Double life: Come again?

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Mala

@Malashetty

Voyager

Posted: 19 years ago

Double life: Come again?

Ever wondered
why some actors dabble in alternative
professions?

Making it big as an actor, for many, is a dream come true. And while it may be considered one of the best-paying and most glamorous professions, careers here are unpredictable. If you look past the handful of super successful matinee idols, most actors today have an alternative profession to fall back on.
"You can never say when you'll experience a lull in acting. You have to make sure that you are financially secure," says actor Suniel Shetty who keeps a serious check on his hotel and garment business even when he is running up and down Mumbai studios. Maintaining a high-profile lifestyle has become a priority for Suniel. "Acting is not a financially viable profession and alternative work gives you much needed confidence."
For others like Perizaad Zorabian, getting promoted seven times in her first job was more than a good reason to stick around as a hotel manager. "I just finished renovating my father's restaurant Golonda at Pali Market. I am planning to take over as the hospitality manager for the restaurant," says Perizaad. "With the kind of cinema I do, I just can't expect to earn too much. This job definitely helps me fill that gap."
Actors are least perturbed by their hectic acting schedules when it comes to prioritising passion over profession. Actor Rahul Bose, who is a part of the Indian rugby team, manages to devote almost four months to the sport. "Acting and rugby both need me to be relaxed and alert. Otherwise both professions have absolutely different physical demands," says Bose.
For some, however, money and passion aren't the sole motivators. "I have been a part of my father's 30-year-old advertising agency called ART. When I was younger I was involved with media-related jobs and I guess that's why I find it interesting," says actor Ashish Chaudhary.