Q&A for How to Get Into Bollywood

There is no age requirement in the Bollywood film industry; they have actors from infants to elderly people.

Whether you do what you love or not, life will end anyway. Think about it. Isn't it better to give it a serious attempt than to live a life regretting the "could-haves"? If you give it your all and it doesn't work out, it wasn't mean to be. Just try your hardest and don't lose heart.

There is no age limit. Even if you are just a 1-year old baby, you can still be asked to come audition for new born baby role.

If you put in the effort and determination, then why not? You could start off volunteering or getting low-pay jobs related to the industry and try to work your way up from there. Make sure you have a back-up plan just in case.

You don't have to do what your parents want you to do - it's your life. However, you need to be aware that pursuing acting is very risky, and only a minority of people succeed. It is always good to have a backup plan. Make sure you're able to support yourself financially while you pursue acting, as it could take a while before you can find good work and make good money from acting. Having a well-paying job, like engineering, can certainly help, but any job that you can support yourself on will do.

It's not necessary. Shahrukh Khan wasn't godfathered into the business of acting in Bollywood. He started off with acting in short films, then serials, then ads, until he got a chance to become the "Badshah." But yes, it does help if you get a degree in mass comm., acting etc. or have experience in theater.

Yes, you can. Pooja Hegde had her first film this year and all she did was act in an advertisement.

Yes, it helps to be above 5"3" to be an actor.

You must assure to your parents that your studies will not suffer and that you have a backup plan in case acting doesn't work out.

Do some background research. Check out the reputation of the director or producer and what is known about him or her in the industry. If cheating or sleeping around has happened in Bollywood, it'll be well known, and even many rumors can be something to take into account. Ask fellow actors and cast crew what they know, do online searches and ask your casting agent. Most of all, what does your gut instinct tell you?

Get involved in theater or join drama classes. If you have relatives or friends in Bollywood you can contact with them.

There is usually an ad on the television which tells you when and where are the shows are being organized.

Yes of course it's possible. Jacqueline Fernandez is a very popular Bollywood actress and she is Sri Lankan as well!

Of course you can. Actors have some scars, pimples, or acne but it's all covered with makeup. Embrace your acting and forget about your scars.

It is unlikely you'll ever be directing massive films. However, you could start off doing things on YouTube and then work your way up as your movies gain popularity.

Height isn't everything, but it helps to be at least 5'7".

You can still be an actor if you have eyeglasses. Some parts may require you to wear contact lenses, but you can ask ahead of time.

Yes, you can. There is no age limit to when you can get involved in Bollywood.

You don't necessarily need an acting course to become an actor. You can always rely on the acting skills that you naturally have.

It's true that connections matter a great deal in the film industry, as they do in many other industries. But if your talented and you work hard, you can break in.

Talk to your father about why you want to be an actor and explain to him how much you want him to understand and support your dreams.

If you're more interested in working as a co-star, try to only audition for those roles! Otherwise the process is the same.

Yes, anybody can join Bollywood. You just have to be familiar with acting.

It is good to know English, as it is the most widely used language worldwide and will increase your job prospects. But it's not absolutely necessary.

Yes, of course you can. Your medical knowledge can even help you depending on the role you choose.

Yes, absolutely! They can help you train to become an actor and get you connected with other actors from around the world. Social media can also help you find local auditions.

It depends on the part that you are auditioning for. The director should be able to tell you what the dress code will be like.

They do, but acting ability is equally important.

It is possible, but you have to work hard. At first, try writing a play, and then move onto films.

You can invest through stocks of Bollywood companies like PVR, Shri Ashtavinayak, or Balaji, but if you really want to invest into Bollywood you have to meet with the production head of some production houses.