Each one of us have once swoon over Raj from DDLJ or marvelled at the technical superiority of movies like Avengers and Avatar. But only a few have the capability and talent to create these characters which are remembered by the audience.
An
acting career is for someone who has the talent to breathe life into characters and make the audience connect with it. Film studies can be pursued by students who have curiosity to know the process of film making, and have brilliant visualization skills. Both the careers can be pursued right after Std XII, and are equally rewarding in terms or fame and glamour.
Muktadevi Mohite, head of Nagur University’s fine arts department, said students who are fascinated by theatre and drama are cut out for this field. “Your flair for theatrics is brought out early in school days, when you actively participated in plays or something similar. Students who have a good command over language, vocal cord and facial expressions usually fare well in this arena,” she says.
She strongly suggested that aspirants should undertake formal training since it refines their talents. “If you have the skill to be a good actor, it doesn’t matter where you are trained. You might have an expressive personality, but the training will teach you how to present it on stage,” Mohite added.
All experts and professionals advised that one has to be at the focal point of the industry in order to attain success.
“Mumbai is the hub for film studies and one should venture out if he/she is planning a serious career in acting. Even with talent, people from small cities have to struggle twice as hard since we don’t have that sort of exposure. Apart from acting in films, pursuing regional theatre is also an option, but the returns are limited or close to none, so a full-time career is not possible,” said Supantha Bhattacharya, head of Hislop Centre of Fine Arts.
Talking about behind the camera jobs, he said, “For technically sound people, this is surely a great area. Since these people control the making of a movie, they make more money than the actors.”
Shantanu Thengdi, a theatre artist in Nagpur, said that keeping a role model works wonders during difficult times and warned students against getting blindsided by the idea of fame and glamor. “Since the city doesn’t host many theatre groups, only people who are really passionate and hardworking should opt for it. A lot of hard work goes behind making a star and it is not as easy as it looks,” he said.
Why opt for it
Tremendous amount of fame, glamor and popularity
One of the most influential jobs and can bring positive changes in lives of millions of people
Get an opportunity to travel all over the world and lead a luxurious lifestyle
One of the most sought-after work areas
Expert view
Vikash Khurana
Explore the world of possibilities through film studies
A blend of passion and dedication is enough to catch up on your dreams and the same applies to film studies too. Film studies include an extensive range of comings and goings, and hence, a student should know the social and political dimensions of the film industry.
Film studies consist of a combination of theoretical and technical skills that moulds a student in a way that he/she can have substantial jobs in the creative industry. There are a handful of opportunities you can grab on after completing film studies. It starts with being an assistant director, film editor, graphic designer, costume designer and then photographer, stylist, story editor, program researcher and more.
Once you enter the battleground the options are plenty; you just have to choose a field that encourages you to do better.
There are a number of colleges across Central India that can help you shape up your knowledge about film studies. I must mention that you will have to step out of your comfort zone to achieve your goals. Nagpur is a small shell with very limited knowledge. We tend to believe that what we know is enough, but it really isn’t as the world is huge and you never stop learning.
Nagpur is growing but people are rarely interested in expanding their knowledge about other vocational courses. We all gravitate ourselves in choosing a lucrative and a safe job in engineering and medical fields. Parents encourage their children to choose science to ensure a steady career, but how many of them are equipped to make an informed decision is the question.
No one in the film industry cares about your marks; it only cares about people who are creative and dedicated towards their work. To all the budding movie buffs, the market is fiercely competitive and opportunity to pursue your specific content is solely dependent on what you choose. So, make sure to grab the best and make most out of it.
(Khurana is an award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer. He is also the founder of the Stagecraft Theatre, Nagpur)
List of colleges
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University
Courses: Bachelors in Acting and Production
Intake: 112 (20 for drama)
Admission: Written test and interview
Duration: 1 year
Tirpude Institute of Applied and Retrospective Arts
Courses: Diploma in Theatre and Performing Arts
Intake: 60 students
Admission: Direct
Duration: 1 year
VMV Commerce JMT Arts and JJP Science
Courses: Acting, theatre and stage craft
Intake: 50 students
Admission: Direct
Duration: 3 years
Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
Courses: Digital Cinematography
Intake: 20 students
Admission: Direct
Duration: 20 days
National School of Drama, New Delhi
Courses: Diploma courses in dramatic arts
Intake: 26 students
Admission: Direct
Duration: 3 years
(This list is not exhaustive and should not be considered as an endorsement of the institute. Students are advised to check with relevant education authorities before taking admission)
Professionals speak
Theatre has taught me how to express myself more effectively than ever before, whether I am on stage or off it. It has made me learn more about me. I’m literally another version of myself
Sakshi Arya
I have always loved acting. I can entertain people in the audience and can create a positive atmosphere around. I wanted a direction to my acting, so I joined theatre. Through theatre, one can demonstrate life in various forms which is the best part
Himanshu Balpande
I started my career as a model. I was passionate about acting as well. I loved acting because it has improved my confidence, enhanced my skills and allow me to meet new people. I have been featured in short films, web series and music videos. My aim in life is to represent my country at an international level
Jasmine Kaur
I have been passionate about acting since my childhood. I used to participate in plays, mimicry, and standup comedy in school. This has helped me develop my acting skills a lot. I have to work on my sound modulation, expressions and confidence to build a career in acting
Vikas Borkar
I want to be a filmmaker. For filmmaking, I have to learn acting as well since I should be able to explain to the actor what I’m expecting from him in a scene. I have to learn how to prepare an actor for a role. I have worked as an assistant director in a Marathi movie
Paras Balpande
(Interviews by Anjali Dhananjayan & Vaidehi Kolhe)
