#TeachersDay: From pivotal acting and life lessons to believing in oneself, TV celebs share lessons learnt from their mentors in showbiz

While we all know there’s no better teacher than life to teach us some of the most pivotal lessons, it’s always assuring to know that we have some wonderful mentors and teachers to guide us as we sail through life. Like many other professions, acting is all about learning on the job. From doing theatre to giving auditions to being a part of the production, there are many ways to learn this craft. But the best way is to observe your seniors, fellow actors and acting gurus to understand and imbibe the nuances. On this Teachers’ Day, TV celebs remember their mentors/co-stars who shaped their lives in many ways.

I will always remember some of the simplest yet important lessons taught by Santram Verma. He was the director of my debut Hindi TV show, Tashan-e-Ishq. I was new and didn’t know anything about how things worked in the TV industry. He taught me three things – to be punctual, always be prepared for the scenes and always be present on the sets. I want to thank him for these pearls of wisdom.

I made my showbiz debut with Dekh Bhai Dekh and Aanand Mahendroo was its director. He’s my mentor and whatever I have achieved today, it’s all because of him. He taught me the finest nuances of acting and filmmaking. From how to face the camera, dialogue delivery to understanding the technical aspect, he taught me everything. He taught me that nothing can replace hard work. Even if luck wears out, your hard work will get you to work. Also, how you behave with people around you will define a lot of things for you. Even today, I abide by these lessons and teach my kids the same.

Although I don’t have any specific mentors from the industry but I have certainly learnt a lot from Rupal (Patel) ma’am when we were shooting for Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. I have observed and learnt a lot from her especially dialogue delivery in Hindi using the correct pronunciation. Krishnaji was my mentor when I was doing theatre in Assam. He has taught me a lot about the craft and I owe a lot to him as well.

When I joined showbiz two decades ago, I used to be involved in production. I met late Ravi Baswani as an assistant in a film he was doing and went up to him to rehearse the script. I was nervous and started enacting in a different voice and body language. He told me then to be natural in front of the camera.

Shaalein who is currently seen in Ziddi Dil - Maane Na, says, “I was all set with my bag packed to leave Mumbai when I got a call for my debut fiction show, Arjun. Gorky sir, who was the director of the show, has been my mentor ever since. He taught me to be patient and be a good human. He taught me to be honest to my craft. If I have survived in the TV industry, it’s because of his belief in my acting skills.

When I was a participant in Zee Cine Stars Ki Khoj (2004) and I had the habit of writing down every minute detail of the scene that I would be performing. However, strangely when I would be performing that scene koi emotions nikalke nahi aate the. At that time director, Sudhir Mishraji who was also the judge and my mentor had given one of the most life-changing pieces of advice. To uncomplicated the process of acting and making it effortless. Just listen, feel, and say your dialogue, don’t get stuck but try to implement it as easily as possible. Even today I remember this advice before doing any scene.

Palki Malhotra has been my mentor in this industry. She has taught me the importance of believing in myself, in my talent and never underestimating myself. She also taught me not to have any regrets especially when it comes to professional choices.

When I was a participant in India's Next Superstars, Mahesh Bhatt sir, and Rohit Shetty sir were my mentors and the way they taught me the fine nuances of acting have been very valuable in my journey so far. Bhatt sir once said that an honest performance will always be remembered over a good performance; be honest with your emotions. And for Rohit sir always used to say an actor should not just be hardworking and dedicated but also needs to be smart. These two pieces of advice will always be closest to me.

Tanu Tiwari was the creative director for my show Udaan and she’s my mentor. I was young when I got on board the show but she has helped me mold myself into a better actor and a thorough professional. Initially, it would bother me when she would always scolding me or nagging me to be a happy person, focus, and work on myself. She pushed me out of my comfort zone and I owe it all to her.

Yash who is currently essaying a pivotal role in Kyun Rishton Mein Katti Batti, says, “Over the years I have learned a lot from my co-stars but if I have to choose one particular mentor/guru then it has to be my dear Govindji (Govind Namdev). I met him while doing the show Awaz- Dil Se Dil Tak where he played my elder brother and at that time I was very raw and had come from the theatre background. His vast theatre and film experience and knowledge helped me to understand the subtle nuances of this craft. He particularly taught me how to approach a scene and work on it. Even today I follow his guidance and I can’t thank him enough.”

When I was offered the role of Duryodhan when filming Mahabharat (2013) I almost declined the role as I wasn’t sure of the outcome. But it was Siddharth Kumar Tewary who was also the producer of the show convinced me and assured me that the role will be a milestone in my career. And I still feel very happy to have trusted his advice. Since then whenever I need any tips or guidance he is my go-to person and is always just a phone call away to me. He’s like a boon to me.