'Having discipline & investing in your craft is what leads you to success'

On the closing day of the Bengaluru Art Weekend, a candid and deeply insightful conversation unfolded between actor Ramya and filmmaker Hemanth M Rao. What followed wasn’t just a discussion about cinema; it was a reflection on evolution, instinct, struggle, and the quiet discipline that defines longevity in the industry.

I just focused on having a good screen time and presence: Ramya
Ramya didn’t romanticise her beginnings. In fact, she peeled back the glamour to reveal a far more mechanical start. “I wasn’t really given the script; I only knew what my character was. I would surrender myself to the director and do as he asked.” She added that instinct, often celebrated in acting, came much later. “There was no scope for instinct initially. It came only after I began to understand scripts and draw on my lived experiences. Every time I heard a script, I thought this is definitely not going to work, but they all turned out to be blockbusters.”

Back then, success wasn’t measured in opening weekends but in milestones like 100 or 200-day theatrical runs. Yet, for her, the decision-making was simple: “I just wanted to ensure I had good screen time, how many scenes I had, if I had a good song—that’s all that mattered.”

Cinema for me is an amalgamation of all arts, and it’s my first love: Hemanth M Rao
For Hemanth, the journey into cinema wasn’t a single decisive moment but a gradual pull. “I still don’t know the answer to why filmmaking, but cinema is an amalgamation of all arts. I could do everything I loved in one place.” Coming from an engineering background, he reflected on the rigidity of traditional career paths.“Our education system removes your individuality; it tries to make you like everybody else. But storytelling was my first love and kept calling me back. It took me 8-9 years to feel confident enough to make a film.”

I always make sure I’m approachable to everyone: Ramya
Ramya’s experiences with icons like Amitabh Bachchan shaped her deeply.“ Working with Mr Bachchan was a great learning experience; he made me feel comfortable, instantly cracked jokes, and eased my stress.” But the biggest takeaway? “They all had humility and empathy; nobody showed off. It takes a lot for someone to approach you. I always make sure I’m approachable.”Sometimes I rely on an actor’s instinct, and that’s when the film becomes everyone’s: Hemanth M Rao
As a director, Hemanth breaks down the delicate equation between a director and actor.“ My role is information control; actors don’t need to know everything, just the emotional arc. There are times when the actor’s instinct is better than mine; you have to keep your ego aside. The film slowly stops being mine; it becomes everyone’s. You can’t push actors endlessly after a point; it becomes mechanical.”

‘Social media has made things easier for the younger generation’
Both agreed that the industry has changed dramatically. Ramya noted: “Today, it’s easier. You have social media, direct access. Back then, we didn’t have that.” But Hemanth added a caveat. “The Internet has made knowledge free, but focus is limited.” He’s open to casting talent from social media—but with conditions. “It’s not about looks; you need dedication to the craft. People watch reels for free, while cinema is something they pay for. That experience won’t go away. If you want to showcase talent, be the best version of yourself.”