Doing theatre in Delhi didn't guarantee success in Mumbai.
When I started working in Mumbai, I was interested in working in the indie and niche spaces, as they do make really good cinema, driven by good stories. But then, I decided to explore everything possible.
My lowest point came when I shifted to Mumbai in 1993. Nothing was happening. This is right after I did 'Bandit Queen.' I had no way to tell people that I know my job. There was no casting department here. All the commercial films that were happening in those days did not have any place for me.
In Mumbai, it's almost like Hollywood. They can appeal to different segments and still be successful. There are multiplex audiences to whom you can showcase any lifestyle. But in Tamil cinema, we need to satisfy everybody, whether urban or rural.
Can I call up any actor in Mumbai? I can, and they can say wrong number and hang up!
I was shooting for two Balaji shows, Kayamath' and Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil,' in Mumbai. I was tired working round the clock.
The Mumbai film industry has definitely a bigger reach. But considering the rich content of work in many Bengali films, even by new directors, there has to be a better financially backed distribution model for films here.
Millions of people come every day to Mumbai to fulfill their acting dreams. Being one of them is always tough.
My interest is to do interesting lead parts, to tell different stories and to surprise the audience. But as they say in Mumbai, everything is pre-written and it chooses you.
