Bollywood's glittering façade often hides a relentless system of evaluation, where actors face countless auditions and silent rejections. Actors Alankrita Sahai, Naira Shah, and casting director-actor Piyush Raina recently shared their candid experiences, revealing what it truly takes to survive and grow in the Hindi film industry. Their journeys highlight that resilience, not just fame, is the ultimate test for aspiring artists.
The Anxiety of First Auditions
For many, the first audition is a mix of hope and intense fear. Alankrita Sahai, a former beauty queen known for films like Love per Square Foot and Namaste England, described her initial audition as a "cocktail of emotions, dominated predominantly by fear." She recalled her heart racing and palms clammy, standing at the precipice of her dreams. Sahai saw that moment as merely a step in her journey, not the defining verdict on her worth.
Naira Shah, who has appeared in Hungama 2, found her first audition disorienting. She felt anxious and underconfident, thrown into a situation without prior experience or expertise. Shah admitted she was simply "there to give an audition," grappling with uncertainty.
The Impact of Silent Rejections
The Bollywood industry rarely provides direct feedback, making silent rejections a common and challenging part of an actor's life. Actors may audition dozens of times, sometimes 25 to 50, and only be shortlisted a few times, with no guarantee of selection. Naira Shah initially felt a lack in herself after rejections, but this mindset eventually helped her. She explained that "nobody is going to sit you down and say, 'You didn't do well because of this.' Most of the time, you're simply rejected."
This lack of feedback forces actors into deep self-analysis and drives self-growth. Alankrita Sahai experienced a pivotal shift when she realized that rejection in the industry was not a reflection of her personal worth. She also faced pressure to fit a specific mold or archetype, which prompted her to commit to carving her own unique path.
A Casting Director's View
From the other side of the camera, casting director and actor Piyush Raina offers a clear perspective. Raina, known for his roles in Ghoomer and Dunki, focuses on "believability" during auditions. He stated that if he feels an actor is "acting," he immediately disconnects. This insight underscores the industry's demand for authenticity over theatrics.
Raina himself has faced significant rejections. He revealed he was rejected for the role of Choocha in the film Fukrey because he weighed 135 kilograms. However, his weight later became an asset, helping him secure his role in the film Ghoomer. This demonstrates how perceived drawbacks can sometimes turn into opportunities in the unpredictable industry.
Internal Struggles and Evolving Mindsets
Naira Shah shared her internal struggle with self-image for nearly seven years, believing that losing weight would unlock opportunities. When this did not happen, she realized that "there is nothing like perfection in acting." She found that being more imperfect and relaxed in her own skin made her a better actor, noting that self-doubt is visible on camera. Shah believes the industry has changed and now embraces how individuals project themselves.
The romanticized notion that struggle builds character in Bollywood is often debated. While Alankrita Sahai believes her challenges were essential for forging resilience and commitment to her art, she also wonders if the industry could be kinder without losing its depth. She questions whether talent could be nurtured rather than always tested through fire.
Finding Creative Freedom
The motivation for these actors has evolved from seeking validation to pursuing creative freedom. Alankrita Sahai now anchors her motivation in the "freedom to explore my art" rather than the hunger to prove herself.
Naira Shah echoes this sentiment, driven by the desire to "truly enjoy the journey." She previously experienced stress about work which proved counterproductive. Now, she focuses on staying present, believing that honesty and skill in one's craft will eventually lead to recognition. This shift from external validation to internal fulfillment marks a significant emotional maturity for artists navigating Bollywood's demanding landscape.
The Path Ahead
Surviving in Bollywood requires immense patience and active endurance. Naira Shah emphasized that actors often feel powerless when not selected, but patience is what keeps them going. Alankrita Sahai reframes power as owning one's narrative and decisions, rather than placing oneself entirely in the industry's hands. Both actors agree that self-worth must not depend on casting results. The journeys of Sahai, Raina, and Shah highlight that behind the glamour, Bollywood demands unwavering dedication, continuous self-reflection, and a deep-seated resilience to navigate its unique challenges.[timesofindia]
