No hard and fast rules in the pursuit of art: Om Puri

Veteran actor Om Puri, who has carved out his own niche in the entertainment industry in his over four-decade long career, feels there isn't any "hard and fast" rule to gain success in showbiz.

Om Puri has supported casting director Manoj Ramola's new book "Audition Room", which provides an in-depth understanding of the glamour world for budding actors. He says an effort of this kind will help aspiring actors get a clear view of the entertainment industry.

"When most youngsters come to this town pursuing their dream, they often don't know what to expect and how to go about it. For many reasons, more lies and half truths are floating around and very few facts," Puri said in a statement.

"'Audition Room' is a refreshing step. It is nice to have a book that can provide some guidance to people giving out clarity on approach and squashing some myths along the way."

"There are no hard and fast rules in the pursuit of art but some guidance is always welcome," he added.

The "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" star also said that it is "tougher for the young girls who come to the film industry" as they are looked upon as "easy targets to be lured".

"I am not saying that the entire industry is like this, but then there are a few people who are perhaps not even a part of this industry who will show off contacts here and there to mislead these girls. A book like this will guide these girls in a proper manner and they will be better prepared to face challenges," he said.

"Audition Room", which is now available on various online portals, explores the details of how acting is one of the aspects that is needed in an audition room. The book is not meant to teach acting, it is rather the process of utilising the skill set one possesses to bag the role.

"The only aspect of casting that ever makes it to mainstream media is the 'couch'. I want to educate people that there is so much more to it. Casting is a skill set by itself," Ramola, who has worked as casting director for shows like "Savdhaan India" and "Crime Patrol", said.

"This is why I have often seen people who are good actors not get the role, wherein relatively mediocre actor who understands the process and the brief bag the role."