Actors, and especially movie stars, are fragile creatures. They're not used to hearing the word 'no' in response to outrageous demands, and disagreeing with a star on the smallest of matters could very easily get you on their wrong side, or worse still pit you as the enemy.
Yet, someone's got to have the tough conversations. Tact is highly recommended. Blunt rejections and firm put-downs from producers ought to be strictly avoided. Take it from someone who works closely with them here are a few lines no movie star wants to hear...
"We're going with someone younger"
In an industry where youth is currency, there's literally nothing more cruel you can say to an actor. But because Bollywood is both ageist and sexist, this is a prejudice faced almost exclusively by female actors. At 56, Salman Khan can still get Disha Patani and Pooja Hegde to play his love interests. But Sonakshi Sinha (35) is considered "too old" to be cast opposite Varun Dhawan or Sidharth Malhotra (both 35).
"We need to scale up"
This is usually code for "we need a bigger star". While rejecting a good actor who'd be right for the part but doesn't have 'momentum' or 'viability', producers will frequently remind you that "it's called show business for a reason". Big names promise more bums on seats, and, like it or not, that's the only argument that holds any water in this business.
Bu hikaye Brunch dergisinin August 20, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Brunch dergisinin August 20, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
How To Pin Down A Scam
They pose as cops. They ask for OTPs. They lure you with bonuses. They're so smooth. Here's a cheat sheet to suss out a scam caller before it's too late
Sunny Leone
Entrepreneur, actor. @SunnyLeone
Going above and beyond
Marom specialises in nature photography. He started with macro photography, or capturing tiny subjects in extreme close-up, to make them look bigger.
Get cot in the act
Vivan Sundaram's 12 Bed Ward is sparse, simple, but haunting. Is this an abandoned hospital, a forgotten dorm, a bombed-out base or something more familiar?
In it for the long haul
Travelling gets better as you grow older. But less pressure and more funds bring with them aching bones and low energy. Here's how to cope
A whole different ball game
The kofta varies in name, taste and texture across continents. It's time India acknowledged its own contribution to the multiverse of meatballs
Opening acts
These young, new musicians are facing family pressure, juggling full-time jobs, and battling the rise of AI. They tell us what it's like to debut in 2024
Bring me the manager
Money won't conjure up a handbag that's out of stock. Angry calls will not get you off a waitlist. Don't be an entitled customer
Is there truth to this tale?
It's biopic season. It's also a good time to test what movies have learnt from true-life stories and from life itself
Mercury in the microwave
Heat wave? Wave back. On screen, summer looks gorgeous. These 10 films showcase the bright side of the season