Two days had passed since I had sent out the envelopes containing the scathing reviews to the producer, Ritesh Dhamar, and the director, Vijay Rajput. The anticipation of their response hung in the air, mingling with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Would they acknowledge their misjudgment? Would they realise the mistake they had made in rejecting me?

I mean they had to. I had sent in physical evidence that they had made a huge mistake giving my role to Naina Gandhi. Also it was important to note that Ritesh Dhamar and Vijay Rajput would be bearing the weight of Vishwasghat's failure on their shoulders from every newspaper that existed and also from the box office. The success or failure of a film ultimately boils down to its performance at the box office, and audiences have the power to make or break a movie. So of course, the box office would be on their backs as the box office, like a relentless judge, would assess the decisions made by the producer and director. If "Vishwasghat" failed to meet the audience's expectations and fell short of its projected earnings, the blame would fall squarely on the shoulders of Ritesh and Vijay. Their oversight and dismissal of a potential breakout talent would be seen as a misjudgment that cost them not only critical acclaim but also commercial success.

Omkara: any news?

He asked me as he came into my tiny apartment with his world famous Mattar Paneer. Well not world famous per say, but world famous in my books. Ever since Omkara and I had become closer and closer, he would start making dishes for me despite the fact I knew how to cook, bringing flowers to brighten up the apartment and he would even buy me clothes though I insisted that I did not appreciate him spending all this money on me. Having to grow up with basically no money and wearing the neighbour kids' third handed clothes or second-handed clothes from the rich people my dad worked for, I was not used to someone spending money on me so Omkara spending money on me was weird. It was different to the upbringing I had.

Me: no, I still haven't heard anything yet.

I said as I got out some plates and bowls to put the Mattar Paneer in and the roti on.

Me: why haven't I heard anything yet? It's been two days, they should have replied by now! It does not take this long to reply to a letter!

Omkara: you have to admit Gauri that maybe Ritesh Dhamar and Vijay Rajput are currently trying to sort out the fact that the media and box office are on their backs for the film's failure so their hands are currently tied with the workload on them. But hopefully they should reply back within a week or two.

Omkara had a point. He normally always did. I could be dramatising over anything and Omkara would simply be calm and collective as he listened to my rants then offer advice in a smoothing tone. I will admit - he was literally like a teddy bear so when you saw him angry, you had no idea who he was. I have only ever seen Omkara angry a few times but in those times I saw him angry, I didn't recognise my big tall calm teddy bear.

Me: I guess you're right. I'm just being too impatient.

Omkara: I know.

I rolled my eyes at him playfully as we sat on my bed to eat our dinner. I always felt bad whenever Omkara came over to my place. My apartment was so tiny, so cramped, there was barely enough room for me alone. Omkara's apartment, in comparison, exuded an air of timeless elegance and sophistication, with its opulent yet tasteful decor. Whenever I stepped inside his apartment, I was greeted by grand chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow upon intricately patterned Persian rugs that sprawled across polished marble floors. The walls were adorned with vintage artworks and photographs from very well known artists. Plush velvet drapes framed large windows, allowing streams of sunlight to illuminate the space, while mahogany furniture with ornate carvings added a touch of regal splendour. The room was alive with rich hues of burgundy, deep blues, and shimmering gold accents, creating an atmosphere that was both glamorous and inviting. It was a sanctuary where old-world charm seamlessly merged with the vibrant spirit of the times, reflecting Omkara's refined taste and his place among Mumbai's high society.

Meanwhile I was nowhere near Mumbai's high society. People with his kind of status would consider me below the grounds. But Omkara....Omkara never complained when he went to my apartment when he could be in his place of luxury. He saw me as his equal, not someone who was way below him on the social ladder. It often made me wonder how rare people like him at the time existed - people who treated everyone the same way regardless of their class. When I was little, I had to act like I was a rich child in my private school to fit in so I wouldn't be treated like trash.

But with Omkara, I didn't have to pretend or hide my true self. He saw beyond the surface and embraced me for who I was. In his presence, I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance that I had rarely experienced before. Despite the stark contrast between our living situations, he never made me feel inferior or ashamed of my humble apartment. Instead, he cherished the simplicity and authenticity that it represented. Our dinners on my small bed became moments of shared intimacy, free from the trappings of material wealth and social status. It was a reminder that true connection transcended the boundaries of society, and that love and understanding could flourish even in the most unexpected circumstances. With Omkara, I found solace in knowing that it wasn't the grandeur of his surroundings that mattered, but the genuine connection we shared that truly made a difference in my life.

When Omkara left that night, he kissed my forehead and told me that maybe tomorrow I would receive a reply from Ritesh and Vijay. I simply gave him a smile and he left but looked back to show me that he had his fingers crossed for me.

This man was really a rare jewel and I had all plans on keeping him to myself forever and ever.

...

The next day, my mail came through. I picked my mail up, a sense of anticipation consumed me. Among the usual bills and letters, I found an envelope bearing the names Ritesh Dhamar and Vijay Rajput. My heart skipped a beat as I tore it open, anxious to see what they had to say.

Inside, I found a letter, its words etched on the paper like a testament to their defeat. I read each line with a growing sense of satisfaction.

"Dear Gauri,

Okay, you win. We received the reviews you sent us, and we cannot deny the impact they have had. It is clear that we underestimated your talent and the potential you possessed for the roles we had previously rejected you for. We acknowledge our mistake in overlooking your abilities.

We apologise for the opportunities we failed to provide you, and we hope you can forgive our shortsightedness. It is evident that you have what it takes to make a significant impact in this industry.

We would like to extend an invitation for a meeting to discuss potential collaborations in the future. Please meet us this coming Friday in our office, which we are sure you know the address of by now, for a meeting on future steps - kindly confirm your attendance via letter. We are eager to explore the possibilities of working together and making amends for our past oversight.

Once again, apologies for the mistakes made, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Ritesh Dhamar (Producer)

Vijay Rajput (Director)"

As I finished reading the letter, a mixture of emotions swirled within me. A sense of triumph washed over me, knowing that my bold move had made them acknowledge their mistake. But there was also a touch of bittersweet satisfaction, as their realisation came only after the scathing reviews had exposed their misjudgment.

Nonetheless, I couldn't deny the significance of their response. It was a turning point, an acknowledgment of my talent and a testament to the power of perseverance. The industry was starting to recognize the potential that had lain dormant within me, waiting for the right moment to ignite.

With a renewed sense of purpose, I penned a reply to Ritesh Dhamar and Vijay Rajput, expressing my gratitude for their acknowledgment and acceptance of their past oversight. I confirmed my attendance for the meeting, eager to discuss the future possibilities that lay ahead.

As I sealed the envelope containing my response, a smile played on my lips. The journey of revenge had taken an unexpected turn, transforming into a path of redemption and reconciliation. I was ready to embrace the opportunities that lay before me, armed with a newfound belief in my abilities and a determination to make a mark on the industry that had once rejected me.

Little did I know that this meeting would be the catalyst for a new chapter in my career, a collaboration that would not only reshape my trajectory but also challenge the norms of an industry reluctant to change. With every step forward, I would continue to prove that talent and resilience could triumph over nepotism and prejudice, carving my own place among the stars of Bollywood.

Omkara was right, I did get a reply the day after he came to meet me so it made sense for me to immediately leave my apartment and go to his to tell him the big news. It was still morning and Omkara only had afternoon meetings within his family's company The Oberoi Empire on that day.

Rushing to Omkara's apartment, I found him immersed in his thoughts, gazing out at the city below. His face lit up with a warm smile as he saw me enter.

Omkara: Gauri, you look positively radiant. What brings you here with such enthusiasm?

I couldn't contain my excitement any longer. With a beaming smile, I waved the letter in the air, unable to find the words to express my joy. Omkara's eyes widened with curiosity, and he eagerly reached out to take the letter from my hands.

Me: read it, Omkara. Read what they've written.

His gaze shifted from the letter to me, his eyes filled with anticipation as he began to read. I watched his expression change, from curiosity to surprise, and finally, a proud grin spread across his face.

Omkara: Gauri, this is incredible! They have acknowledged their mistake and offered to meet with you. It's a validation of your talent, of the fire that burns within you.

I nodded, my heart overflowing with a mixture of emotions. It was a validation that I had longed for, a recognition that my talent and perseverance had not gone unnoticed. But more than that, it symbolised a shift in the industry, a crack in the walls of nepotism and prejudice.

Me: Omkara, this is just the beginning. It's not just about me getting a chance; it's about breaking down the barriers that hinder talented individuals from realising their dreams. This letter signifies a step towards change, a step towards a more inclusive and merit-driven industry.

Omkara enveloped me in a warm embrace, his belief in me and my vision evident in his touch.

Omkara: Gauri, you are not just an exceptional talent; you are a force to be reckoned with. Your journey has become a beacon of hope for countless aspiring artists who have faced rejection and discrimination. I am honoured to stand by your side and witness your rise.

Tears of gratitude welled up in my eyes as I looked into Omkara's unwavering gaze. In that moment, I realised the significance of our connection, of the profound impact we had on each other's lives.

Me: Omkara, your unwavering support has given me the strength to push forward, to believe in myself even when the world doubted me. I couldn't have come this far without you.

We stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, bound by shared dreams and a determination to challenge the status quo. The world had taken notice, and as we faced the future hand in hand, we knew that nothing could stop us from blazing a trail of success, authenticity, and integrity in an industry hungry for change.

...

That Friday, I woke up early in the morning to get ready for my meeting with Ritesh and Dhamar. I knew that the way I presented myself in the meeting was very important as second impressions were crucial to reshape one's life. I say second impressions because the first impression Ritesh and Dhamar had was of a big-eyed outsider who was talented but had no one on the inside in the world of Bollywood. They also had the impression that I like to argue, which was very much true because I did yell and curse at them when they offered my guaranteed role to Naina Gandhi.

So yes, I had to create a very good second impression.

I looked through the variety of clothes Omkara had gifted me, thinking it would be best to wear something he had given me rather than my worn out clothes which were neatly folded in a cardboard box - I did not have the money at the time to afford a closet though Omkara tried to buy me one but I explained that I literally could not fit one in my apartment.

I chose a knee-length, A-line dress in a vibrant shade of royal blue. The dress had a modest round neckline and short sleeves, exuding a sense of elegance and sophistication. Its fabric was a smooth blend of silk and cotton, ensuring both comfort and style. I paired the dress with a matching belt that cinched at the waist, accentuating my slender figure.

To complete the ensemble, Omkara had gifted me a pair of low-heeled pumps in a complementary shade of blue, allowing me to navigate the busy streets of Mumbai with grace and confidence. I added a simple necklace with a delicate pendant and adorned my wrists with a set of silver bangles, subtle yet enhancing the overall look.

As I stood before the mirror, a sense of empowerment washed over me. The clothes I wore might have been gifted, but they were more than mere fabric and accessories. They symbolised the support and belief that Omkara had in my journey, a reminder that I was not alone in this pursuit of success.

With a final touch of a soft pink lip colour and a touch of mascara, I ensured that my makeup enhanced my natural features without overpowering them. I wanted to exude authenticity and confidence, allowing my talent and personality to take centre stage.

As I stepped out of the house, the morning sun kissed my skin, filling me with a renewed sense of purpose. I was ready to face Ritesh and Vijay, armed not only with my talent but also with the confidence that came from the clothes I wore, a testament to the unwavering support of a man who believed in me.

I took a rickshaw and told him the address of where I wanted to go. He got me to where I wanted to be and after paying him, I entered the building which was practically made out of glass. Entering the building, I went up to the receptionist who was buried in her work.

Me: good morning, sorry to disturb you. I am Gauri Tridevi and I have a meeting with Ritesh Dhamar and Vijay Rajput.

The receptionist looked up from her work, looked at me then picked up a notebook, flicking the pages till she stopped at one then looked at me once again.

Receptionist: I have a Gaurika Kumari Tridevi.

Me: that is me, I just tend to use Gauri Tridevi.

Receptionist: ahh okay, so in that case, you are on the second floor, room 98. They have said to simply walk into the meeting room as they are already waiting for you.

Me: thank you.

I went to the floor and room that the receptionist told me to go to and walked in to see a massive conference room and sitting on the chairs was Ritesh Dhamar and Vijay Rajput - all suited up, hair gelled, everything but despite their efforts to look all maintained and put together, I could see the stress that Vishwasghat's failure had put them through on their faces.

Ritesh: ahh Gaurika Kumari Tridevi, please sit down.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at Ritesh using my full name as I took a seat. Vijay and Ritesh had a file with them and paper to write on just in case.

Vijay: so as we know, we are only having this meeting to basically say that Gaurika, you were right. You were right when you said that people wanted to see fresh faces on the screen and that too those who are not star children yet we did not listen and the result is on every newspaper in Mumbai.

Ritesh: with that said, we accept defeat. It is time to cast someone who no one ever heard of and in this case, you. You clearly can act, you clearly are film material so it makes sense to accept defeat and cast you in our next project which we are hoping will take light away from Vishwaghat.

Vijay: we want people to forget about Vishwaghat when the next project comes out and it makes sense to cast you since you are the only one out of all the outsides we rejected to make the bold move to cut up the newspapers review and send them to us, saying you could have done a better job. You're bold, you're daring, you don't take no as an answer and we need actors like you in the industry, people who are able to stand up to top producers and directors like us.

I was surprised no one else thought of my idea to mail the reviews to Ritesh and Vijay.

Ritesh: so we have been working on another film called Sangharsh Ka Safar which follows the journey of a young man named Rohit, who hails from a modest background. Rohit dreams of making it big in a world dominated by the elite and powerful. He faces numerous obstacles, struggles to fit into their glamorous social circles, and eventually finds his way through hard work and determination.

I listened, waiting to hear where I would fit in this equation. Ritesh continued, describing the character they had envisioned for me in their original plot.

Ritesh: Gaurika, we see you playing the role of Riya, a woman who becomes entangled in Rohit's journey. She is initially portrayed as supportive, but as the story progresses, her character undergoes a transformation, and she eventually turns into a negative influence, hindering Rohit's path to success so he leaves her because he does not want that kind of negativity in his life especially considering in one part of the film, she lands him in jail.

My eyes widened, hearing what they had planned for my character. As Ritesh finished his pitch, I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking up.

Me: Ritesh, I appreciate your enthusiasm and the effort you've put into this project. However, I can't help but notice a few problematic aspects in the way the female character is portrayed. It perpetuates stereotypes that have plagued our industry for far too long. I believe we have an opportunity to challenge these conventions and create a more empowering narrative.

Ritesh and Vijay exchanged curious glances, their attention captured by my words. With conviction in my voice, I pointed out the flaws that had hindered Vishwasghat beyond just the casting choices.

Me: we need to address the issues that plagued Vishwasghat as well. Okay so we had a star-studded cast from Aman Bhatia's two children being in the film to Naina Gandhi, also a nepo kid being casted. That is the main issue that plagued the film but the other issue was the portrayal of women as mere villains or weak characters undermines the potential of storytelling and due to that. I mean the woman character was literally seen as so weak that she was easily manipulated into pursuing an affair with her husband's friend! Who wants to see that type of pattern occur again and again and again?

I took a deep breath before speaking once again.

Me: it's not just your production company producing this kind of junk which portrays women in negative lighting. So many production companies are doing the same. Let's aim to showcase the strength, resilience, and talent of the female lead, creating a character who shocks the audience, makes the audience want to see the film and of course falls in the good graces of the box office.

Their expressions shifted, realising the validity of my concerns. It was a pivotal moment where we collectively acknowledged the need for change.

Together, we embarked on a brainstorming session, fueled by our shared determination to create a revamped version of "Sangharsh Ka Safar." Over the next three months, we poured our hearts and minds into crafting a script that shattered conventions, celebrated diversity, and propelled the narrative forward.

With the revised script in hand, we embarked on the casting process, seeking talented actors who aligned with our vision. It was a transformative journey, not just for the film but also for the industry, as we challenged the traditional notions of storytelling and representation.

And so, the journey of Sangharsh Ka Safar took a new direction. It told the inspiring story of Meera, a young woman from a small village who dreams of breaking free from societal constraints and pursuing her passion for classical dance. Meera faces numerous obstacles and discrimination, but her determination and talent shine through. The film showed off Meera's journey as she trained under a renowned dance guru, overcame personal setbacks, and defied societal expectations. Along the way, she encountered love, heartbreak, and personal triumphs, all while staying true to her art and her dreams.