From FTII's Hallowed Halls to Bollywood Stardom: Asrani's Enduring Legacy and Wisdom

The hallowed corridors of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) recently reverberated with the wisdom and laughter of one of its most distinguished alumni, veteran actor Govardhan Asrani. A true icon of Indian cinema, Asrani, who passed through these very gates in 1966, made a triumphant return to conduct a captivating masterclass titled 'Understanding Screen Acting and Performance – A Journey from FTII to Bollywood'.

His presence was a beacon of inspiration for aspiring filmmakers and actors, as he delved deep into the nuances of a career spanning over five decades.

With an infectious energy that belied his years, Asrani revealed his deep-seated love for teaching, a passion he cultivated early in his career by teaching at FTII for a year immediately after his graduation.

This return was, for him, a homecoming and a rekindling of that academic flame. He urged the students to embrace a fundamental truth: the world is their classroom. "When you observe life, human behaviour, how a rickshaw driver sits, how a man walks, how a woman laughs... you’re getting lessons for your acting," he passionately advised, emphasizing that genuine performance springs from keen observation and understanding of the human condition.

Asrani, celebrated for his versatile roles, particularly his comedic brilliance, underscored the critical importance of originality.

He firmly cautioned against imitation, encouraging each student to cultivate their unique style. "Don’t copy anyone," he asserted, "Find your own style. Why become another Amitabh Bachchan when you can be the first of yourself?" This empowering message resonated deeply, reminding the future stars to forge their distinct paths in a competitive industry.

The masterclass was peppered with fascinating anecdotes from his illustrious journey.

He recounted his humble beginnings, the initial struggles, and the serendipitous moment that landed him his first film after nearly three years of knocking on doors. He painted a vivid picture of Bollywood's golden era, sharing memories of legendary directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, whom he described as an "institution in himself." Asrani humorously recalled how Mukherjee would often narrate scenes without a script, bringing the narrative to life with vivid descriptions and unique sound effects, truly an immersive storytelling experience.

Reflecting on the monumental shifts in filmmaking technology, Asrani marvelled at the advancements that have transformed the craft.

He reminisced about the arduous process of shooting in the past, where "one shot would take one entire day," contrasting it sharply with today's swift digital era. Despite the technological leap, he stressed that the essence of acting, the soul of a performance, remains timeless. He also drew a clear distinction between theatre and film acting, highlighting the subtle yet profound differences in performance for each medium.

Despite his iconic status, Asrani maintains a profound humility and an unwavering passion for his work.

He expressed immense satisfaction with his career, a testament to his dedication and love for cinema. His enduring presence in the industry, both as an actor and now as a mentor, solidifies his legacy as a true gem of Indian cinema, continually inspiring new generations to dream, observe, and create their own magic on screen.