coach or a school?

An Acting Coach Answers Questions | Inerview

Finally,  before you start and decide to join a school, take this one bit of advice: 

There are many pseudo money making and fraudster schools. 
Therefore, research and investigate!

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7 Things to Do to Be a Super-Star Which Most Don�t Do

Super Star Ranbir Kapoor with award

The super-star and achievers amaze the normal actors and people in every way possible. They have the same 24 hours per day that an average actor has, but they manage to use those hours much more effectively.
Oftentimes, they not only are successful in one particular genre (like comedy, action, drama, love and conflict) but develop incredibly well in most of the types of a genre. Also, be it mental and physical health, relationships and social life or career, these individuals manage them all in an exceptionally good way.
Now, to avoid creating a picture of a perfect human in your mind, these people tend to fail as well. In reality, they fail a lot. However, what separates them from the actor crowd is embracing the learning process and taking notes from every failure.
I have identified after a thorough research and biography eight things they regularly do, which all have a tremendous impact on their stardom

1. They work out daily (yes, daily).

They have a top body and an excellent fitness level.
Don�t get me wrong, they don�t complete a hardcore physical or mental training session every single day. It can just as well be stretching, low-impact cardio or yoga. The key message to you here is not the way of exercising, but the fact that top stars and performers realize the importance of treating their bodies like a temple.
Whereas typical people tend to take care of their physical health intermittently, Super-Stars set it as one of their highest priorities.

2. They schedule their days wisely and strategically.

I�m sure you already know that �to-do lists� are unbelievably helpful. If this strategy would work well, the majority of actors would achieve their dreams. In reality, however, almost 60% never make it and remain actors with a tag of �Strugglers�.
One of the most crucial lessons to stardom is to find out and to ask you a very important question; namely, what�s the one thing I can do well, focus on that and everything else will be either easier or unnecessary?
Once you determine that very thing, you�ll already be ahead of the majority of wannabe Bollywood Actor freaks.
What you need to do is realize and then apply the difference between being effective and being efficient. Whereas plenty of actors want to be more efficient, which means doing things the right way (for example-proper training, good portfolio, monologues, memorizing technique, visiting production houses, registering with good coordinators, audition techniques, running around 10 hours a day, etc.),  intelligent �would be Super-Stars�  focus on being effective, also known as doing what is the right thing for them which they can do better than many.

3. They plan a daily session for learning.

The process of becoming a Super-Star  is a long journey. Some people claim it to be �luck�, but in reality, it�s earned through constant attempts of getting better after each failure. You can�t just sit down and expect to experience a sudden stroke of genius.
What you can do, however, is learning something new every single day.
Just ask to you every morning, �What's new I�m going to learn today?�
When asked about their habits like reading and inquisitiveness habits, almost 90% of successful actors said they read on a daily basis research on the internet for their answers. Reading and researching on the internet is one of the simplest ways to improve.

4. They separate themselves from the negative energy.

If you surround yourself with negative people who waste their time and complain and criticizing everything a lot, there�s no way you�ll ever become a  Super-Star
When your goal is to become a Bollywood or TV serial Super-Star, the best source of inspiration and motivation to keep a company of like-minded individuals who also believe in the journey of self-improvement.

5. They leave their comfort zone, day after day.

If there�s one thing I�m sure of, it�s that successful actors aren�t afraid of being uncomfortable in order to achieve long-term success. Instead of choosing shortcuts and an instant success, they believe and are ready to difficult things like different roles, genre, odd timings, action, singing, dancing, rejections and criticism, financial instability etc.
The reason is simple that amazing things happen like more opportunities if step out of your comfort zone
Great things never come from day dreaming or laying on the bed in your room and drinking beer with favorite snack. They happen once you decide to take action and challenge yourself on a daily basis.

6. They use proper technology and systems.

Instead of relying purely on their motivation and determination levels, successful actors depend on the right technology and systems, which help to self-regularizing their daily routines.
The vast majority of aspiring actors  can�t or don�t use the technology in their favor. Wrong activities on social media like chatting, posting photos for getting �likes�, mobile games or pointless news apps distract them day after day. On the opposite side, though, are intelligent actors who use technology to make their lives easier.
Applications and software help them to manage their time, cut off distractions, get more done and have a better overview of their progress.
Here are some of the examples of useful apps:  Evernote, Todoist, Sunrise, BufferApp, Clean Master (Web, Android) to name a few
The above list will help you to get started (remember, the key isn�t to get them all, but to adopt the ones that work for you).

7. They say no consistently.

Being able to say no at the right moment is a skill which can guarantee your success and happiness. It�s not easy to learn, but it�s absolutely possible. Saying no to one thing is actually saying yes to the other.
Say yes to exercise and diet and you will say no to bad body and health. This rule applies to every area of your life. Saying yes to being a successful actor means saying no to a lot of things, such as distractions and needless commitments.
Inspiration

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Don't Quit on Repeated Failures | Mistakes and 6 Top Fix

Hrithik Roshan committed many mistakes during struggling days, but

killed them and learned  to be a SUPER STAR 

An actor must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them!

Why the majority of aspiring actors fails to fulfill their dream to be successful and earn name, fame and desired money?

I bet everybody knows about the saying nobody is perfect.  Well, it�s true.  One way or the other at one time in your life you are bound to make minor and major mistakes.  As we get older in our pursuit to become a Bollywood or TV Serial and do not succeed, we find so many things in our past that we tend to regret. These actions tend to make us develop a sense of anger for certain people and worse, for ourselves. A mistake may seem to be a negative thing for you now. But it all depends on how you see things.  A mistake can be something you will regret for the rest of your life. A haunting memory you cannot erase.  But if we turn the tables around, you may find that some mistakes in your life can make you stronger and wiser.  There are lessons to be learned if you just allow these mistakes to teach them to you.

Perhaps, you made a mistake of:

• Arguing unnecessary with a casting director or with a director while on a set
• You are egoistic or an angry young man / woman who fights on smallest pretext
• Not learning your character and lines properly for an audition or for a shoot
• Getting carried away and paying large money to fraudsters promising you a break in the film/ TV serial
• Not doing a proper research and joining an acting school paying 1 or 2 Lakhs
• Give excuses for your failures
• Giving loans to Co-actors and others without checking the credentials
• Poor patience
• Get depressed easily with rejections
•  And many more�.

It's time to realize, just kill mistakes and learn to correct!

1. Nobody is perfect

Again, this line comes up, because it�s true. The fact of life comes to show that no one is infallible.  Everyone makes mistakes.  Knowing this you have to learn to forgive yourself.
That is the first step.

2. Past can�t be undone

What was done in the past cannot be undone. We cannot change our past.  But we can mold the future today.  There�s no point in crying over spilled milk.  Besides, what good would that do, right?  Stop thinking about it with regret. Instead, start listing down the things that led you to make that mistake.

3. Why not change your path?

Now that you�ve evaluated the problem and you�ve listed down the paths that led you to making that mistake, change your path. Don�t make the same mistake again.  The first time you made the mistake was unintentional, but if it happens again, you chose for it to happen.

4. Be smart

Learn the laws of cause and effect. That is why you did something and for what reason? There is something that caused that mistake to happen. Be smart enough to recognize it and avoid it. Know that although you are happy with whom you are and what you�ve become as a person, there is always room for improvement. A mistake makes you realize your weaknesses. Therefore you will know which skills and talents you will need to work on to improve so the mistake will not happen again.

5. Forgive

Hating yourself and others will not help you as a person.  It will only make you distrusting and paranoid.  If someone hurt you before, that doesn�t mean that everybody else will do the same thing.  Forgive the one who hurt you and trust that he or she will get what is due to them in time. Also, it is most important for you to forgive yourself. Everything happens for a reason.

6. The  attitude game

Keep a positive attitude.  Again, remember that everything happens for a reason.  Even though a mistake seems catastrophic to you now, some good will come out of it someday.  Just be sure to learn from your mistakes and you will find that the things you learn from them will make you a stronger and better and successful actor and person in the future.
Based on


An actor must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to profit from them, and strong enough to correct them.

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Home Exercises for Actors to Look Hot and Win Auditions

Bollywood actress Bipasa Basu-a fitness freak!

Wanna have a body like Hrithik Roshan, Salman Khan or hot like Katrina Kaif?

In an audition room, you need the foundation of a steady mind and a strong, flexible body, to support you and your performance every moment that you�re in the room.
Not everyone can afford to join a gym or afford to purchase multiple machines in a home gym or 100 kg of dumbbells! Many of you can�t invest thousands of Rupees to build their body�

So how do you get in a good workout without the fancy equipment?
Here is good news! You can get in a great workout right in the comfort of your own home by using your body weight or with affordable few light dumbbells.
Here are my workout plan which is almost FREE and if you follow seriously with a daily schedule of about 1 to 2 hours either in the early morning or in the evening whether you are staying alone or in sharing place with 3 or 4 partners

Great Home Work Outs

PUSH UP 1

1. Lie on the floor face down and place your hands about 36 inches apart while holding your torso up at arm�s length.
2. Next, lower yourself downward until your chest almost touches the floor as you inhale.
3. Now breathe out and press your upper body back up to the starting position while squeezing your chest.
4. After a brief pause at the top contracted position, you can begin to lower yourself downward again for as many repetitions as needed.






Variations:
If you are new at this exercise and do not have the strength to perform it, you can either bend your legs at the knees to take off resistance or perform the exercise against the wall instead of the floor.
For the most advanced lifters, you can place your feet at a high surface such as a bench in order to increase the resistance and to target the upper chest more.

PUSH UP 2

1. Lie on the floor face down and body straight with your toes on the floor and the hands wider than shoulder width for a wide hand position and closer than shoulder width for a close hand position. Make sure you are holding your torso up at arm�s length.
2. Lower yourself until your chest almost touches the floor as you inhale.
3. Using your pectoral muscles, press your upper body back up to the starting position and squeeze your chest. Breathe out as you perform this step.
4. After a second pause at the contracted position, repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.





Variations:
1. If you are new at this exercise and do not have the strength to perform it, you can either bend your legs at the knees to take off resistance or perform the exercise against the wall instead of the floor.
2. For the most advanced lifters, you can place your feet on a high surface such as a bench in order to increase the resistance and to target the upper chest more.

BENCH LEG RAISING

1. Lie with your back flat on a bench and your legs extended in front of you off the end.
2. Place your hands either under your glutes (buttocks) with your palms down or by the sides holding onto the bench. This will be your starting position.
3. As you keep your legs extended, straight as possible with your knees slightly bent, but locked, raise your legs until they make a 90-degree angle with the floor. Exhale (breath out)  as you perform this portion of the movement and hold the contraction at the top for a second.
4. Now, as you inhale (breath in), slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.




Variations: 
You can also perform this exercise on the floor on top of an exercise mat. You can also add weight by holding a dumbbell in between your feet as you get more advanced.

FROG SIT UP

1. Lie with your back flat on the floor (or exercise mat) and your legs extended in front of you.
2. Now bend at the knees and place your outer thighs by the floor (or mat) as you make the soles of your feet touch each other.
3. Now try pushing both soles and bringing them up as near you as possible while you keep the outer thighs on the floor (or at least almost touching it). Tip: In this position your legs should create a diamond shape.
4. Now, cross your arms in front of you by touching the opposite shoulders. This will be your starting position.
5. As you exhale flatten your lower back to the floor while curling the torso upwards. Tip: This will be like performing the first 1/4 movement of a sit up. Hold at the top position for a second.
6. As you inhale, slowly lower back to the starting position.
7. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

SCISSOR�S KICK

1. To begin, lie down with your back pressed against the floor or on an exercise mat (optional). Your arms should be fully extended to the sides with your palms facing down. Note: The arms should be stationary the entire time.
2. With a slight bend at the knees, lift your legs up so that your heels are about 6 inches off the ground. This is the starting position.
3. Now lift your left leg up to about a 45 degree angle while your right leg is lowered until the heel is about 2-3 inches from the ground.
4. Switch movements by raising your right leg up and lowering your left leg. Remember to breathe while performing this exercise.
5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

SKIPPING

Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar skips for "Bhag Milkha Bhag"

This is a great cardio exercise and involves a great combination of the mind and body working together. You definitely won't be thinking of the day's frustrations once you start skipping. Ensure that your rope stands suitable for your height; on the rope's center and bring up each side of your shoulders. The right size would be if the rope handles come up till your underarms.
Start with half skips and graduate to double skips. Your target should be to complete at least 500 revolutions in 5 minutes. This will prime you for a great workout.

A must read related posts on building a HOT body and get selected in auditions

1. Top exercises
2. Physical Warm Ups
3. Tips on building great physique

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Why New Actors Fail in TV Serials? 8 Killer Success Tips

A scene from popular TV Serial " Balika Vadhu"

The first time acting in TV serials could be a nightmare for many new actors! However, this statement should not taken as a deliberate attempt to make the life of new actors difficult, but could probably due to complex and nerve wracking  condition production, direction and others involved have to work. In spite of this, in majority of the cases, they always try to be nice and helpful once you are selected.

I have been the onset many a times as an actor and later as a personal coach, and have seen a lot of co-star enter set for the first time. It�s fascinating, sometimes scary, and actors need to know what to expect, how to behave while on location, and how they fit into the bigger puzzle of TV filming. There�s no rule book for this. It�s fast paced, chaotic, and that there are so many moving pieces on this chess board that make a TV film/show come to life.

Before we proceed further, actors new to TV should know the basic difference between a film and TV acting.

Acting for film

In most cases, film acting is much more detailed and subtle than television. Film casting directors frequently tell actors auditioning 'to do less'. Even emotionally charged scenes can be �smaller� when it comes to the performances. This is often where many coaches and casting directors say confusing things like �stop acting�, "don't exaggerate" and "don't act be natural".

Remember 'Less is better in a film'

It may be due to the fact that an actor (and the character  they�re portraying) have more time to gradually show their emotional  journey in a movie, as opposed to a thirty-minute or hour-long TV  serial or show.

Acting for TV

1. Know your lines quickly. Know them twice as well as you think you need to, because there will be so many other distractions to worry about when you start filming. You don�t want to be that actor holding up production and messing up your three lines while Kevin Spacey is staring at you on the set of �House of Cards.� The series regulars will all learn their lines after the blocking rehearsal, but as the guest actor, you are expected to be memorized the whole time, as you want to be seen as a total pro. That being said, be prepared for it all to change right before you shoot. Welcome to TV!

2. Be prepared to wait.  Longer and longer till you are called to your scene or a shot or it is just postponed for some other day.

3. No Rehearsals?  Usually there are no rehearsals before you are called for the final day and even on the D-day, who has the time? Invariably, after a considerable wait when you are in the front of the camera, you may hear the director or the script supervisors �Chalo, ek rehearsal kar letay hain�. So, be prepared with your magic preparation!

4.  Hit your marks. There are little pieces of tape on the floor, and the camera focus is set to those marks. If you overstep it, you are out of focus. Therefore, quickly practice your movements (blocking). Experienced TV actors know how to hit their marks without looking and say their lines simultaneously.

5.  Learn the terms. All on-camera actors should be well versed in camera angles, common onset terms, and shot setups. Here are some examples: �close up,� �over the shoulder,� �rolling,� �continuity,� �action� etc.

 6. Understand scenario and your status on location. You are a guest in the workplace, and many of the crew members are there 60�80 hours a week. Be professional, don�t complain, and be nice to everyone. It goes a long way.

7.  Don�t take pictures. This is an important one. Don�t take photos of the set and post on Facebook, and don�t try to sneak in an awkward selfie with crew member or one of the stars of the film/show. If you really want, the best is to seek permission from the director or executive producer. Be careful and maintain your status! 

8. Relax and have fun. As a matter of fact, this could be a point, no 1 rather being no 8. You observe tension and chaos all around. A never ending fast pace and hurry. Plus, you have great actors working opposite you, expensive costumes, real locations, and many people working hard to make you look good when it comes time to film your scene. Probably your lines may not be given on your arrival. A frightening worry, a fear creeps into you. You are tense; muscles stiff, mouth dry, sweat trickling on back and as you wait longer and longer for something to happen to clear the clouds.

The solution

The only solution is just to relax. You�re not going to die Using "instant relaxation techniques" and building an attitude of �come what may, "I�m best and gonna enjoy it� will really make you comfortable. Just take it all in and enjoy.

Get professionally trained to be a good TV actor

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8 Sure Success Factors for Film and TV Serial Actors

4 new successful actors who believe in success factors
Aditya Roy Kapoor, Nargis Fakhiri, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Kapur

Actor's successful tips from top actors

1. Find Joy and Fun

Once you have a script and your character details (character scenes and lines), enjoy creating the character's life with your imagination. Think yourself to be a 6 year old kid playing, pretending' x ' person, and when are happiest.

2. Learn, learn and learn

Till you die. In today's cut throat competition in Bollywood, TV serials and in commercial ads, you must develop your acting instrument IE body and mind continuously for ever. Better to have a long term acting coach, take classes through good schools, attend theater shows, join acting workshops periodically, attend yoga, gym and join martial arts classes and so on...

3. Don't worry about what a casting director thinks

Auditioning is like dating a girl or a boy. You spend so much time wondering what they�re thinking. They�re not thinking about anything! They�re not thinking about you, for sure. You cannot try to get the job (role). Just go in there, have some fun, and do your version of that part. Think in your mind-"this is what I�m selling. If you want to buy it, that�s cool. Want some adjustments from me? That�s fine, I�ll give you more options of portraying the character, but this is basically what I want to do". That should be your attitude, sort of a �to hell with it� attitude. Not ' to hell with YOU, but 'to hell with IT'
So, just do your best in an audition, go out to a restaurant and celebrate your performance.

4. Risk failure to learn and make new discoveries 

As actors, you become an expert at starting over again and again. Be it be an audition or a shot of your scene on camera. You might have been tense, forgotten your lines, sounding and playing 'flat' or it could be anything. Don't worry. Life doesn't end with few failures, but every time you fail, it gives you an opportunity for an introspective and an opportunity to improve by reworking on your skills.
It's like �Fail and then fail better!� 
Treat auditions like rehearsals

5. Setting and believing in your life goal

Do you really want to be an actor? Is this your life goal or just a hobby or just some other reason
If you have truthfully decided to be an actor to be the sole purpose of your existence, then believe it and follow it with a steely determination and till your last breath. Remember, if you are determined, all other things will fall into shape sooner or later. Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.

6. Have faith in your director and express gratitude

You must work closely with a director�s vision and be thankful. Whenever you are appreciated for your performance say �When I create a character, I�m doing it with the director. I view it as the director�s creation more than as mine,�...  �And I give credit to the directors as well: If I give a good performance, I give at least 70 percent of the credit to the director.�
That�s just the way to work in a 'team' medium

7. Follow the other things you love

Like dancing, singing, sports, observing people, reading books, working for social causes, volunteering work etc to freshen and rejuvenate yourself.

8. Avoid desperation

Don't be a one of 'helpless mentality actors'. The thing to get rid of is that you are the beggar at the gate, that you are the powerless and helpless eager youngster wanting a break, a role even as a toilet sweeper in a film or a serial. At some point, you have to empower yourself and say �You know what, I�m good at this and can portray any character, whether a simple or the most complex one'.

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