The glamour-A short story
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| Image:ChatGPT/Concept:LB Thapa |
The acting bug had stung Diwakar when he was in his early teens. After completing his +2 education, Diwakar decided to pursue his dream. His dream was to become a popular cinema star in Nepali cinema. But his parents were against his idea. They told him that he should take up acting as a pastime hobby but not as a career. Captain Padam Bahadur, Diwakar’s father, had already made it clear that he should complete a master’s degree and a PhD before joining a college in Palpa. Outwardly, Diwakar agreed with his father, but deep down in his heart, he sincerely apologized to his father for not being able to fulfill his dream.
Diwakar was sent to Kathmandu for higher education, where he rented an apartment at Jawlakhel. After getting admission to a college, Diwakar gave all his attention to making a career in the field of cinema. He started visiting different filmmakers, directors, and producers and asking them to cast him in their movies. Even after spending several months, Diwakar could not achieve any success. He was not offered a role in any movies. Diwakar’s frustration was growing with every passing day.
During that time, Diwakar met with Jiban. Jiban was known for his good relationship with the people of the Nepali film industry. He was a popular figure in the film. He came to Kathmandu about a decade ago, hoping to become a hero. But after a decade-long struggle, he was reduced to working as a commission agent. Jiban would not do anything without a commission. Everyone knew it well, but still, he was useful for many of them. Most of the time, filmmakers, directors, and producers take his help to meet their purposes.
Diwakar, too, approached Jiban for help. Diwakar explained to him everything about his dream and said that he was born to become a cinema star. He made himself clear that he would only accept a lead role in the cinema. But Jiban suggested that he should accept every small role in the beginning, and that would help him get noticed by other filmmakers. But Diwakar was much more adamant and said he would accept only the lead role in the movie. Anyway, Jiban asked Diwakar to visit Kathmandu Star Studio to prepare a professional portfolio.
“Professional
portfolio! What is this, and why is it necessary?” asked Diwakar with a
surprise on his face.
“You need short videos where you should show your acting and dialogue-delivering skills. After that, you should submit the portfolio to different filmmakers. Kathmandu Star Studio is well known for making highly attractive portfolios, as they have experienced cameramen and video editors,” suggested Jiban. This was the same studio where Jiban was one of the business partners.
“To make a professional portfolio, you normally need nearly one million rupees. But I know the person very well who will prepare an attractive portfolio for you at the cost of seventy-five thousand rupees. In the portfolio, your acting skills, dialogue abilities, and dancing skills will be highlighted. By the way, have you ever taken dancing classes?” asked Jiban curiously.
“I have no problem with acting or dialogue. They are in my blood because I am a born actor, but I have a problem with dance. But as far as dancing classes are concerned, I have never joined a dancing class,” said Diwakar in a nervous tone.
"Look, Diwakar," said Jiban, and he continued. “In modern cinema, the dancing part is extremely important. You see, all successful actors in Kollywood and Bollywood are also good dancers. Hence, if you want to begin a successful career in acting, then dancing skills play a pivotal role. It will bring commercial and professional success to your life as a good actor,” advised Jiban.
“You should help me because I am new to this field and I have no idea where to visit or who to meet for certain things," said Diwakar.
“Don’t worry, my friend. You are lucky to have a good friend like me. I will help you establish yourself as a popular actor in Kathmandu. I can visualize the young boys and girls surrounding you getting a selfie with you,” said Jiban confidently. After hearing such kind words from Jiban, Diwakar’s nose swelled out of proportion.
Jiban advised Diwakar to join the Prativa Dancing Institute in Lalitpur. The institute was being run by Prativa, who was the wife of Jiban. Jiban advised Diwakar to complete a six-month dancing course.
Diwakar needed money at the earliest possible time. So he called his father in Palpa. His father, Captain Padam Bahadur, was a retired soldier of the British Army. He was drawing a handsome pension every month. Diwakar was the only son he had after three daughters. Being the youngest in the family, Diwakar received the utmost love and care from his family. Captain Padam Bahadur was committed to providing the best education possible for his only son.
Captain Padam Bahadur deposited one million rupees in his son’s account immediately. After a few months, Diwakar completed his dance course, and he submitted his portfolio to several directors and producers. Diwakar was offered some small roles, but his inflated ego didn’t allow him to accept those petty roles. He wanted a lead role in the movie—either a hero or a role that is equal to the hero—and he would not accept any minor roles in the movie, he declared.
Diwakar was looking for a breakthrough. He was confident about his talent, but what he wanted was a break. Diwakar realized that he needed someone to convince a director or producer to give him a lead role in the movie.
When Diwakar could not find anyone to do the task for him, he turned to Jiban. Jiban promised Diwakar to convince a producer to offer him a lead role in the movie. After a few days, Jiban met Diwakar and gave him a good piece of news.
“I have convinced a producer who is ready to cast you as a hero.” This was the news Diwakar had been waiting for a long time. Diwakar was certain that he would be able to mesmerize the audience with his acting ability.
“Thank you, my dear friend. Please tell me more about the film. I want to hear more from you,” asked Diwakar earnestly.
“Shyam Dorje is the producer and director of the cinema," said Jiban, and he continued. “He was actually all set to make a movie with the established actors. But when I showed him your portfolio, he agreed to take a risk. But he has set a condition to take you in a lead role,” said Jiban.
Diwakar’s excitement knew no bounds. He had already started visualizing becoming a star in Nepali cinema.
“If the director wants to take me in a lead role, then I’m also ready to accept his condition,” said Diwakar confidently.
“Shyam Dorje does not want to risk his money on a new and unknown actor. Thus, he wants to make you a partner in the movie. Both of you will share profits and losses equally. I think this is a big deal in your favor. If you have confidence, this is an opportunity that you mustn’t let go of your hands,” advised Jiban seriously.
Diwakar was not prepared for this kind of proposal at all. He looked confused at Jiban’s advice. In the meantime, Jiban continued pushing hard to convince Diwakar.
“I never expected an offer like this. It is unexpected, and I am not prepared for such an offer. It would be better if you gave me some time to make a decision,” said Diwakar, still looking confused.
“There are already two young men who want to become his partners in the movie. But I made him agree with you. I could convince him because I am convinced of you and your abilities. Who knows? Your debut movie will become a blockbuster and break all the previous records. We cannot rule out that such things cannot be possible. We have seen such things happen time and again in the world of cinema. Don’t forget that one big hit will establish you in the Nepali film industry for sure,” said Jiban confidently.
Diwakar agreed and wished to meet Shyam Dorje to confirm the deal. Jiban immediately took Diwakar in his car and headed to Lazimpat. The car stopped at the front gate of Dorje Niwas. Diwakar was impressed by looking at such a fabulous house with a sprawling lawn with lush green grass where several rabbits jumped here and there.
Jiban and Diwakar sat in chairs on the lawn. After a little wait, Shyam Dorje was seen coming towards them. He was speaking with someone on his mobile. He disconnected the line and directly extended his hand toward Diwakar.
“If I am not wrong, then you are Diwakar. Am I right?” said Shyam Dorje. Diwakar adjusted himself, cleared his throat, and shook hands with Shyam Dorje.
“Please feel comfortable, gentlemen,” said Shyam Dorje, slumping into a cozy garden chair. In the meantime, there was a phone call on his mobile, but he deliberately disconnected the line.
“Dorje ji, I am sure Diwakar will not disappoint you. I have known him since the day he came to Kathmandu. His look, acting ability, and dancing steps will make audiences go crazy,” said Jiban confidently.
“That is alright, but what about those two young men? They want to join the film as well. You see, they are regularly making calls on my mobile phone. Well, let’s come to the business. To be frank, I don’t know you personally. You have not worked in any movies before. You are completely fresh. Investing in a new face is always full of financial risk. But to minimize the risk, I want you to join the film as a partner. One who invests more in the movie will be the hero, and others will have supporting roles. Now, Mr. Diwakar, you decide whether you want to play the lead role or the supporting role,” asked Shyam Dorje decisively.
Without giving a second thought, Diwakar immediately said that he would not play a supporting role. “I would not have waited so long to play a supporting role. I will play the lead role in the movie. You should better tell me how much I should invest in the movie,” asked Diwakar confidently.
“Are you sure, Mr. Diwakar? Because you still have time to change your mind. Otherwise, once you sign the contract, you cannot back off. Well, to play a lead role, you need to invest Rs. 2 million, and to play a supporting role, you need to invest Rs. 1 million. I will invest the remaining three million. The money should be made available within 10 days, and a contract will be signed on the same day,” declared Shyam Dorje.
Diwakar agreed and left Shyam Dorje’s house. Diwakar asked Jiban to drop him off at Jawalakhel, where Diwakar was living in an apartment.
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