WAVES (World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit) convened by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Govt. Of India  at Jio World Convention Centre  Mumbai from 1to 4 May 2025 was a grand success .

 It was inaugurated by the Prime Minister  Modiji ,before the summit took off . Participation was from Audio, Video, Films , Music and related Crafts Industry, groups , buyers ,sellers and students besides related experts from all over the world. A galaxy of Film actors of Mumbai and South added glitz and glamour by participating in sessions and Master Classes. Important amongst them were  Shahrukh Khan , Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone. Karan Johar, Allu Arjun, Nagarjun Kareena Kapoor Khan, Raveena Tandon , Sameera Reddy, Vijay Deverakonda, Film makers Shekhar Kapoor, Ketan Mehta, Multipex Chain owner Ajay Bijli etc.etc.

Since all the  print and TV media  has so far given details about other film stars of what they said in  group sessions, I think I am the first to give you what the gentleman actor  perfectionist Aamir Khan said in his Masterclass on the topic of “ Art of Acting”. Here is an essence of it

At the out set he clarified that he has not read any books on acting, does not know what is ‘Method Acting” nor he attended any acting school. Therefore, what he will tell will be purely from his personal experience. To be an actor first the person must have a ‘Strong Will’ for acting..

Then he has to immerse himself in the character to be played. For this,reading of full script and dialogues not only once but as many times till a particular scene dialogue can even be remembered in sleep.  I, for myself take 3-4 months in this exercise..

Then visualization of situations in which the character is , has to be sharpened which will help in digesting the nature and behavior of the character as a part of Behavioral science.

 Believe in yourself and the righteousness of the character. If logically you have any doubts, discuss with the script writer and the director.

To be a good actor "Breath or breething control is a must. For emotions, laughter, , weeping or crying or dialogue delivery will require that. He gave an example Darsheel Safary.who starred in his film "Taare Zameen Par". In the toilet room of his class room, he was required to weep or cry aloud. He said he had never done it before. So we had to train him in breathing technique  which made him to cry and tears rolled down his eyes..

Another essential ingredient is ‘Improvisation’. But it must be done before coming to the sets. Don’t bother how many takes a specific scene takes. Even if the director has okayed a scene but if as an artiste, you are not satisfied, then do not hesitate in giving more takes till comes out  the Best in you .

====Mohan Siroya