‘Tougher for the young girls who come to the film industry’

Veteran actor Om Puri says there are people who show off contacts to mislead newcomers

MUMBAI: Veteran actor Om Puri, who has carved out his own niche in the entertainment industry feels there isn’t any “hard and fast” rule to gain success in showbiz.

Puri has supported casting director Manoj Ramola’s new book Audition Room, which provides an in-depth understanding of the glamour world for budding actors. He says an effort of this kind will help aspiring actors get a clear view of the entertainment industry.

“When most youngsters come to this town pursuing their dream, they often don’t know what to expect and how to go about it. For many reasons, more lies and half-truths are floating around and very few facts,” Puri said in a statement.



The Bajrangi Bhaijaan star also said that it is tougher for the young girls who come to the film industry as they are looked upon as easy targets to be lured.

“I am not saying that the entire industry is like this, but then there are a few people who are perhaps not even a part of this industry who will show off contacts here and there to mislead these girls. A book like this will guide these girls in a proper manner and they will be better prepared to face challenges,” he said.

“Audition Room is a refreshing step. It is nice to have a book that can provide some guidance to people giving out clarity on approach and squashing some myths along the way.”



The book which is now available on various online portals, explores the details of how acting is one of the aspects that is needed in an audition room. The book is not meant to teach acting, it focuses on the process of utilising the skill set one possesses to bag the role.

“The only aspect of casting that ever makes it to mainstream media is the ‘couch’. I want to educate people that there is so much more to it. Casting is a skill in itself,” Ramola, who has worked as casting director for shows like Savdhaan India and Crime Patrol, said.

“This is why I have often seen people who are good actors not get the role, wherein relatively mediocre actors, who understand the process and the brief, bag the role.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2015.

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