12, Park Street
Calcutta
5th September, 20××
Dear Amlendu
I think you have not forgotten those golden days that we spent together on the stage at Kanchrapara. I still remember them with a sigh. Anyway, after more than twenty years and at the age of 52, one fine morning I had a pleasant surprise. Nishikanto Ghosh’s brother-in-law came with an offer of acting in a scene in his film. It was beyond even my wildest dreams. What could a 52 years nonentity expect more? I accepted the offer with thanks and promised him to be at Faraday House at 8:30 am. next day for shooting.
Amlendu, filmy world is not as glorious as it appears to be. Actually I found the shooting hell of a boring business. Cameramen, make-up men, spot boys running around and repeating the same thing again and again! I heard the director shouting “Camera!” “Light!” and finally “Action!” When I came to know that I was to utter only a monosyllabic word “Oh!”, I was dismayed. It was even not a complete word but a sound. I thought of running back home. I felt humiliated. They were making me a stock of laughter. But the priceless words of my guru Pakrashi changed my attitude towards things.
I realised that a true actor can leave his mark even in a very small role. Only he should put his heart and soul in it. So when my turn came, by mixing 50 parts of anguish, 25 parts of surprise and 25 of irritation, I cried “Oh!” It was a great performance. I felt satisfied. I didn’t wait to be paid. What was a small sum of twenty rupees when measured against the immense satisfaction that I had? I had done by small role with perfection and dedication.
Yours sincerely
Patol
