Actress Anupama Solanki who is currently seen in Nath Krishna Aur Gauri Ki Kahani on Dangal TV and has also been part of projects like Bindya Sarkar, Daayan, Maddam Sir, Chikoo Ki Mummy Durr Ki, Vighnaharta Ganesha says that surviving in the acting industry is no easy feat. The actress adds that one needs to be resilient to continue to work here.
“The entertainment industry is extremely tough. There is no surety of success and it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. In a random job, you get success day by day, that is so sure, but in our industry, today you are a star but tomorrow you are nothing. You have to maintain your aura and that is too tough. Well, I never felt I chose the wrong field because I was always prepared for any circumstances and I always knew you needed a 2nd option for survival,” she says.
She adds, “I understood, as soon as I joined the industry, that I needed an alternate option for my income because, in the acting field, you cannot earn regularly. If your luck is good then you will get a show that runs for 3,4 years but still, you need a second option because once you become the star you have to maintain that stardom. It is not easy to maintain your stardom.”
Talking about working here, she says, “People assume once you go to Mumbai, it means you have achieved something and once you get work you become a star. It’s the biggest myth of the entertainment industry. Well, I am getting good work but not that good so I can show people I am gold. I am telling everything openly because if anyone is coming to Mumbai, he or she understands the entertainment industry’s truth. The success rate in the entertainment industry is 10% because people have no idea what to do in Mumbai. How to start an acting career? Where to go and whom to meet? Lots of people never understood Mumbai and they went back to their hometown. You need strong willpower and extremely hard work. The biggest problem is when you understand your acting career no one will understand your problems.”
She adds, “One day my mother told me we are going to the village and you also have to come there, and don’t forget your bodyguards! I was shocked when she said this and I was surprised my mother thought that I became a star after doing 2 or 3 shows. She saw in awards and television bodyguards around stars. Whatever she said that innocently she said. I gave you this example because lots of people think lots of money follows you but they have no idea where I am staying and how I am staying. What is my lifestyle? What are the expenses? How many coordinators and casting directors I am following etc? I feel I need 5 years to establish myself or maybe more. Mumbai is 10 times more costly than any metro city so don’t judge a book by its cover. There is too much struggle in Mumbai.’
Talking about pros and cons of working in the industry, she says, “I have completed 5 years in Mumbai and I am very happy about a small achievement in the entertainment industry. I did not earn money in 5 years because Mumbai is too expensive but when I see myself in the mirror, I feel proud of myself and I am thankful to God. The two biggest advantages according to me; strong positive vibration that I feel when I am acting. This gives you motivation and energy. The next thing that I get is money and worldwide fame. My current Dangal TV show Nath Krishna Aur Gauri ki Kahani is now telecast in Thailand in the Thai language. The downside is that there is too much competition and it’s very expensive to survive in Mumbai.”
