How to Make it in Bollywood

Dressed in sporty attire — a short skirt and tee for Kapoor,and jeans,tee and a wristband for Shah — they want to look the part of a youth film,even off screen. Shah talks animatedly about his journey to films,while Kapoor carefully chooses every word she says. Kapoor,22,made a debut with an ensemble cast film called Teen Patti in 2010. The film sank without a trace. Her heart too,sank with it. “When my first film failed,my dad asked me to be cautious and wait it out before selecting my second one,” narrates Kapoor,never forgetting to add the prefix “prominent actor” to her father Shakti Kapoor’s name.

Shah,who has so far been keenly listening to his co-star,reveals his side of the story. The 23-year-old came to Mumbai from Dubai without any film experience. After trying his hand at architecture and steel business for a few years,he realised that acting is his true calling. “I enrolled myself in Kishore Namit’s acting classes in Mumbai. Once I was through,I started sending my portfolio in 2009 to all the email IDs I had collected,” says Shah.

As is the case with most outsiders in the industry,getting a break wasn’t easy. He got a call to audition for a Karan Johar film. It was cancelled at the last minute. A series of failed auditions followed,before he was called to Yash Raj Films (YRF). “Life has a strange way of throwing surprises at you. When I was growing up in Dubai,there were only a handful of movies by top production houses that I watched,which included YRF. That’s because not all movies released there,” smiles Shah. Kapoor,promptly adds,“He is so good in the film that he deserved to work with the best.”

For Kapoor,however,the struggle has been very different. Initially,being an industry kid helped her. “Industry kids don’t really give auditions. Most production houses warm up to them instantly. But after my first film flopped,people started requesting me to give auditions and I was up for it,” says Kapoor,who rehearsed a lot before she gave her audition at YRF. “I knew,I had to do it. Whenever I would pass YRF studios,my friends and family kept telling me that I have to work here some day,” she says.

When both their efforts eventually paid off,it was time for the real test as the shooting began. “Everyone around told me that Shraddha is senior to you and you can take her advice on how to give a particular shot,” says Shah of his first day at the studio. To which Kapoor adds,“A few days into the shooting,I was the one taking advice on the shots. I couldn’t have done the climax scene without help from Taaha.” But both of them were glad that they got to dance,emote and do some action stunts in the film. Kapoor,however,has one complaint — Shah got an item number — the ‘Mutton’ number — to perform,while she did not.

With the film ready to release on May 6,what are they planning next? Kapoor is quick to respond. “I will wait and see how the film pans out.” To which,Shah replies,“She already has plenty of offers.” Kapoor smiles and asks him,“What about you?” Shah replies in a flat tone:

“I have nothing yet. Nobody here knows me.” Maybe that will change after a couple of Fridays.