How to Become a Hindi Actress

Hindi actresses are a big part of Bollywood. Bollywood is the name that has been given to the Mumbai-based Hindi-language films from India. Bollywood is considered the largest film industry in the world for produced films (when you include Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali with India) and possibly tickets sold, as well. It is important to note that Bollywood films are mainly musicals. There are very few movies that are made that do not at least include one song and dance routine. The Indian community expects value for its money; Indians go to the movies to see song, dance, villains, dare devils, comedy and love all mixed into one movie that lasts for three hours and includes an intermission. Bollywood employs people from all parts of India. This is not saying that you must be Indian in order to be in a Bollywood movie or become a Hindi actress. What it does mean, though, is that if you are not Indian you are going to have a harder time than the Indian actresses.

Things You'll Need

• Acting lessons
• Fluency in Hindi-Urdu language
• Singing lessons
• Dancing lessons
• Resume
• Head Shots (Press Kit)
• DVD demo

Instructions

How to Become a Hindi Actress

1. Take acting lessons, preferably from a teacher or studio that focuses on Hindi films. While acting is acting, Bollywood does have different requirements than Hollywood. You also have the option of hiring an acting coach.

2. If you are not currently fluent in Urdu, take lessons. There are CDs and courses available online and you can visit your local bookstores like Barnes and Noble to find CDs that will teach you the language. It is also advisable that you try to connect with someone that speaks Urdu fluently.

3. Take singing lessons. You will need to have a vocal coach, and it is recommended that you invest in a few soundtracks from Hindi films so that you know what the women in Hindi films sound like. Practice, practice, practice.

4. Take Hindi dance lessons. This can be done through a school, with a private instructor or with videos. Through a school or with a private teacher is recommended as each movement means something and placing your hands in the wrong position could offend the entire audience.

5. Put together a resume. Your resume should highlight your experience and your training. Make multiple copies.

6. Have a photo session, in which you have a variety of pictures taken. You want head and full body pictures. You should also make sure that you are photographed in your typical clothes as well as the clothing of the industry.

7. Create a demo DVD. Have someone film you doing a Hindi dance routine, singing and acting out a scene from one of your favorite Hindi films.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important that you are a local to the industry you want to work in. If you really want to be a Hindi actress you need to live in India.

• It will be difficult for a person that does not "look the part" of a Hindi actress to be able to break into the industry.

• Making sure that you are physically fit and tan may help.

• The Bollywood industry is VERY fickle. It is possible for a star to be made or broken with one film. Very few Hindi actors and actresses become national icons.

• The industry can be very clanlike. Family members of Bollywood insiders will usually get the roles that are most coveted. But industry connections do not guarantee a role in a film.

Resources

• What is Bollywood all About