What's new

I want to be a famous actor

marlonbrowndo

Senior ODI Player
Joined
May 29, 2015
Runs
22,526
Post of the Week
2
I know this is gonna sound really weird and that everyone has these kinds of pipe dreams but I have been thinking about it for a few weeks. I tried acting in front of the mirror and recording myself and I think I have some talent. I was looking at different casting calls here in Toronto but most of them specify that they want someone who is a Caucasian/black/Latino etc. I think I could pass as Caucasian or Latino but I think prospects in the west might be too difficult. I am going to Pakistan for the summer. Should I try my hand there? If so, do you guys have any tips? I'm obviously not thinking about dropping out of uni or anything extreme like that yet but I am really serious about this.
 
No advice on it because i have no clue about how things work in the industry But all the best. If trends are to go by, I think in the west , Indians and Pakistanis end up with supporting roles but in Pakistan you can end up being the lead. Its Not a rule though. Best of luck.
 
No advice on it because i have no clue about how things work in the industry But all the best. If trends are to go by, I think in the west , Indians and Pakistanis end up with supporting roles but in Pakistan you can end up being the lead. Its Not a rule though. Best of luck.

You are right. I am yet to see a truly main brown character in any big western movie or show except for Riz Ahmed in The Night Of and that was only because he was a Pakistani and was accused of murdering a white female so the show was about that. It's very frustrating to see almost every ad specify certain ethnicities and desis are not among them. People tell me that I don't look like a desi person though and they wouldn't have known had I not told them.
 
Do it.

Get to drama school.

Best of luck to you.
 
Join a drama school first and work on polishing your talent.Take inspiration from Nawazuddin Siddique who proved if you are determined and talented enough , you can achieve anything.
 
I you look in the mirror and see yourself an an actor than that's what you are going to become

You create your future


 
Go to acting school. My mother really wanted my to be an actor and I joined theater.
 
No advice on it because i have no clue about how things work in the industry But all the best. If trends are to go by, I think in the west , Indians and Pakistanis end up with supporting roles but in Pakistan you can end up being the lead. Its Not a rule though. Best of luck.

Many of your fellow indians have also done lead roles in hollywood.
 
There's nothing weird in it I wanted to be a footballer but innever pursued the dream seriously.. If you are serious about your dream then join one of the top acting schools ASAP..
 
Many of your fellow indians have also done lead roles in hollywood.

Thats because they already were big stars in bollywood and have a massive fan base for producers to exploit. As weird as it would sound, its just the famous female Indian actresses who are accepted to play leading roles in hollywood by American fans. I think it would be really hard for a male bollywood actor to find such acceptance in a leading role. Not saying it cant change in future though.
 
Last edited:
I wanted to be an actor too.Still want it.But my dad wouldn't let me.He looks down upon the profession.Have won many prizes in the inter university drama competitions.But such is life :/
 
I know this is gonna sound really weird and that everyone has these kinds of pipe dreams but I have been thinking about it for a few weeks. I tried acting in front of the mirror and recording myself and I think I have some talent. I was looking at different casting calls here in Toronto but most of them specify that they want someone who is a Caucasian/black/Latino etc. I think I could pass as Caucasian or Latino but I think prospects in the west might be too difficult. I am going to Pakistan for the summer. Should I try my hand there? If so, do you guys have any tips? I'm obviously not thinking about dropping out of uni or anything extreme like that yet but I am really serious about this.

Only advice I would give Ali, is forget about going to Pakistan. That market doesn't have a shortage of talented actors, the industry itself is dead on it's feet, I don't know if that's because if lack of investment, govt restrictions or poor management.

Canada doesn't seem to have made much of a name for itself either as an entertainment hub, but it would be the best place to start. You'll get crappy parts for sure, that's just the way it is, but you can use it as a springboard for success somewhere else. Riz Ahmed and Idris Elba were virtually unknown in the UK where they are from, but they made it big in the US and Elba at least is now getting offered really great roles everywhere.
 
Only advice I would give Ali, is forget about going to Pakistan. That market doesn't have a shortage of talented actors, the industry itself is dead on it's feet, I don't know if that's because if lack of investment, govt restrictions or poor management.

Canada doesn't seem to have made much of a name for itself either as an entertainment hub, but it would be the best place to start. You'll get crappy parts for sure, that's just the way it is, but you can use it as a springboard for success somewhere else. Riz Ahmed and Idris Elba were virtually unknown in the UK where they are from, but they made it big in the US and Elba at least is now getting offered really great roles everywhere.

Best advice in the thread from Cpt, good luck [MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] get yourself the adequate training from a drama school and then take it from there by targetting gigs in Canada to start of with
 
Yes, Pakistani dramas are very good. There is no reason not to give it a try. Ideal place would be to go to Karachi. Good luck!
 
Only advice I would give Ali, is forget about going to Pakistan. That market doesn't have a shortage of talented actors, the industry itself is dead on it's feet, I don't know if that's because if lack of investment, govt restrictions or poor management.

Canada doesn't seem to have made much of a name for itself either as an entertainment hub, but it would be the best place to start. You'll get crappy parts for sure, that's just the way it is, but you can use it as a springboard for success somewhere else. Riz Ahmed and Idris Elba were virtually unknown in the UK where they are from, but they made it big in the US and Elba at least is now getting offered really great roles everywhere.

Thank you. Can you please elaborate on why trying in Pakistan wouldn't be a good idea. For me it seems more like the easy way to do it.
 
I you look in the mirror and see yourself an an actor than that's what you are going to become

You create your future



Law of attraction can fail massively at times, doesn't work for everyone. Destiny is what 'rules'.
 
Only advice I would give Ali, is forget about going to Pakistan. That market doesn't have a shortage of talented actors, the industry itself is dead on it's feet, I don't know if that's because if lack of investment, govt restrictions or poor management.

Canada doesn't seem to have made much of a name for itself either as an entertainment hub, but it would be the best place to start. You'll get crappy parts for sure, that's just the way it is, but you can use it as a springboard for success somewhere else. Riz Ahmed and Idris Elba were virtually unknown in the UK where they are from, but they made it big in the US and Elba at least is now getting offered really great roles everywhere.

Highly doubt this!

Pakistan's industry is in the developing state and that too at a very rapid pace.

Once you get some work with in a private channel i.e ARY, HUM...they'll pick you again and again if you're good enough.

In Canada, almost every second person thinks about becoming an actor, even some very popular Youtubers, However, investing on yourself there is like flogging a dead horse unless you're the BEST.
 
Can you post a pic? The only thing you need to succeed are good looks, good voice, and acting ability, try performing in a play or join your drama club in uni for starters.

Best of luck mate, if you become Leonardo DiCaprio level, please never forget me because it was my advice that got you there, I would like a piece of that cake then
 
shouldn't the goal be to become a good actor...
aiming to be famous seems shallow.
 
You are right. I am yet to see a truly main brown character in any big western movie or show except for Riz Ahmed in The Night Of and that was only because he was a Pakistani and was accused of murdering a white female so the show was about that. It's very frustrating to see almost every ad specify certain ethnicities and desis are not among them. People tell me that I don't look like a desi person though and they wouldn't have known had I not told them.

Dev Patel? In Newsroom,Lion was pretty good. The thing here is also accent ,Dev Patel had to prepare for Australian accent and he was actually praised by many Australians for the same,this was being easy because he grew up speaking British English.
 
I wanted to be an actor too.Still want it.But my dad wouldn't let me.He looks down upon the profession.Have won many prizes in the inter university drama competitions.But such is life :/

Should had tried NSD,they pay stipend IIRC. But extremely hard to get in.
 
Thats because they already were big stars in bollywood and have a massive fan base for producers to exploit. As weird as it would sound, its just the famous female Indian actresses who are accepted to play leading roles in hollywood by American fans. I think it would be really hard for a male bollywood actor to find such acceptance in a leading role. Not saying it cant change in future though.

Only India, the United States and Hong Kong have sustainable film industries, according to director Quentin Tarantino.

Tarantino, the director of such hits as "Kill Bill" and "Reservoir Dogs", blamed the decline of the British film industry on its stars flocking to Hollywood when they find fame.

"As soon as people become stars in Britain they get out of there and go to Hollywood," he said at the Cannes film festival.

He said only the US, India and Hong Kong had sustainable film industries.

http://www.indiaglitz.com/quentin-tarantino-lauds-indian-film-industry-hindi-news-9261.html

Am glad the Khans ,Kumars,Mamootys,Kamals didn't go out of their way to go that industry, Dilip Kumar refused Lawrence of Arabia but helped increasing the fame of bollywood.

I respect Om Puri for what he did but if an Indian star is getting enough work and publicity here what point in going to west?Om Puri wasn't getting the fame here that he deserved.
 
You can always take acting classes or try to find work as an extra. The acting and movie industry is all about getting noticed. Often it helps if you have contacts in showbiz who can introduce you to those looking for new talent. Hope http://www.actingbiz.com/acting-tips/break-into-showbiz/ helps. Mostly you will need to start from the very bottom working your way upwards as is the case in every career.
 
http://www.indiaglitz.com/quentin-tarantino-lauds-indian-film-industry-hindi-news-9261.html

Am glad the Khans ,Kumars,Mamootys,Kamals didn't go out of their way to go that industry, Dilip Kumar refused Lawrence of Arabia but helped increasing the fame of bollywood.

I respect Om Puri for what he did but if an Indian star is getting enough work and publicity here what point in going to west?Om Puri wasn't getting the fame here that he deserved.

There is nothing wrong in it i think. It would only increase the popularity of bollywood on a global level. When bollywood actors earn fans globally , those fans would want to watch their bollywood movies as well.
 
I had a very close personal friend who wanted to be a famous actor, but stage fright nipped a very promising career in the bud...
 
Hollywood yes it would be great to star in their movies. Bollywood is saturated more about celebrity culture with no product other then sleaze and Hollywood remakes. I have no interest in that industry at all anymore. Now the old Bollywood from the 60's to 80's was classy and original. I would like to play the Indiana Jones Character:azhar2 Our Lollywood is growing as well.
 
You are right. I am yet to see a truly main brown character in any big western movie or show except for Riz Ahmed in The Night Of and that was only because he was a Pakistani and was accused of murdering a white female so the show was about that. It's very frustrating to see almost every ad specify certain ethnicities and desis are not among them. People tell me that I don't look like a desi person though and they wouldn't have known had I not told them.

Because there is no demand for it. Desis are not cool to the western society. We are seen as funny, awkward people. Russel Peters and Ansari can get a career because they are comedian but to be a "famous actor" it is going to be tough in the western world. You can't pass as a white or a spanish guy. You can't become a "famous actor", your acting skills will lead you to that path unless your father is a producer or a director. Everyone can act in front of a mirror, but can you perform under the pressure when the director is yelling at you ? Do you overact like in desi movies ? Why don't you make short vines, dubsmash and funny videos and get noticed first ? You can't go from zero to hero, make some effort, put in the work. People start acting at very young age, doing stage dramas and plays. You have a big ambition/desire, due to lack of experience you must work harder. You have to create your own path.
 
I think you need looks as well.


Nawazuddin, Irfan Khan, and, Naseeruddin Shah are not famous? They might not be Khans, but well known, highly paid and respected. Alisaad keep your options open, not just try to be hero material.
 
Because there is no demand for it. Desis are not cool to the western society. We are seen as funny, awkward people. Russel Peters and Ansari can get a career because they are comedian but to be a "famous actor" it is going to be tough in the western world. You can't pass as a white or a spanish guy. You can't become a "famous actor", your acting skills will lead you to that path unless your father is a producer or a director. Everyone can act in front of a mirror, but can you perform under the pressure when the director is yelling at you ? Do you overact like in desi movies ? Why don't you make short vines, dubsmash and funny videos and get noticed first ? You can't go from zero to hero, make some effort, put in the work. People start acting at very young age, doing stage dramas and plays. You have a big ambition/desire, due to lack of experience you must work harder. You have to create your own path.

Someone has to change that outlook. Black people were once not considered for major roles in Hollywood movies now there are so many amazing black lead actors. I'm sure eventually it's gonna change. But clowns like aziz ansari and Russell peters are not helping that in fact they are making it worse. Their entire acting career is built upon making jokes about the desi society. Yes they may be entertaining but they will never be considered great and this is only influencing other desis to do the same. It is the equivalent of black actors just making fun of the black community.

That's why Riz Ahmed's role in the night of was important but there need to make more like that. And eventually not a desi person playing the lead just because he is desi (Riz Ahmed in The Night Of) but because he is a normal person.
 
Go for it but don't take acting lightly.

Work on your craft by taking classes or joining a reputable program in Toronto.
 
Thank you. Can you please elaborate on why trying in Pakistan wouldn't be a good idea. For me it seems more like the easy way to do it.

Depends on your ultimate ambition. From the actors you mentioned like Riz Ahmed, I assumed your background was mostly having been raised in Canada. If it was me I would want to be an actor in the place I identify with more, which would mean the USA. You would think the UK right? But Downton Abbey and East Enders? I'm going to give that a miss if I'm an actor of Pakistani descent. The Brits are obsessed with their period dramas, the US is a better place for diversity due to the place being a hotch potch of immigrants to begin with.

If you identify with the Pakistan scene then you could go that route, but ultimately it limits your reach I would have thought, not to mention earnings. Pakistan entertainment industry isn't thriving from what I've seen despite what people might claim here. It might take off in the future as super hitter is claiming but as of now it's still way behind the rest.
 
Someone has to change that outlook. Black people were once not considered for major roles in Hollywood movies now there are so many amazing black lead actors. I'm sure eventually it's gonna change. But clowns like aziz ansari and Russell peters are not helping that in fact they are making it worse. Their entire acting career is built upon making jokes about the desi society. Yes they may be entertaining but they will never be considered great and this is only influencing other desis to do the same. It is the equivalent of black actors just making fun of the black community.

That's why Riz Ahmed's role in the night of was important but there need to make more like that. And eventually not a desi person playing the lead just because he is desi (Riz Ahmed in The Night Of) but because he is a normal person.

BOOM! Hit the nail on the head bro. I knew there was a reason I didn't like that greaseball Ansari and you got it right there. I think this is a trait we of Pakistani heritage have which sets us apart from our Parosi descent counterparts.
 
Can you post a pic? The only thing you need to succeed are good looks, good voice, and acting ability, try performing in a play or join your drama club in uni for starters.

Best of luck mate, if you become Leonardo DiCaprio level, please never forget me because it was my advice that got you there, I would like a piece of that cake then


He has posted his picture Yesterday

See Post No. 6916

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...pics-of-yourself-thread&p=9299575#post9299575
 
Bro u already are..... :salute
Best of luck SIR [MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION]
 
Hey just saw ua pic..... damn good looking man.... it seems as if u hav lost some hair above ua forehead but MASHAALLAH u r a smart guy....
and ua looks have nothin to do with acting as some may claim.... just look at Nawazuddin Siddique....
Man it's time to post a video of ua skills.
 
[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] How tall are you bro?

Forget everyone asking you to stay in Canada. While you certainly aren't tan or don't have the stereotypical Indian skin, the only roles Desi's get in the West are Desi roles. Trust me when I say this. And who would want a Desi role? Come back to Pakistan. Go to a talent agency and try to get a modelling gig. You can then soothe into acting gradually.

It would've been easier had you stayed in Pakistan in the first place because of all the MUN's and stuff but oh well, not all is lost. Another advice I would give you is to get Instagram famous, it sounds stupid, but what doesn't? I genuinely have friends who made it big because of Instagram and are actual famous models now.
 
[MENTION=758]Usman naq[/MENTION] thanks bro. [MENTION=141922]ExpressPacer[/MENTION] I'm 5 10
 
Last edited:
Depends on your ultimate ambition. From the actors you mentioned like Riz Ahmed, I assumed your background was mostly having been raised in Canada. If it was me I would want to be an actor in the place I identify with more, which would mean the USA. You would think the UK right? But Downton Abbey and East Enders? I'm going to give that a miss if I'm an actor of Pakistani descent. The Brits are obsessed with their period dramas, the US is a better place for diversity due to the place being a hotch potch of immigrants to begin with.

If you identify with the Pakistan scene then you could go that route, but ultimately it limits your reach I would have thought, not to mention earnings. Pakistan entertainment industry isn't thriving from what I've seen despite what people might claim here. It might take off in the future as super hitter is claiming but as of now it's still way behind the rest.

Well actually I have lived in Pakistan most of my life. Moved to Canada a year ago. However I have been a huge Hollywood fan since I was about 5. Never really been interested in Pakistani movies. Adapting to western society has also not been a problem.
 
[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] - how come you aren't a random youtuber pulling stupid pranks like every other Toronto-based Pakistani guy between the ages of 19 and 24?
 
Chase your dreams man, that said you might get typecasted as a role that portrays Pakistanis and Muslims negatively. It really comes down to if you're willing to compromise stuff like that to have a career in Hollywood.
 
Nawazuddin, Irfan Khan, and, Naseeruddin Shah are not famous? They might not be Khans, but well known, highly paid and respected. Alisaad keep your options open, not just try to be hero material.

All of them are from from National school of drama,and they have had the acting bug forever.
 
[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] - how come you aren't a random youtuber pulling stupid pranks like every other Toronto-based Pakistani guy between the ages of 19 and 24?

Don't wanna come off as offensive but I find a lot of desis who grew up here to be lame and I don't wanna be Like them. A few are actually creative and make funny videos but a lot of them are just like Russell peters and aziz ansari etc. Making jokes about the desi community that aren't even funny. These lame people are the reason brown people are perceived the way they are in the entertainment business.
 
Don't wanna come off as offensive but I find a lot of desis who grew up here to be lame and I don't wanna be Like them. A few are actually creative and make funny videos but a lot of them are just like Russell peters and aziz ansari etc. Making jokes about the desi community that aren't even funny. These lame people are the reason brown people are perceived the way they are in the entertainment business.

haha i was saying this saracastically

i find these guys - zaidalit, sham idrees type - to be total jokes

always wonder how faarigh desi boys are there
 
haha i was saying this saracastically

i find these guys - zaidalit, sham idrees type - to be total jokes

always wonder how faarigh desi boys are there

I have a lot of desi friends who grew up here and some of them like the ones on this forum are really good people but I just find a lot of desis who grew up here are like sheep. You cant distinguish one from the other. They also have crappy taste in movies/music etc. It's like they are trying to copy other communities and losing their own identity in the process. They are just very shallow. Obviously this isn't the case for all of them but it's my general observation.
 
I've just been offered to play an extra in a zombie tv series! lol

Any advice guys?
[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]
 
I've just been offered to play an extra in a zombie tv series! lol

Any advice guys?
[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

I'd do it for sure. Anything you can get. Besides, not like you'll have to put in too much effort
 
I'd do it for sure. Anything you can get. Besides, not like you'll have to put in too much effort

It's a local production but I don't know my role yet, it could be very small or if they like the look at me it could be longer. All I know is I will be playing some sort of zombie, I think they wanted an Asian(brown) zombie.

They said bring clothes which you wont use again. Do you think an old biker leather jacket, white ripped t-shirt and jeans will do or should I go for something different which stands out like an old Pakistan cricket shirt?
 
It's a local production but I don't know my role yet, it could be very small or if they like the look at me it could be longer. All I know is I will be playing some sort of zombie, I think they wanted an Asian(brown) zombie.

They said bring clothes which you wont use again. Do you think an old biker leather jacket, white ripped t-shirt and jeans will do or should I go for something different which stands out like an old Pakistan cricket shirt?

If go for the leather jacket look. Or you could go for a black Levis trucker jacket. Sounds good. Wear dark jeans and brown roughed up boots
 
Last edited:
I've just been offered to play an extra in a zombie tv series! lol

Any advice guys?
[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

Awesome oppourtunity bro! Good luck and am sure you will do well, am no expert but have been in a few plays here and there; I tend to just enjoy myself and truly express feelings/emotions I normally wouldn't be able to so with that mindset it eases the nerves etc and the leather jacket look is better
 
Last edited:
Awesome oppourtunity bro! Good luck and am sure you will do well, am no expert but have been in a few plays here and there; I tend to just enjoy myself and truly express feelings/emotions I normally wouldn't be able to so with that mindset it eases the nerves etc and the leather jacket look is better

Thanks bro. Looks more of a comedy/horror. Its low budget, just a bit of fun for me.
 
Someone has to change that outlook. Black people were once not considered for major roles in Hollywood movies now there are so many amazing black lead actors. I'm sure eventually it's gonna change. But clowns like aziz ansari and Russell peters are not helping that in fact they are making it worse. Their entire acting career is built upon making jokes about the desi society. Yes they may be entertaining but they will never be considered great and this is only influencing other desis to do the same. It is the equivalent of black actors just making fun of the black community.

That's why Riz Ahmed's role in the night of was important but there need to make more like that. And eventually not a desi person playing the lead just because he is desi (Riz Ahmed in The Night Of) but because he is a normal person.

Focus on being a good actor, don't focus on being a "famous actor". Chances are that your acting skills are no where near the skills that it needs to be. Half baked acting won't work and remember that no one is going to beg for you to act, you have to do the searching, search hard, accept any roles you can and slowly build up. There are lot of idiots that want to become a hero straight away , that is not going to work, build your profile. Either you become a comedian or become a male actor that people want to become. For the later you need extra looks.
 
Hard to be a Subcontinent guy and succeed in Hollywood. If you have a Muslim name, its even harder to make it in showbiz in USA.

Your best bet is to be an actor in daily soaps on Pakistani TV. If ever the relations between India and Pak comeback to normal, you can try your luck in Bollywood.
 
Being a successful actor is all about personality. Successful actors like Bacchan, SRK, Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford are pretty average looking but have succeeded due to their high energy, gregarious, intense and charismatic personalities. You should work on understanding the personality you have, the personality you project in your interactions and whether you would like to change anything for success.

Just looks is enough for being a model, for acting you need personality.
 
I know this is gonna sound really weird and that everyone has these kinds of pipe dreams but I have been thinking about it for a few weeks. I tried acting in front of the mirror and recording myself and I think I have some talent. I was looking at different casting calls here in Toronto but most of them specify that they want someone who is a Caucasian/black/Latino etc. I think I could pass as Caucasian or Latino but I think prospects in the west might be too difficult. I am going to Pakistan for the summer. Should I try my hand there? If so, do you guys have any tips? I'm obviously not thinking about dropping out of uni or anything extreme like that yet but I am really serious about this.

One of Pakistan's popular channel HUM TV...you may get a chance for acting/modelling...follow the link

http://stalent.hum.tv/
 
Hard to be a Subcontinent guy and succeed in Hollywood. If you have a Muslim name, its even harder to make it in showbiz in USA.

Your best bet is to be an actor in daily soaps on Pakistani TV. If ever the relations between India and Pak comeback to normal, you can try your luck in Bollywood.

A South Asian American guy has a much better chance of having a career in Hollywood than making it in Bollywood where most of the actors come from dynasties.
 
[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] Dude if you want to break into Hollywood or even in the small scale indy film industry in America then don't be afraid of being typecast. I know it'd suck to be casted as a terrorist or a cab driver but its a way to get your foot in the door.
 
I've just been offered to play an extra in a zombie tv series! lol

Any advice guys?
[MENTION=139150]aliasad1998[/MENTION] [MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION]

I'll keep an eye out for the zombie ranting about Israel on the next season of TWD :moyo:
 
A few genuine Irish brothers will be workign with me too as they too support Palestinian resistance. :)

Drats my cover is blown.

In all seriousness Palestine tends to garner some support here, believe Dublin City Council fly the flag on occasion
 
Back
Top