Small screen, big bucks-article

You may not like the soap opera. But, what will you do if given the chance to act in one? Many Pune youngsters have said 'yes' to the question and signed on the dotted line.

There is Vaniti Pandit, a second-year B Com student, who realised that scoffing at the idea of such serials was not a good idea. On a trip back home, she landed herself a role in a soap for Viacom 18. "It is weird because I used to laugh at all these wannashines in these tele soaps. But, when one of these roles actually landed straight in my lap, I could not say no. Anyway, they pay great, so it's good pocket money besides the 60 seconds of fame that comes with it!"

College has become the latest hub for production houses, who have visited college campuses to search for talent and found them as well. Panchi Bora, a student of Fergusson College, went on to become a catch for Balaji Productions. Prachi Desai remains a great example of how to make it big in life after the junior college student became everybody's favourite post Kasamh Se, not to mention her an integral role in Rock On!!

Swagata Shah, a contestant on MTV Splitsvilla, did not anticipate the turn of events when a show suddenly happened to her. "I was this college student till a couple of days back, hanging out with friends. But, I feel like life has begun anew for me. It's another feeling when people begin to recognise me on the street. It was just a sudden decision and I went for the auditions for fun sake. But, it has paid off, and I guess I'm planning to stick around in the field even after my reality television dream has ended," she says waiting for her opportunity to realise her dreams.

Parvathy Vaze, who started modelling and doing commercials while in college, tells us how it adds up to the extra attention. "I think it's all about a certain amount of discipline. The money flows in so fast that a lot of these young kids do not know what to do with it. But, if you can manage it well, you can keep it well enough for your future, in case you want to do something like study abroad. As far as the stardom factor goes, I think unless you are in a big film, in a lead role or something, it doesn't go to your head! Most of them just get used to maybe a little bit of the extra adulation!" The glamour, the glory, the instant tryst with stardom: all of that is definitely worth a shot!