12, Park Street

Kolkata

19 March, 20××

Dear Ghosh Babu

Thank you very much for providing such a great opportunity in getting a role in a film. A 52-year-old nonentity couldn’t have asked for more. It was beyond even my wildest dreams.

Your youngest brother-in-law Naresh Dutt is really very resourceful. God bless him! He asked me to reach Faraday House the next day at 8.30 am. And you know my nature. I was there just on time.

Ghosh Babu, I had never seen the shooting of a film before. There was a big crowd at Faraday House. O God! Film making is hell of a tedious thing. In reality shooting of a film is quite a boring business. Do you know Baron Mullick, the famous director? He was shouting in succession “Running!” “Camera!” “Light!” and finally, “Action!” All others danced to his tune. I was playing the small role of shorttempered pedestrian. He was to have a collision with the hero of the film, Chanchal Kumar. I was to utter only one word “Oh!” crying in pain. First I thought they were pulling my leg. Just one word “Oh!” and nothing else. I would have returned home had the priceless words of my guru Pakrashi not stirred my soul. I realised that an actor can leave his mark even in a small role. Only thing is that this should be performed with complete dedication and perfection. So I put all my heart and soul, my skills and imagination in that one shot. The result was just wonderful. I was completely satisfied and so were others. I came home without being paid. I needed money badly but what are the sum of 20 rupees measured against the satisfaction I had? I had done my small job with perfection and dedication.

Yours sincerely

Patol