Chasing Dreams: Hitul Pujara’s Path to Becoming an Actor

Hitul Pujara, a 24-year-old living in Mumbai. Originally from Gandhinagar, a city near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, I was born in Rajkot. However, shortly after my birth, we decided to move to Gandhinagar in search of better schooling and a more conducive environment. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for my mother, my sister, and me.

During my school days, I developed a strong passion for the performing arts. I often danced at events and took part in small skits. It was in my 9th grade that a friend introduced me to world cinema. Watching classic films opened my eyes to the depth of acting. I realized that actors weren’t just portraying characters; they were living them. They meticulously worked on every aspect, from character psychology to gestures, posture, and even habits, creating fully fleshed-out individuals on screen.

In the 10th grade, I joined an acting workshop, which offered me a glimpse into the craft of acting. This was the beginning of my true journey into the world of acting. I participated in plays and engaged in various exercises to refine my skills. Each actor has their unique method, and while acting teachers and books on method acting provide guidance, finding your own approach is essential.

My curiosity led me to explore method acting authors like Konstantin Stanislavski, Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner, Viola Spolin, and Lee Strasberg. While it’s not necessary to read their books, I found it enriching to delve deeper into the craft.

After the workshop, I landed my first role in a Gujarati film and later appeared in a TV show on DD Girnar, a regional Gujarati channel. After completing my 12th grade, I was resolute in my desire to become an actor and pursued a B.A. in acting at Whistling Woods International, a film school in Mumbai’s Film City. This decision wasn’t without its challenges, as my family initially had reservations due to our background in business. Nevertheless, I convinced them and passed the entrance exam.

My time at Whistling Woods exposed me to various aspects of filmmaking, including theatre, acting, cinematography, direction, lighting, screenwriting, and sound. I recognized that cinema is a unique art form that encompasses multiple disciplines.

Upon graduation, I embarked on auditions and, over eight months, secured roles in digital ads, one or two web shows on Amazon Mini TV, and a continuous role in the serial “Yeh Hai Chahteein.” However, I’ve learned that acting is not a consistent profession, and there are periods of downtime between projects. Accepting this fact is crucial.

In the meantime, my family opened a pizza outlet in Mumbai. I acknowledge that this business can run smoothly in my absence, making it a viable side venture alongside my acting career. Currently, I am learning the ropes of this business, with the intention of eventually managing both.

This is me, Hitul Pujara, dedicating myself entirely each day to achieve my dreams. To my fellow actors, remember that success in this field requires hard work and unwavering passion. After every audition, ask yourself if you’ve poured your heart and soul into it. If the answer is yes, success is just around the corner.