ACTING TIPS, FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD- 30
(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)

STAY HUNGRY, STAY CREATIVE AND STAY AWAY FROM CHAMCHAS
– ANURAG KASHYAP
(Director)

‘COMPLACENCY KILLS CREATIVITY’ – This is the statement we every now and then repeat when as an acting trainers we see our students laid back at at indias best acting school one and the only “KREATING CHARAKTERS”
We actors are creative people, sensitive and vulnerable. Creative person is one who “gets affected” by what is happening around him/her, “feel appropriately”, has the talent and skill “to express” what he/she is is feeling. That ‘EXPRESSION’ may be a peice of ‘literature’,’music’, ‘song’, ‘playwriting’, ‘screen play,’ or through ‘ACTING’

Creative being needs to be hungry, have that drive, and desire to put him self in various situations get affected, feel and express what he feels.
When one is fulfiled and complacent that desire and drive goes for a toss. One becomes self indulgent, dull and insensitive to happenings around him, thus looses creativity.
So, my dear young artiste (actors)
‘Have that “Khalbali” (restlesness), drive to excel…..have that fire in the belly to make the most out of your ‘creative life’
“NEVER BE SATISFIED WITH WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED”

SAMAR JAI SINGH
http://www.kreatingcharakters.in

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ACTING TIPS, FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD -29
(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)

HE SLAPS AND ABUSES YOU, STRIPS YOU OF YOUR STARDOM(EGO) COMPLETELY
-IMRAN KHAN(On his

 trainer who is conducting work shop for “Matru ki Bijli ka Mandola “)

This is the principle we abide and follow at the one and only “KREATING CHARAKTERS” the top most acting school of Bollywood.
I and my collegue and collaborator at the KREATING CHARAKTERS Mr Roopesh Thapliyal very firmly beleives, that the training happens when the trainee is pushed out of his/her comfortzone. Thus the trainee has to surrender and give up his/her ego. Once the trainee becomes receptive only then the desired results of the training surfaces.
“PURPOSE OF THE TRAINING IS TO TRANSFORM”
Young colts are transformed to race winning horses only through training. Training evolves a new reruit to a fierced commando.
Same applies to the actors as well, actor needs to surrender him/her self to the trainer. He/she needs to let go his/her ego. One needs to throw away the mental baggage one is carrying.
Coming back to Imran Khans acting workshop for Vishal Bharadwaj’s “Matru ki Bijli ka Mandola”. Our protege Anushka Sharma (KC batch no 19) is the heroine of the film. I am quite sure during the films work shop, nothing new she would have experienced as she has already gone through the ‘process’ at the KREATING CHARAKTERS”.

“WHEN TALENT MEETS DISCIPLINE ‘CRAFT’ EVOLVES”

SAMAR JAI SINGH
www.kreatingcharakters.in

ACTING TIPS, FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD-28
(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)
“MAKE AN IMAGE FIRST, YOU HAVE WHOLE LIFE TO BREAK IT”
Mr Mahesh Bhat
Ask a young actor who his/her role model is he/she would instantly name the actors who have potrayed a range of characters.’Its an ambition of every

 actor to be versatile’. Which I personally feel is good, one should nurture that desire to be a versatile actor playing a range of characters.
The fact is bitter, when you begin your career” YOU CAN NOT AVOID TYPE-CASTING”. The casting directors, directors and even your viewers will perceive you in a certain IMAGE. As an acting trainer I do understand it becomes very frustrating for actors when they are offered similar roles time and again.
I played a ‘Sardarji’ in Zee TV’s “Chotti Ma” (2001), believe me you I was offered, at least three shows on prime time slots and a TV commercial to play a ‘sardar’ with double the remmunirations. ” It is a task to face such a situation”
My advice to youngsters make the best use of the IMAGE which the industry is conceiving for you, create a DEMAND for your self, get sought after than DIVERSIFY.

SAMAR JAI SINGH
www.kreatingcharakters.in

ACTING TIPS, FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD- 27
(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)
“YOU SHOULD LOOK GOOD WHILE CRYING”
We Indians have a very special place for sadness as an emotion in our culture. This reflects in the content of our films and TV Shows as well.
Its quite an irony, an actor is considered a serious actor only if h

e connects deeply with ‘PATHOS'(sorrow/sadness). Just ponder over the body of work of the legendry actors in bollywood. Wether its Dileep Kumar saheb, Raj kapoor saheb, Sanjeev kumarji, Mr Bachchan, Rajesh Khannaji and more recent Shah Rukh Khan or Amir Khan. They all have been part of films where central emotion was sadness. If you think of their memorable scenes you would definately pick one packed with pathos.
I remember once I was reading an interview of legendry beauty Rekha. When she was on the top competing with the eternal dream girl Hema Malini. This was some times in mid eighties. The interviewer asked her “on what grounds Hemaji scores over her?” Rekhaji like a bighearted competitor said”Hema Malini looks beautiful even when she cries”
So! Specially for my girls students”NEVER DISTORT YOUR FACE WHILE CRYING ON SCREEN.” Don’t reach the emotion by forcing your self. ‘Just be genuinely affected and let the emotion flow and yes ! If you can master the trick for tears to flow….then its -sone pe suhaga’

SAMAR JAI SINGH

www.kreatingcharakters.in

ACTING AS A CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD – 10 : SAMAR JAI SINGH

(This is in continuation of my previous blog 17/11/12 )

“WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED AS AN ACTOR IN BOLLYWOOD”

Once you get that initial break through  in the Bollywood film Industry,  It is very vital that you maintain a good relationship with the people, who hired your services. Should have good rapport with the actors and technicians you have work with. Most importantly you have to develop and maintain a good equation with the  public at large, your audiences,   admirers , and fans.

“Unfortunately this is not taught in any Film Academy,  Acting School, Acting Institute or  by any Acting  trainer under the sun”

“PERCEPTION” IS OF TOP MOST IMPORTANCE IN THIS GLAMOUROUS WORLD OF BOLLYWOOD.

WHEN PEOPLE START KNOWING YOU

The first stage is when you establish a relationship with the industry and your audience comes  along  with your  first break. This is a stage when people start knowing you.  They start acknowledging your presence in malls, gym and even on the streets,  when you move amongst the industry circle for meetings, auditions or events, you are given more attention. You jump queues and preference is given to you in audition  situations. Thus people have started  recognizing you.

WHEN YOU ARE REMEMBERED  AS AN ACTOR AND A PERSON

This is a stage in your career when you are remembered for the parts you have  played, the slots and character zone you fit in . During the narration  or casting process  when your name is popped up, Industry folks remember you for the work you have already done.

When your audiences and  admires look forward to see you in a specific role. You have made a mark for yourself. Now you are REMEMBERED for the roles you have done or  some actor has done  which you could have done better.

PERSONAL NETWORKING

Personal networking is of a lot of importance for an actor. Once you are accepted  and remembered as an actor by certain sections in the industry, this is the time you should expand your horizons. Move beyond, try to reach people you have not worked with.

I have personally seen known actors going out the way to be in the  lime light. Move out of your comfort zone, meet makers you  intend to work with, express your desire to be part of their project. As I always mention it is a very small industry. If you can deliver and you are good to work with, those makers would look forward to work with you.

HIRING MEDIA SERVICES

This is the  phase where you are already a known actor. It’s the time when you need to constantly  move up the ladder of popularity. You have to “be in the news come what may”. What ever stage your project is, whether it is in pre production stage, when you are preparing for your part, it may be  on the floor , or it is  about to be released.

“THE BUZZ SHOULD NEVER STOP”

Every film/ T.V show has a budget fixed for its publicity and promotion. You should plan to get the maximum Share from the pie. Once you have arrived, hire a P.R agency and a media planner. Decide and design how you want to be projected amongst the industry  folks  and the public at large. Use this media  propaganda  to create a ‘PERCEPTION’ of yours. ‘’STARS  ARE CREATED THROUGH PUBLIC PERCEPTION”

LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST

“DEVELOP GENUINE PUBLIC RELATIONS, NEVER EVER DO PUBLICITY THROUGH RELATIONS”

Not only in the field of acting, but in life, never use  people as stepping  stones. I know about some actors,  acting trainers and tutors who treat their pupils as ‘FOUNDATION STONES’ (Neev ka Pathar). Never be insensitive to relationships.

THE HABIT OF FLAUNTING ONE’S  PRESONEL  PICTURE ALBUM

Picture with your family and professional colleagues , people you have worked with is for the fond memories, not for taking personal and professional advantag out of that.

Since last 23 years in this bollywood industry, I have been fortunate to work with legends like Mr.Amitabh Bachchan  (Ab Tumahare Hawale Watan Sathiyon ), late Shri. Amrish Puri saheb  ( Vishwaatma  and Gadar –Ek Prem Katha ), Dharamji (Apane),  Mr.Sunny Deol (Gadar and Apne ), Mr.Akshay Kumar (Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyon and Master Chef Season 1 ), Salman Bhai (Ek Tha Tiger ). I have collection of films working stills as well as personal pictures with these stars. But I never felt  the need to show them off .

I have observed this fetish amongst some aspiring actors, junior artists, assistants  on the set and even acting tutors showing off the pictures clicked with stars as if they have contributed to their stardom. It reflects a very small town mentality.

One should get over this road side aphrodisiac sellers mind set, who shows his collections of pictures with most virile man of the film industry. They market their spurious  products taking help of framed pictures with likes of Dara Singhji, Dharamji, Mr.Bachchan, Vinod khanna saheb, Mr.Sunny Deol, etc to name a few.

I know of a spot boy in the industry. His name is Thapa, who is popularly known as ‘super fast’. Name given to him because he is so swift on the sets, he serves hundred of unit hands without taking a breather. I met him for the first time in 1994 April. I was shooting for Prakash Mehra saheb  ‘’SAMRAT

 

ASHOK’’ . Then he was a 55 years old man. He had already  spent around 35 years in the industry. Something  remarkable super fast had shown me  was the collection of pictures he had. He had pictures with all the stars down the years. Right from Dada Muni (Ashok Kumar Saheb ) to Dilip Kumar Saheb , Rajender Kumar Saheb to new Comers like Sunil Shetty and Akshay Kumar but he never took advantage of these  ‘keep sake’ picture . He never sold him self through these photographs.

Last time I  met  ‘Super Fast’ was in 2010 in Film City. I came to know he is catering  incharge at Mr.Subhash Ghai’s Whistling woods Film School. I was heartily happy for him because here was  a genuine and  sincere man, who was hired for his hard work and passion to serve and not for his album of pictures.

So, KNOW YOUR JOB, WORK HARD AND BE A GENUINE HUMAN BIENG   

SAMAR JAI SINGH

www.kreatingcharakters.in

 

                      

ACTING TIPS FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD 

(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)

 SELECTING YOUR ACTING TEACHER

TEACHER  WHO IS CONSUMED BY  THE CRAFT, ONE WHO HAS EXPERIENCED THE DIFFICULTIES AND OBSTACLES,  WHICH  THE ACTOR GOES THROUGH , TEACHER WHO HAS SWEATED, SMELT AND BREATHED THE SCENT OF STUDIOS.

As a young student of acting who desires to acquire the craft. Putting  your time, energy and money at stakes ,submit yourself to a teacher who has actually devoted himself to the craft. The one who has gone through the hurdles , unrestand turmoil an actor goes through in the process.

There are teachers and tutors I know,  who have hardly been on a shooting floor. They have never ever faced the camera or been on the stage or even if they have , Its been ages since they did last time. Few are there who have never featured in a single episode of even a regional channel of Door Darshan.

It is a must for a trainer to experience the difficulties and blockages  an actor goes through .Whether its films, television or theatre   it is very important that the trainer has gone through that PURGATION (‘Manthan ‘ in Hindi ) . In west teachers like Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg  had done loads of theatre.

Specially in today’s  times when a teacher is preparing his/ her protege for camera acting he/ she should have a descent knowledge of the camera techniques , lighting, edit  sense , voice play and projection as per  the  composition of the shot , I am sorry  this can be only acquired through experience in the front of the camera and no other way.

There are teachers and tutors ,in this profession, their  entire teaching is based onassumptions, presumption,  speculations , imagination and hearsay ( ‘Kahani-Kisse’ in Hindi) they have never experienced what an actor goes through.

So, ‘’ BEWARE,  CHOOSE YOUR TEACHERS CAREFULLY’’

INFACT, THERE ARE NO ACTING TEACHERS ! ‘’ ONLY SENIOR ACTORS’’ to learn from .

SAMAR JAI SINGH

www.kreatingcharakters.in

ACTING TIPS, FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD -22
(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)
“IF SPEECH IS SILVER, SILENCE IS GOLD”
This is the MANTRA when you are waitng between s

hots
While shooting we actors spend long hours waiting for our shot. When we are shooting for a project at a length, we tend to develop acquaintances and freinships with our co-actors.
During this waiting period actors get into chit-chatting and loose talks, which often leads to back-biting and bitching. You never know who is having a malice against you, and your casual talk might be presnted with entirely different conotation to the people who matter(Executive producer,Producer or channel guys) with an ulterior motive to harm your career. ‘Mirch masala laga ke baat aage tak pohochai jati hai.’
As a result you are the looser. So,during this waiting period indulge yourself in reading, music or just ponder over the scene to be shot.
(I was once at the receiving end during the making of ‘om namah shivay’ 1997 )
‘AVOID LOOSE TALKS AND TALKING ABOUT INDIVIDUALS’ (kissi ki burai to kabhi nahi karna)
“BE ABSOLUTELY APOLITICAL AND MIND YOUR OWN BUSSINESS”
Makers prefer HASSEL FREE actors

SAMAR JAI SINGH
www.kreatingcharakters.in

ACTING TIPS, FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD-26

(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)
“THE MONSTER OF AUDITION”
HAVE A BIG HEART ; REJECTION COMES WITH ACTING CAREER, THE WAY TREES COMES WITH WOOD
My knees were trembling and my jaw was almost locked when I gave my first audition in August of 1989. It was at Trimurti Films office in Tardeo. Mr Ashraf Parvez (son of actor Yunis Parvez saheb) took that audition. He was cheif assistant of Mr Rajiv Rai, and yes it was without a camera. “Was all messed up”

A NOVICE IN AUDITION SITUATION IS ABOLUTELY CLULESS
APPROACH-
Approach audition with the confidence as if you have already pocketed the Job. ENTER THE AUDITION ROOM AS IF YOU ARE ENTRING YOUR OWN LIVING ROOM. Think auditioners have come to your place because you are the most appropriate actor for the part. Oblige them by giving the audition. This mind set will keep your self esteem and confidence sky high.
Only two outcome of your audition
“YOU GET THAT JOB, OR YOU GET REMEMBERED AS A TERRIFIC ACTOR BUT NOT APPROPRIATE FOR THE PART”
-Rest all explainations are ‘bull shi. ‘
MONOLOGUE FORMAT AUDITIONS
Most of the acting audition sides(scripts) in Bollywood industry our monologues. Auditioners are trying to evaluate how close you are to the character which you are auditioning for.
They want to gauge how closely you can reflect the personality traits of the character.
Read the sides and decide the correct attitude of the character. Have clear and strong acting choices. Project the decided attitude very clearly through your body language, expressions and voice performance.
(Voice has to be very clear and audible as most of the time your auditions are seen on lap tops and the sound out put is not good enough)
Make a graph of the monologue. Give it variations at feel level. Choose your emotions which collaborate to the decided attitude of the character.
Bottom line
FIND THAT ATTITUDE OF THE CHARACTER IN YOUR PERSONALITY; YOU BEEN CALLED BECAUSE THE AUDITIONER SEES A STREAK OF THAT CHARACTER IN YOU
And after such an effort and approach if you do not get a call back, believe me that character does not suit your PERSONA
-GHAR JANA CHAIN SE SONA.

SAMAR JAI SINGH
www.kreatingcharakters.in

ACTING TIPS, FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD-25
(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)
BACK TO YOUR ACTING SCHOOL!!!
“When this ruthless Film Industry Rattles you up, come back to your roots”
Today Siddharth Gupta (batch no 66) returned after a grueling 30 odd days shooting schedule for his debut film “Kuku Mathur ki Jhand Ho gayee”. Film is produced by Ekta kapoors Balaji Pictures.
…

…
It is a very heart warming experience when your actors come and share their on the set experience with you . “I as an acting trainer look forward to that”.
When they tell about the praises they have received, and the hindrances they have over come, literally gives me goose bumps. I am actually transported to that on feild experience. I can relate to their account as I am a trainer who is a working actor, not a retired spent force.
Computers are needed to be formated, they require regular updation..vehicles are to be over hauled regularly..we are actors sensitive and vulnerable humans, affected and influenced by the way we are handled. We need to be rejuvenated.
Our students at ‘KREATING CHARAKTERS’ often come and share their experience and even attend few sessions to brush up. This usually happens in between two projects.
Veebha Anand (batch no 19) – Balika Vadhu, Sankaar Laxmi,Kairi
Mrinal Jain (batch no 21) – krishna of Balajis Mahabharat, Hitler Didi , Bandini, Uttran.
Ankit Narang (batch no 28) Tum dena Saath Mera, Pavitr Rishta
Adhayay Bakshi (batch no 30) khottey sikkey
Zoheb Siddaqui(batch no 40) Shapath, Sapne suhane ladakpan ke.
Abhishek Tiwari( batch no 42) Chand chipa Badal mein, Balika Vadhu
Kartik Tiwari (batch no 46) films ‘pyar ka panch namaa,’ ‘Akaash waani’
Dhruv Bhandari (batch no 9)
Amitriyan Patil (batch no 16)
Himanshu Malhotra
These are a few actors who regularly visit KREATING CHARAKTERS when they have some time on hand.
NEVER FEEL ANY APPREHENSION THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE YOU TOOK THAT BABY STEP
Actor should regularly work towards enhancing his/her craft. Always look forward to rediscover your self.
The ‘Patriarch’ (sab ka baap) of all acting teachers CONSTANTIN STANISLAVSKY puts it:
“Every actor after working for two years should go back and reinvent him/her self”

SAMAR JAI SINGH
http://www.kreatingcharakters.in

ACTING TIPS, FOR YOUR CAREER IN BOLLYWOOD -24

(Through this I wish to share my insights as an actor/trainer with my students and other acting aspirants)
“GOOD! PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE”
Late Shri BALASAHEB THACKERAY
…

(15th March 1998)
The whole metropolis, infact the entire state is STANDSTILL since last afternoon.
“A GIANT OF A LEADER HAS LEFT US”
It was Sunday 15th March 1998, when I met him for the first time. Our show “OM NAMAH SHIVAY” had completed 52 episodes (One whole year) run. Notching a consistent TRP’s of 65-70 points.
A felicitation function was organised at Harbour Hall, Juhu Centaur. Shri Balasaheb Thackeray was the Cheif Guest. He gave away the souvenir to the cast and crew.
I vividly remember the political scenario in New Delhi was a bit precarious. BJP-Shiv Sena were in midst of forming NDA Coilation Govt in centre. Balasaheb was constantly on phone.
After the function he was about to leave. Dheeraj ji(producer-director of “Om Namah Shivay”) asked me to see him off. I touched his feet. Balasaheb took me aside and said”Bahot achcha kaam kar rahe ho..politics join karne ka kya vichaar hai”(you are doing a good job..any thoughts of joining politics).
It came because of the role (Shiva) I was playing. It seemed to be a suggestion. I was taken a back, suddenly Images of my predecessors Ram (Arun Gowilji) – He campaigned for BJP, Sita (Deepika Chikhalia), krishna (Mr Niteesh Bharadwaj), Ravan (Mr Arvind Trivedi) – All were members of parliament, but only once. These images flashed in my mind.
With folded arms I very humbly and politely told him, ”this is not my cup of tea, I am absolutely apolitical and not inclined towards it even remotely”
He smiled warmly and said ” GOOD…YOU HAVE PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU WANT IN LIFE”
THIS TIP CAME FROM THE ICONIC TIGER BALASAHEB THACKERAY
I pass it on to my young actors “your PLAN A..PLAN B…PLAN C…PLAN INFINITE…should be…ACTING ONLY.

SAMAR JAI SINGH

www.kreatingcharakters.in