After 7 years of navigating the Hindi film industry from up close and 4 of observing it from afar — what are the conclusions I’ve come to when it comes to Bollywood’s challenging landscape?
For starters, let’s face the facts.
Like in any industry, there are many hurdles you’ll have to jump through. Biases, roadblocks and nepotism do exist. In fact, there are so many examples of the centralization of resources and opportunities that it could encompass rows and rows of articles.
The truth is that merit doesn’t often win on a one-off basis and there is favoritism and partiality in every corner.
But wait, that’s the case with most professional pursuits in our country isn’t it?
Fairness/equality is a utopia. We strive towards it, yet there is so much we can do to practice and implement it on daily levels.
So that debate and this battle will rage on. As it should.
What is the purpose of writing this article then?
It’s because there are things I wish I knew from the start of my journey in this industry.
Things no one told me, or that I was told but didn’t want to believe.
Ten years later, I wish I had listened. Or accepted them.
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1) Work on your craft constantly
No matter how good you think you are, you can get better.
Keep learning how to write, write, write and rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.
If you’re tired/running out of ideas, find people to collaborate with.
Being reclusive and eccentric is okay for periods of time, but with Screenwriting and/or directing, collaboration is key.
Remember that you can’t do anything on your own.
Also, always be hungry for feedback. Listen to people you respect and even those you don’t. There is something to learn from everyone.
Then, after you’ve done all your listening (with an open mind and heart), go back and do what’s best for your baby.
2) Networking
Make an effort to meet people even if you don’t feel like it.
Meet the bigger producers (if their doors are open), the middle producers and the ones starting out.
Don’t judge anyone and keep an open mind. Don’t put them in boxes according to their filmography. You have no idea what their story is and where they come from. Whether it’s from a small town in Odisha or a legacy film family in Bandra.
Let them make their case. You make yours.
Also make sure you meet other writers, directors, actors, colleagues from other departments. We are stronger together than we are alone.
You’ve not been born into a film family? Never mind. Make your own.
3) Income is power
If you’re coming from another city and you have to setup base in Bombay, work on the basics before anything else.
You need a roof over your head and an income that doesn’t make you accept absolutely any job that you get.
So, try to arrive with some savings or an alternative sort of income. Just until you can start getting the sort of work you really want to do.
4) Build towards your big goals
You’ve been knocking on doors for a while but not getting your big break?
Don’t expect anyone to tap you on the shoulder and say ‘Your time has come.’
Happy coincidences/miracles do happen. But rarely. Don’t wait for them. Build your own plan towards making your big dreams come true.
You want to Direct a feature? Write something low-budget and build a fund-raising plan. See how you can find the money by reaching out to the people you know.
Start small if you have to. Make and produce your own short films and keep making your dreams larger.
Do some research and you’ll see that anyone and everyone worth their salt has done things the same way. Why should it be any different for you?
5) Get your validation from the right places
You’re not writing just to please the film fraternity and the powers that be (Producers/Production houses/Platforms).
*Do they even know what’s best for content? Ask any writer/director and they will have lots to say (rant) on this matter.
But, it is what it is. So instead of ranting, find your validation from your circle/peers/friends/family and find your own ways of making your projects happen.
Cinema/Media are mediums no one has any exclusive rights on. No matter how big or powerful they may be. With the changes in technology even more so. If you have a unique story to tell or a unique way to tell it, some day you will get your due….Just keep going.
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6) Fight for good stories and good storytellers
Lastly, you must always fight the good fight. And not just for yourself.
Martin Niemöller’s words should be imprinted on your mind forever.
“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me.”
There are many beautiful stories out there. As well as talented storytellers who are as important as the story.
No matter who you are and how many experiences you’ve had, you don’t know everything and you don’t know every perspective on the planet.
So, fight for stories and storytellers that you resonate with.
Build/surround yourself with a community of people who share your passion and values. Take inspiration/joy in every execution of every beautiful story.
Every story well told is a victory for you and the medium.
Know this, celebrate this and it’s the only way you’ll stay sane, driven and happy for your entire journey in this city.
And that’s as important as reaching your big goals and making sure you’re still tolerable when you get there.
Rahat Jain is an FTII screenwriting graduate who has been working in the Hindi film industry since 2016. This article was originally published on medium.
This piece is being published as it has been received – it has not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.