Lights, Camera & Love

Take 1

June 2016.

Versova, Mumbai.

Last remnants of the summer sun shined bright in the sky, as the City of Lights - Mumbai, came back to life at 6 in the morning. While his counterparts a.k.a Mumbaikars got up and ready for their usual day of hard work, Parth Samthaan laid on his King Sized bed, somewhere lost in his Bollywood dreams. After a late-night talk with his dear Mother, regarding his worries of not getting a good break, Parth barely slept until the tiredness from running around for auditions took him over.

Parth Samthaan. A name known and loved by millions of females around the world, for his role as one of the most remembered male characters on Indian Television. After relentlessly playing Manik Malhotra for almost 2 years, Parth finally decided that it was time for him to widen his horizons. With encouragement and support from his fans and loved ones, he took a step towards the threshold of Bollywood, a place that made Stars. But, the sad fact is that you need more than incomparable talent, to make a mark in the not so forgiving industry. You need a name, a good debut film with a top-notch production house and, of course, an already established Co-Star.

Parth had a name, yes. But, not enough for the Bollywood who's and who. He had the most loyal and fiercely protective fandom behind him but, that didn't matter. All he had was a talent that could give the big shots a run for their money. He had been offered lead roles in quite a few low budget films but, he had turned them down. No, he wasn't overconfident but, he had full faith in himself and that he was made for something bigger. After trying out for N no. of auditions, his belief was starting to falter. But, fate had other plans for him.

This night ain't for the faint of heart, for the faint of heart, for the faint of heart. This night ain't for the faint of the heart cause the faint of heart gonna fall apart...

As 'Wicked Ones' by Dorothy played in the background, Parth stirred on his bed. "What the hell.." He cursed in his sleep as to who is so crazy to call him so early in the morning and, disturb his sweet slumber. Groaning, Parth swept his hand over the side table to fish for his iPhone 6. When he finally caught a hold of it, he squinted his eyes, to adjust to the brightness. And, when he saw his manager's name flash on the screen, he rolled his eyes, thinking it must be another audition call. "Another audition, Pratik?" He was in such a sour mood that he didn't even wait for the pleasantries. Pratik barked out a laugh, knowing how Parth really is. Apart from being his manager, Pratik was a very close friend of him, owing to the fact that they were of the same age.

"A very Good Morning to you too, Parth. I am pleased to know that you sound so excited for another round of auditions." He heard a string of grunts and swears from the other side of the call. Parth was really not up for the jokes. "Are you serious? I'm really not in a mood. Text me the address and timings. I'll be there. Bye." Pratik sensed the seriousness which immediately alerted him. "Hey, Hey. Cheer up, buddy. There's a piece of REALLY good news for you. You don't have any idea how huge this is." Now, Parth was listening. "So, you remember giving auditions for Yash Chopra Films?" "Yes, I do. What about it?" Parth merely whispered, his mind working like a clock. Is this it? "They didn't answer back but, guess what? Your audition tape got into the hands of Sameer Sahani. THE Sameer Sahani, Director and head of Red Chillies Production." There is no adjective to describe how Parth was feeling at that moment. It felt like the day of his 12th board results. "He really really liked you, Parth. The production manager called me right now. You are the No. 1 choice for their upcoming film. This is it, buddy. This it." Parth closed his eyes, for the moment was too overwhelming and, a stray tear rolled down the corner of his cheeks. The struggles, the sacrifices and the sleepless nights, all seemed worth it, now.

"I cannot believe this Pratik. I just cannot. Is this is a dream? Because, I would hate to wake up from it." Pratik chuckled at his friend's unabashed statement. "It's a dream come true, Samthaan. Your dream." He could imagine, Parth giving one of his, to die for smiles. The friend in him, was very happy and, the manager too proud. "Anyway, let's get to the important point. You are their choice but, not finalized yet. So today, we have to be there at  Red Chillie Studios, 9 am sharp. They are going to take a look test with your Co-star and that's about it. You will be the new male lead for Red Chillies banner. You have to give your best, buddy. Better than ever."
Parth beemed with confidence when he said, "I won't disappoint you or my fans anymore. It's a Samthaan promise. But, wait. You said, Co-star? Who?" Mr. Débutante had no idea, what was coming his way. "Oh. I didn't tell you? Silly me. Wait till you hear it, Sir. Hold on to something for support. You might fall down." Parth internally groaned because of the dramatics. "Cut the Crap. Tell me who it is."

"It's Deepika Padukone."

____

Hold onto your seatbelts, ladies, and gentlemen. The game of love and war has begun. ;)

AND

Y'ALL My Queen and her man won the International Woman and Man of the Year Award. GOSH. I am so very proud. Such slayers! <3

Ashkins