Almost 20,000 people arrive in Mumbai every day, aspiring to become actors. Simultaneously, nearly 20,000 leave with their dreams packed in bags. Known as the “City of Dreams,” Mumbai is a necklace to the Arabian Sea, always illuminated yet harboring its dark corners. It can either elevate your life to the size of the ocean or leave you as just another wave. As India’s financial capital, Mumbai is home to globally recognized cinema stars and successful businesspeople, making it a pivotal destination for anyone embarking on a Mumbai actor journey.
Arrival in Mumbai: A New Beginning
With the earnings I made from live theater over the past year, I stepped out of the railway station. “No, there wasn’t much in my bag, just scripts and some clothes. I’ll manage,” I said, cutting the call with my mom. I hopped into a taxi and began narrating the story of how I lost my baggage to my friend who came to pick me up.
The Reality of Life in Mumbai
Upon arriving at his apartment, I was greeted by a messy space devoid of sunlight or fresh air. Two mattresses lay on the floor, alongside some rotting food and a whiskey bottle filled with cigarette butts. The stench was overwhelming. The kitchen was the size of a carton box, with an electric stove boiling some tea. When I opened the fridge, the half-empty beer bottles clinked, revealing there was no water. Emerging from the substandard, flight-sized washroom, I heard Chetan, my friend, say, “Don’t worry, we’ll sort this out,” while puffing out a cloud of smoke. I nodded and gazed out the only window in the apartment. “Anyways, welcome to Mumbai! How’s the view?” Chetan asked sarcastically, but I was lost in thought, staring at a pair of worn-out shoes on the parapet.
The Struggles of an Aspiring Actor
“Just go outside and ask someone to send some tea and biscuits,” Chetan advised. I stepped out, only to discover it was his style to say “get out.” The 26th script narration ended in disappointment. Back in the apartment, we had bun and tea for our meal when Chetan asked for more money, knowing I still had some savings. We needed to pay rent, and I reluctantly handed over my last bit of cash. Three more months passed with late-night pack-ups, a hectic lifestyle, and no script narrations to entertain me. One night, after a late pack-up, I found myself unable to commute back to my apartment. I started walking through the vast film city, hearing the eerie sound of my heels on the pavement. Despite the fear, I reminded myself that I had a dream, and it was my decision to survive here and make my mark.
Embracing The Mumbai Actor Journey
These lonely walks through the jungles of the unknown, the hungry nights, and the homesickness were the costs I was willing to pay for my dream. I understood that this journey was mine alone; no one had asked me to dream like this. I would pay the price, not with money, but with my perseverance and determination.
Meeting the Right People
The struggle continued for another year as I met filmmakers daily. Some were blunt enough to tell me to shut up, while others offered tea and biscuits. During a shoot in Goa, I met a man who claimed to be the casting director of one of India’s biggest film production houses. He invited me to meet him upon my return to Mumbai.
A Turning Point | Mumbai Actor Journey
“8:30 sharp,” he said. I hung up the call with Nanda Sir, a fabulous director looking for something big in filmmaking. I invited him to join me for this important meeting. When we arrived at a lavish home, my jaw dropped at the sight of a TV larger than a cinema screen. Ponty, the host, entered wearing an evening gown and holding a glass of scotch. He gestured for us to sit, and as the conversation unfolded, it veered away from films. When Ponty put his hand on my thigh, I realized his intentions. I excused myself to the washroom and texted Nanda Sir that we needed to leave.
The Climax: A Dangerous Encounter
As we attempted to exit, Ponty confronted us, threateningly polite. Just then, he pulled out a revolver. Nanda Sir, inebriated, asked for another drink. In a moment of chaos, he hurled a heavy glass at Ponty’s head, creating a dramatic scene.
Conclusion: The Mumbai Actor Journey
Today, I am writing for XYZ, and writing flows in my blood. I still share film scripts with friends in Mumbai for feedback and occasionally receive royalties. Life is good, and despite the challenges, I haven’t stopped dreaming. Even after that traumatic encounter, I still consider moving to Mumbai, as that broken dream continues to piece itself together
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