CHAPTER- 5

Pallavi maintained her contacts with Suraj, Pranav and Viren though their careers kept them busy.  She often consulted them if she felt unsure of a project or people around it and took Suraj’s blessings before starting a new film.  Jasmine is the greatest critic of her films; whereas Viren is her morale booster. Movies, promotions, ad shoots, awards, fame, parties fully occupied Pallavi’s life and in no time she became the rising star. But she did take time out for her family and friends whenever she can. All together her life is happening and successful as she always desired.

Her equation with Pranav has seen its changes too. While they both acknowledged an attraction, they never really gave that thought much importance. But their personal comfort with each other grew over time. Despite busy schedules, they remained in touch through messages and calls; most often the topic of conversation would be films but they did have some laid back chit chats too.

 For a man like Pranav, it was a new experience, to discuss funny incidents that happened on sets; no doubt Pallavi had such experiences to discuss and Pranav was always the patient listener. They did talk about her family and Janaki too when required. Pranav wasn’t exactly a friendly guy, but there was this unusual comfort or understanding, some sort of a connection that clicked between them. Both of them enjoyed their conversations and kind of looked forward to it.

                                                         

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“What do you mean by 'it is common’?  So no one reacts to things like this?”

Pallavi is in her kitchen cooking Maggie and talking to Pranav on her cell.

“Look, senior actors, not all but some of them have ego issues and they do such things at times, just to make themselves believe that they still hold importance in the industry”.

“But that is not fair. Just because she is a senior actor how can she order the new actress to touch her feet?”

Pranav was at RVM studios, waiting in his caravan while the set got ready for the next shot. He smiled hearing the anger in her voice.

“When I joined industry as a junior artist, before I did Suraj sir's project, I was slapped by a well-known senior actor just because I corrected him when he made a mistake with his dialogue”.

“WHAT???? And you didn't react?”

“I did. I slapped him back”.

“Serves him right”

“And I was out of that project as well as other two projects which I had in line”.

“Oh!”

“All this is normal in our industry. Don't pay much attention to it and don’t get involved as well. It’s not good for your career. You are lucky to begin with Suraj sir. If the Director is good, he can control half of the things.”

“Yeah you are right, you remember Shyam Nadir?  He was a real pain, never left a chance to flirt with me. It was Suraj sir who kept me safe always.”

“He is the No.1 womanizer of our industry.  Keep away from him as much as you can. If any problem, you can contact me. You get that?”

“Hey, I’m strong enough to handle him on my own. You don’t worry!”

“Pallavi”

“Okay, okay. I'll call you when I need help King!”

Pranav rolled his eyes but there was a tinge of a smile in it.

Pallavi is my fan from her young age, so such fancy names for her idol is ‘quite natural’, in her own words!

“So what happened to this new girl? Did she touch her feet and solve the matter?”

“Whoa! How can that happen when I'm there! I intervened and helped the girl. The lady was really angry with me. She demanded me to apologize or she'll leave the set. To that I declared I'm leaving. The producer and director finally found their voice at that and sorted it out”.

“Wow, now Ms. Nanda has started showing attitude; I’m sure, enough fodder for tomorrow’s headline!”

“This has nothing to do with stardom. I would have apologized if she deserved it. You slapped that actor when your self-respect was questioned.  And being your greatest fan what else do you expect from me????”

“Whatever! But please don't get into any trouble. This is a dangerous world for girls”.

“When we see injustice we must react, that is the only way to eradicate it”.

“Jasmine Elvis is clearly a bad influence on you”

“What??? Are you talking ill about my friend?”

“I'm not talking ill about her. She is capable to practise what she is advocating and to face whatever comes her way. You on the other hand, would definitely land in trouble”.

“Excuse me!” she had her mouth wide open in shock and anger.

He smiled at her anger.

 “Ok look, I’m not asking you to not raise your voice. But be careful too while doing that. It can affect your career. You won't be able to exist here long with many big heads against you”.

“Who told I want to stay for long! Though it is not on my priority list for now, but then one day I will have to get married and leave this industry”.

That statement made Pranav unsettled. He never imagined a day when Pallavi would cease to exist in the industry, though that was only the half truth. He was not ready to voice the other half even to himself. Her presence in his life was something he has started to take for granted. This rude reminder didn’t sit well with him.

“So you won't work after... after marriage?”

“I don't know. Maybe, but I might not continue in this field”.

He remains silent for a moment.

“You know Pallavi; there are many out there who dream of becoming what you are today. Some get to this position because of luck and some because of talent. I won’t say this for people who survive just because of luck and skin show; but to you, talents like you should never waste it over the domesticities of life. You have much more to do in your career. Whether you are married or not, nothing should hinder your talent Pallavi. You must continue your career for sure”.

“But what if my partner doesn’t think so? What if my family wants me to quit? What if it’s necessary for me to leave for a better family life?”

“Then get a man who can approve and appreciate your talent. At least don’t marry until you meet such a guy”.

“Look, this profession and especially actresses are looked down by our society in more than one way.  If it was not for my father's approval, I wouldn't have been here. What if I'm not lucky in the case of my husband?  Men will dream about actresses in their fantasies but would never imagine them as their wives!  If your wife was an actress would you have let her continue when your kids are crying at home???”

“If you were my wife, you will never end your career Pallavi!!!”

He said what came to his mind without a thought and soon regretted it. For sure the statement affected both of them; but Pallavi tried hard to look beyond the awkwardness of the moment.

 “Huh let’s avoid such heavy topics. Oh my God, I almost forgot to tell you an important matter King, a ridiculous scene was shot today on set”.

“Hmm and what is it?”

“There was this scene where Manish sir is jumping from the roof top of a building to a flying Helicopter! I mean seriously?! The audience who watch it, won't they see the incredulity behind it?”

Pranav with a teasing octave to his voice “ Pallavi, once a crazy fan of mine told me that she loved this scene in one of my film where I jump from the roof top of one building to another in order to save the heroine from goons approaching her!!!”

Pallavi visibly cringed.

“King, but that was...”

“Yes, I’m listening??”

“Ok I was a teen and star struck!”

Pranav smirked at her embarrassing admission.  Just then his PA came to inform him the shot was ready.

“Go rock the scene King and let me have my Maggie in peace, bye”.

“Crazy girl!” he smiled.