The Big Break

Disclaimer - The story hereunder is an account of fiction and bears no resemblance to any real-life character or incident. Any resemblance is purely coincidental.

Nakul was a small-town boy. He studied in the local school and harbored ambitions like any other boy of his age. He studied hard and played harder and as a result, he was good at both. His family was of meager means and Nakul knew that his family could support his education till he finished school. Beyond school either to college or for any vocational support he had to find his own ways and means. So whatever ambitions or dreams he had had to be suppressed for the present. Along with his studies and sports, Nakul was attracted to the stage. From the primary school days, he used to act in all the plays that were enacted. He was a regular in all the stage acts held round the year in his area or nearby. Even sometimes to other towns nearby he was called for duty to perform. Slowly he became a very popular face in the local theatres and drama. After finishing school he enrolled for a course in performing arts in the local college as it was cheap and family finances were not stretched. He also got a chance to teach acting skills in theatrical workshops held near about. This helped him to meet his many sundry expenses and hobbies. Also, he was happy that he did not have to seek help from his family where already finances were under strain and demanded contribution for smoother functioning. Nakul had secret ambitions but was doubtful if his wishes could achieve fruition. He dreamed to perform on the big screen where there was good money and there was a lot of respect besides money. Even if he got a chance to perform on the stage on the grandest scale where there may not be much of a monetary incentive but the goodwill and recognition were worthwhile. So these desires Nakul kept under wraps and dare not share with anyone and be a made a laughing stock.

During his, undergraduate course, Nakul got a chance to showcase his acting skills in many of the internships that were a part of his curriculum. His talent began to get noticed. Some small-time directors and producers were ready to give him a try. His studies completed and Nakul signed contracts for some roles in upcoming projects. The projects were soon aired on television and Nakul got a lukewarm response. He started earning now and money-wise he left behind his difficult days behind. He felt now that his spartan days may have ended. For a couple of years, he continued in this way with bits and pieces of little success and failure here and there. But real success eluded him.

For making it real big on the national level Nakul knew he had to shift to the big metropolis where there was the film city. He also knew how difficult it was and almost well nigh impossible for candidates like Nakul to get a toe hold in the industry leave aside success. Because one needed solid backing and unprecedented financial support. Someone had to take the big risk to launch a newbie like Nakul. The industry had no logic and reason for success. Because sometimes big calculations and efforts failed miserably and small-time illogical events made big noise and success. This is the reason people in the film industry with deep pockets could meet head-on with failed ventures and come out unscathed.

Shifting to the big city was an adventure for Nakul. As he was young he had an optimistic mindset. Success was not easy as failure came easily. Because there was cut-throat competition all around. There were young artists in humongous numbers all in the fray of this rat race and all wanting to get a toe hold. Everyone was waiting for the Big Break.

All the new film releases had famous actors sons and daughters in the lead. Because who would pocket the losses if the film failed. Very few directors and producers had the courage to field new faces in the lead. Nakul realized that there was certainly no free lunch and it ground all the way to stardom and fame. Also, the lady luck's blessings were needed in truckloads to make the cut.

There was a struggle everywhere. As there was so much competition there was real crunch on the infrastructure and resources were scarce. The accommodation was scanty and expensive and as a result, food and living cost was a big challenge. There was so much demand and so little supply.

Luckily for Nakul, there was a relative from his mother's side who had accommodation and would gladly accept his company. This relative of Nakul who went by the name of Mahavir was working for a big and successful megastar Ajay Kumar. Mahavir had been with Ajay Kumar since the beginning, that is much before Ajay Kumar became a success and a household name. Mahavir had seen the struggles of Ajay Kumar and had been with the latter through thick and thin. The reason why Mahavir was such a trusted lieutenant of Ajay Kumar. Mahavir managed all the schedules and appointments of Superstar Ajay Kumar. By experience, Mahavir could also manage the media engagements of Ajay Kumar and press conferences. This is why Mahavir had made himself so indispensable to Ajay Kumar. For this Mahavir was so well compensated and looked after. Ajay Kumar could rarely refuse any requests of Mahavir. This is how Nakul made inroads into the Ajay Kumar household. Ajay Kumar's background was akin to Nakul and like him hailed from the small town. Ajay Kumar had not married although he had many female friends and admirers. He was in a dilemma to choose his life partner and being very busy had not the inclination to settle down soon. At the beginning of his career, his parents were living with him but his incredibly wayward schedule and lifestyle drove them back to their small townhome. So Ajay depended fully on Mahavir for his day to day and life's needs and this made him fully free to concentrate on his career.

The situation suited perfectly for Nakul. He thought at long last lady luck is shining on me. He confided his dreams and wishes to Mahavir who was an uncle to him. It was difficult both Nakul and Mahavir knew but somehow at sometime Ajay Kumar had to be told and the ice had to be broken.

Meanwhile, Nakul kept knocking on the doors of various producers. He kept giving auditions and was doing small roles on and off. Big-time success though eluded him. The big break was still a dream. But he didn't seek help from Mahavir his uncle or their benefactor the superstar Ajay Kumar. Nakul decided to wait for the opportune time. He had the belief that providence had definitely some wonderful things for him.

Then soon a chain of events occurred leading Nakul to believe that his big break was in the offing. A leading producer had come to Ajay with a script. The production team was readying the cast for the film. The slowly full cast was ready and the script distributed. But the Co star who would be Ajay's buddy was still absent. Many auditions were conducted but no one made the cut. Time was running out. The producer was getting worried because the financier would not give too much leverage with time. So one night during having dinner Ajay asked Mahavir about Nakul. Ajay said that he had heard about Nakul doing small roles here and there and they were being talked about in the film fraternity. For Nakul this was a windfall. He silently prayed to his family God. Mahavir agreed and suggested that Nakul should be asked to appear for an audition the next day.

Beyond doubt, Nakul was selected. He acted as Ajay Kumar 's buddy and selected screen space with his idol. Fortune favors the bold as the saying goes and patience and perseverance pays. The film was ready in a few months for the launch. During the festive season, the film starring Superstar AjayKumar along with newcomer Nakul was launched. Initially, the response was lukewarm. But as there were not many noteworthy releases alongside the audience flocked to the theatres again and again. Within a few weeks, the film was declared as a hit and Nakul was established as an upcoming star. Soon he was flooded with many offers. Nakul had waited for this Big Break.