Upen Patel then, Upen Patel now!
So "Upen Patel nation" sent us a note that we were being too harsh on this hot Gujju from UK. Maybe we were. So lets give him props that the older he gets, the better he's looking. While he was a working actor he wasn't as fit as he is now. He started off with a bang as a young model. Some dodgy flex with the Indian media - remember he had the reputation of being arrogant and unapproachable?! - and he got shunned in print. But he's kind of making a slow return...
The actor is 37 and competing with fresh grads trying to make it in B'wood. And those abs are serious competition.
We do have some practical advice for the man, and really all aspiring actors having been in the industry and casting process;
- Learn Hindi. You'd think that'd be basic but omfg the number of wannabes who land and want a part in a movie in the language they don't actually speak! Get Urdu diction lessons, hell,watch endless hours of Smriti Irani speak on stage and learn Hindi! Go back to school and learn to read and write it. Ayushmann's dialogue delivery is so freaking good because he's got an ear for language/music and can correct even the most named dialogue writers. He stands out hence he has this outstanding career as a Hindi actor in a Hindi film industry!
- A writer writes, an actor acts. Not getting lead role in Krrish 4? Fine, do theatre. Do short stints on TV, do ads, DO something! There's no money in it (sometimes there is) but at lease hone your skills with practice. Learn monologues, learn lyrics, learn complicated dialogues. Just learn!
- Get fit. Easier if ya look hot. seriously. makes up for a sliding scale of talent too...
- Practice being kind. goodwill goes a long way in the industry. Did ya know Madhuri Dixit's hair dresser recommended her to Subash Ghai back in the day? She went from second lead to superstar in a jiffy. Why? MD treated her staff really well. Treat your makeup and hair people well, your designers well, your choreographer... apart from just being a good person, if that doesn't work for your soul, be a good person for selfish reasons, it'll benefit you in the long run!
- Have a strong social media presence. Amazed at the likes of Urvashi Rautella. despite her cringe bio, look how hard she works on her social media - she's landed parts in ads and songs cause she has a strong following. just a painfully ordinary actress but she works hard to make up for it.
- Do scene studies. There are free online acting lessons and coaches. It doesn't all need to be expensive NYU classes. Even after getting a break, Kangana Ranaut (Kween Troll herself), Manisha Koirala went to study further after they made it. Anil Kapoor got acting coaches even in this stage of his career - the man is 189 and still studies!
- Don't be a fashion victim. Not all can be Ranveer Singh and somehow get away with it. But at least develop a personal sense of style. And if you haven't got on, find a great stylist. Not all are expensive.
- BTW Be seen, not obscene on social media.
- Don't be racist - wow the shit we've read about our neighbours recently. The action of one or two individuals is not the collective representation of a nation. Trump is the biggest idiot on planet earth holding a powerful seat. He is not representative of all Americans! Same goes with the Chinese, Pakistanis, the Thai, Aussies... . Think for yourself not what your agenda-filled politician does. Don't be a xenophobe.
- While you're at it, don't be racist, homophobic, Islamaphobic, Hinduphobic... fks sake, just don't be a jackass.
- Don't be a troll - harder said than done. But just don't be.
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