Oscars 2022: So close yet so far…
About Face: My first short film in the US
Almost two years ago, I was invited to act in a wonderful short film in Texas. Named ‘About Face’, the film is extremely relevant, especially in today’s political climate. Directed by the exceptional Dr. Thomas Riccio who had auditioned me for a couple of his plays (none of which I got selected for 😆), the short film brings to light the topic of racism over the ages.
It premiered on Kera TV (the local wing of PBS in Texas) this October. Dr. Riccio plans to send it to festivals so for now, all I can share is the teaser. Let me know what you think –
Here’s the list of other projects (and a gist of About Face) that featured in the Frame of Mind series: Four short films explore race on Frame of Mind
Shakespeare in Los Angeles – Summer Intensive 2021 at Will Geer Theatre Botanicum
One of the things that has sucked most about COVID-19 is how it has put a damper on theatre activities. Having moved to LA recently, I was excited about participating in stage activities and becoming part of a theatre group as soon as possible. However, the pandemic hit the theatre world bad and made it impossible to start something new in a new city. Mercifully, after months of emailing groups, schools and artists, I found a summer Shakespeare workshop in the valley that I could easily attend.
I’ll never forget my first visit to Will Geer Theatre Botanicum. I rode my motorcycle through the curvy roads of Topanga Canyon flanked by pleasant views of hillocks. The short ride was fun, adventurous and refreshing. As I pulled into the parking lot of the Botanicum, I saw Ms. Ellen Geer walking in. I was to meet her to present a short monologue and get my assignment for the intensive workshop. She smiled at me as I parked my bike but our greetings were drowned by the loud thumping noise of my motorcycle as I, in my stupidity, hadn’t turned off the engine before beginning to speak. We walked in where I met Michelle and after a short chat, performed my monologue from Romeo and Juliet. To my delight, Ms. Geer said I’ll be fine and gave me an extraordinary piece from Richard III.
ALSO SEE Dilip Merala’s Acting & Stand-up page
The month of the workshop was the most creatively satisfying time I’ve spent in California so far. Surrounded by hills, green trees, nature sounds, and a group of talented actors, I worked on my monologue under the guidance of wonderful teachers. The voice work sessions with Ms. Jan Wilkstrom got me back in the groove as it had been months since I had acted. Ms. Melora Marshall directed my monologue in which I employed scansion and rhetoric techniques taught by Ms. Susan Angelo. The Alexander technique sessions were great for body language, breath and future work. I particularly enjoyed the Elizabethan life session by Ms. Elizabeth Tobias as it gave an insight on social structure, clothes, courtesy during that era and how it matters in Shakespeare.
On the day of the performance itself, we were all ecstatic. Starting with some Elizabethan dance (choreographed by Ms. Marshall), we went through one monologue after another presented for a small audience. Our directors had done a fine job making use of the entire space for the show. I myself was to hide on the upper level and make an entry from the balcony. I was a bit nervous but by the time it was my turn, I was confident and raring to go. The last performance I had done was a student project where I played the General in a recreated scene from The Outbreak for a direction class. Stepping on stage to perform for a Live audience again, and a Richard III monologue at that, felt like an infusion of much-needed oxygen.
I have now returned to the Will Geer theatre for another workshop in October, this time on scene work. It’s reassuring to see some familiar faces from the summer intensive – wonderful artists I had the pleasure of connecting with in August. And there are some new ones to learn from! Here’s hoping that my journey as an actor continues here in LA and I stumble upon some creative inspiration again.
Keeping My Creative Side Alive with Theatre
“Be who you are” – such a simple thing to say and yet so difficult to follow. My fourth article in this series is about just that. For those of you who are not familiar with me – I spent the last decade trying to make it in Bollywood. While I acted in a bunch of cool films and web videos (you can find them on my Projects page), I didn’t make the cut. So when I started my Master’s program in Business Analytics, I believed it was the end of the actor in me. I just took a chance in August 2018 by writing to the UTD Arts and Humanities department asking if there was any theatre activity I can be part of. And like an angel, Prof. Shelby-Allison Hibbs responded to my email saying I should audition for Julius Caesar. It’s been two years now and I have acted in four plays at UTD. That’s more than I had done in the last two years before I came to the United States.
My theatre mentor, Mr. Neeraj Kabi, always worked with people from various professions and maintained that EVERYONE should be involved in the theatre. It can teach you to come out of your shell, or it can teach you to connect with your inner self. It can help you communicate better, or it can show you the power of silence and listening. In the past two years, I have been able to relive everything that I love about the Arts. But besides that, it has honed some of the most valuable skills in my professional life. The way the cast and crew of Julius Caesar worked together for months was a lesson in teamwork. The writing and creation of A Mirror Right Through You was product innovation at its best. Rocky Horror‘s scale of production and unparalleled success taught me how an innovative marketing campaign can win the day. And Faust has been a lesson in adapting well to the most unprecedented changes and using your voice as a powerful instrument! Every play has been an epitome of brilliant concept-to-launch production of something most people across the globe want to buy.
Each one of these plays has been a unique experience in itself, teaching me something new. I have met, worked with, and learned from exceptional artists. I have made friends for life who have reinstated my faith in myself. I am much better now at trusting the process and staying calm in the eye of uncertainty and distress. My experience with UTD Theatre has reminded me that despite my failed Bollywood career, I will always continue to be an actor. A career in IT doesn’t have to mean that I stop acting. In fact, acting and theatre might very well be what keeps me focused and driven to achieve my goals in life. And this lesson is going to be key in my years looking forward.
Acting has played a huge role in forming my personality and contributed massively in building my confidence. Every time I speak in public with passion, every time I empathize with customers to solve a problem, every time I work with a cross-functional team to generate revenue, I will remember that I owe it to theatre. It was and will always be a part of my life.
You can check out UTD Theatre’s latest play Faust here.
ALSO SEE Diving Deep into Business Analytics with R Programming
Balancing Up with SQL and Database Management
This is the fourth post of my #10DaysToGraduate series where I share 10 key lessons from my Master’s degree in the form of a countdown to May 8, my graduation date.
UTD Mercury Goes Behind The Scenes of The Rocky Horror Show
For the past two months, I have been part of an incredible experience. I was fortunate enough to get cast in my first musical – The Rocky Horror Show. Everything from the audition process to the rehearsal to the final performances was surreal. For all of us involved, this journey has made its mark as one of the most memorable experiences of our lives. Would you believe if I told you that we had 7 SOLD-OUT SHOWS?! There were long queues every night and many people had to return disappointed (sorry about that!). I wish to write about my whole experience in more detail soon but for now, I’ll leave you with a “Behind the Scenes” video that UTD Mercury created for us. It also features me in a small interview where I express how I am in awe of my fellow Transylvanians!
UTD Theatre’s Julius Caesar – An Ode to The Cast and Crew
I can’t express how I feel without sounding like crap..
So I’m going to say it all in the disguise of Rap!
Wears cool t-shirts and also speaks nerd..
When Ally walks in, things start moving forward.
I don’t know how he manages to keep it all in place..
But if it weren’t for Mason, this would be a lost race!
Want to hear Sci-Fi fantasies in a deep, powerful voice?
Ask Hayden what he’d do for his girl, given a choice!
With all her cool ideas and funky attitude,
Lau will lift your spirits up, set the right mood!
If I ever wanted another accent, it would be his..
Coz if I could talk like Benjamin, I’d never hit and miss!
This chess player always makes you feel so special..
With his soothing words and gestures, Zura is just magical
Women are enchanted and go weak in their knees,
When Jake performs his acrobatics with nonchalance and ease!
In a strange and new world, it’s easy to feel at home..
When friendly guys like Kelton explain the history of Rome!
Dresses like a star and always speaks so well..
If I had half of Ricky’s talents, life would be swell!
He often sits by himself, looks very quiet and busy..
But I’ll never forget the moment Dante said, “Fight me, pussy”!
Every evening, without fail, he gets into his zone..
Eric is the rockstar with a very funny bone!
She plays the violin, features in super funny memes..
Michelle is that adorable girl from your dreams!
Teaches me names of food, no knowledge does she lack..
Meghan knows EACH AND EVERY life hack!
She says all the hep words, they all sound legit..
I had never heard of “skedaddle” till Cassie used it!
Her calm voice and pleasant talks make you want to hear more..
Emma is that person, that lovely girl next door!
I just love it when she giggles, I’m glad we got along..
A breath of fresh air, McKinley is a happy song!
Her beautiful eyes light up, showing you her gentle soul..
Alex leaves you in splits, for she is always on a roll!
Sometimes things get boring, and everything seems dead..
And suddenly there is laughter, coz of something Allan said!
With oodles of talent and so much dedication..
O Melinda, you should be called the pride of this nation!
Every time I see you, I see a dear friend..
I’ll cherish your Shakespeare cap till the very end!
The only morning person in the lot I guess..
She is funny, cute and chirpy, when the rest are a mess!
Excellent at yoga but not good at being rude..
Don’t make it bad, just sing “Hey Jude!”
Beautiful and smart and hilarious and lame,
She speaks at a pace that can put a rocket to shame!
She’ll dance into your heart, without making a sound..
You’ll never feel blue as long as Sam is around!
She is a cat person but calls her cat a bitch..
When kitty needs a corner, she can seldom make the switch!
Her laughter makes you feel the world’s awesome after all..
Raquel is like the heartwarming colors of Fall!
All the fun warm-ups and every catchy song..
And every social outing, without her would just go wrong!
Watching her play Caesar has been such a treat..
And Osi as a person is so cute and sweet!
You can’t die of hunger if you have a snack..
You don’t take a train that’s not on track..
You won’t place a hat on a damn shoe rack..
And you aren’t born cool, unless you are Zach!
Her warmth is what good things in the world are all about..
Her charm can make even the grumpiest people pout!
When days seem dark and every moment dull,
All you really need is a dose of Ravishing Rachel!
Last, though not last in love, is the boss I can’t thank enough..
She seems to me as sweet, as she seems to be tough!
I adore her smile, and her stare gives me fever..
But please know, Shelby, I am grateful forever!
Coming Soon: My First Musical
Just when I thought my life as an actor was over, the universe conspired to send me some artistic angels. I have been working with them for a year or so now and I cannot believe my luck. I am honoured, delighted and grateful to be in the presence of these bright young minds and beautiful souls who welcomed me to their theatre group and revived the actor in me.
And now, after working on two plays in the last two semesters, I have embarked upon a new journey this Fall – my first musical! Coming soon : The Rocky Horror Show
Venue: UTD Theatre
Dates: Oct 31 – Nov 2, Nov 7-9
Time: 8 pm (plus special midnight show on Nov 9)
Tickets here
D.
Shakespeare Rescues Dying Actor in Dallas
When I decided to pursue my Masters in Business Analytics in the US, I bid goodbye to all of my Bollywood dreams. I feared it was the end of my creative side. However, I kept hoping that if I could find a theatre group wherever I went, I might just be able to keep the actor in me alive. So, one of the first things I did after coming to Dallas was that I wrote to the Arts and Humanities department at the University of Texas at Dallas. My joy knew no bounds when Prof. Shelby Hibbs wrote back to me and invited me to audition for their upcoming production of Julius Caesar.
I started preparing for the audition with a lot of anxiety and nervousness. I spoke with my friend Deshik Vansadia, who is the most passionate Shakespeare artist I knew. He suggested that I work with Hortensio’s speech from the Taming of the Shrew. My personal favourite though was Romeo’s balcony monologue from Romeo and Juliet. I prepared for both and started waiting for the day of the audition with bated breath.
The day of the audition came sooner than I thought. While in the same university, the rehearsal hall which was in the basement was a bit tricky to find. Fortunately, I made it on time and saw some actors waiting outside a closed door. A couple of them were sitting on the carpeted floor reading through their lines, while others were chatting with the assistant stage manager who greeted me with a smile. Auditions were held in groups of four actors. I didn’t talk much except mentioning something about our voices to a beautiful girl who was awaiting her turn to audition too.
I was part of the last four actors to audition. From the moment I stepped inside the rehearsal hall to the moment I stepped out, I was taken back to the countless number of times I had been to auditions in India. This is when I met Shelby Hibbs, a person I shall forever be grateful to. Her pleasant persona and sweet smile made me feel at ease right away and I took a seat, awaiting my turn.
Two actors performed their pieces before me. I was feeling elated just to be part of the process again. When it was my turn, I walked up with little nervousness and a lot of excitement. I decided to go with Hortensio’s piece. Despite rehearsing the lines several times, I made some goof-ups. Shelby gave me some feedback and asked me to try again, which I did. I was able to achieve around 50% of what I had in mind. My impression of the audition was that it didn’t go well but honestly, I didn’t care about the result much at that point. I was just glad that even this far away from Mumbai, I was able to give an audition. In a way, it made me feel more alive.
The beautiful girl was the next to audition and just killed it with a monologue from Romeo and Juliet. We then said our goodbyes and goodlucks. I had a wonderful conversation with one of the actors who auditioned in my group, as we shared a bus ride. I got home satisfied with the evening, hoping to make it to the cast. A few days later, I got an email from Shelby with the list of cast members. My name was on it as the actor playing Trebonius.
We have now started rehearsals and the play opens on November 8, 2018. Thus, begins a new phase of Dilip, the actor.
Stay updated with activities of the play through the UTD Theare Facebook Page
Chasing my only dream – a blog that chronicles my Bollywood struggle
For a long time, I thought my only dream in life was to become a Bollywood star. I took a few years to pursue this dream with all my heart. I wrote down my story with some anecdotes of the most amazing moments of my life as a Bollywood aspirant in a blog. I have now migrated it to this website so you can find all the posts in the ‘Acting’ category of my blog on this website. I have enjoyed every bit of the “struggle” and hope you enjoy reading about it just as much!
When I played Kans during Janmashtami in a village in Uttarakhand…
When you really want to act, opportunity presents itself in one way or another. So when I was far away from Mumbai in the hills of Uttarakhand, some kids were putting together a skit for their annual Janmashtami celebrations. Upon learning about my theatre background, they were kind enough to offer me the role of Kans in their skit. I was stunned at the organized way in which they rehearsed weeks before the performance date, arranged their well-labelled costumes in trunks, got their make-up done… they could put professional theatre artists to shame! I will post my Uttarakhand story on my travel blog some other day but for now, I would like to share my Kans performance (just because I am missing the kids terribly today! ) While I rate the performance quite low, the experience of playing the villain before 200 villagers who got extremely emotional and engrossed in every scene is unforgettable! You won’t believe how much they cried when Krishna was bidding goodbye to Yashodha to go to Mathura for a duel with Kans. The day and the performance has stayed with me ever since.
Best. Audience. Ever.