Chapter: An Unexpected Meeting
The day after the script pitch session, Arjun found himself caught up in the usual whirlwind of activity at Frames of Vision. He was reviewing the pre-production plan for Dhoop Ka Saaya, going over every detail with Vikram and Madhur, when his phone buzzed. The screen lit up with a name that still made his heart skip a beat—Amitabh Sir.
He glanced around the room, excusing himself from the discussion to step out into the hallway. Pressing the call button, he held his breath for a second before speaking.
Arjun (respectfully):
"Namaste, Amitabh Sir. How are you?"
The voice on the other end was deep and resonant, yet warm. A voice that commanded attention, even through a phone call.
Amitabh Bachchan:
"Arjun beta, I'm doing well. How about you? I heard some great things about Whispers of Jaisalmer. Congratulations on its success."
Arjun smiled, pride and gratitude filling his chest.
Arjun:
"Thank you, Sir. It's all because of the guidance I've received from people like you."
There was a brief pause, and then Amitabh's tone turned more formal.
Amitabh:
"I was wondering if you could drop by for a discussion at my office tomorrow. I have something I'd like to talk to you about, and it's been a while since we caught up properly."
Arjun's curiosity was piqued, but he didn't let it show in his voice.
Arjun:
"Of course, Sir. I'll be there. Is it alright if I bring someone along? There's a young writer I want you to meet."
Amitabh's chuckle reverberated through the phone.
Amitabh:
"By all means, bring her along. I'll see you both tomorrow then."
After hanging up, Arjun took a deep breath. A meeting with Amitabh Bachchan was always a significant event, even for someone like him who had gained a foothold in the industry. And this time, he wanted to use the opportunity to give Priya a glimpse into the other side of the film world—the world of legends.
---
The next morning, Arjun found Priya working in one of the office's small conference rooms, hunched over her notes with intense focus. She barely noticed him standing at the door until he cleared his throat softly.
Arjun:
"Priya, I hope you're free for a couple of hours. There's somewhere I want to take you."
She looked up, startled, and glanced at the clock.
Priya (frowning slightly):
"But I'm supposed to meet with the production designer in half an hour…"
Arjun (interrupting gently):
"I've already rescheduled it. Trust me, this is important."
She hesitated for a moment before nodding. Arjun's tone was firm yet gentle, and there was a glimmer of something in his eyes—a mix of excitement and anticipation.
Priya (curious):
"Where are we going?"
Arjun merely smiled, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Arjun:
"You'll see. It's a surprise."
---
The car ride through the bustling streets of Mumbai was filled with Priya's unspoken questions. Arjun kept glancing at her, amused by her attempts to piece together the mystery. They crossed Worli and entered Juhu, and Priya's eyes widened as they neared a familiar landmark. The gates of Jalsa, Amitabh Bachchan's iconic residence, loomed ahead. She turned to Arjun, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Priya (almost breathless):
"Are we… are we going to meet Amitabh Bachchan?"
Arjun nodded, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.
Arjun:
"Not just meet him. I want you to share the story of Dhoop Ka Saaya with him. Let him hear it from you, the creator."
Priya felt her pulse quicken. It was one thing to pitch her script to seasoned professionals in the industry, but Amitabh Bachchan? The legendary actor who had shaped Indian cinema for decades? It felt surreal.
They were ushered through the gates and into the house's sprawling living room, where Amitabh Sir was waiting. He rose to greet them, a towering figure of grace and humility, his presence filling the room. Priya struggled to find her voice as she exchanged pleasantries, feeling awed by the man who had been a part of her childhood, the man whose films her family would crowd around to watch on their small, flickering television set back in the slums.
Amitabh (with a warm smile):
"Priya, I've heard a lot about you from Arjun. He tells me you've written something extraordinary."
Priya managed a smile, though her heart was racing.
Priya:
"It's… it's an honor to meet you, Sir. I—I can't believe this is happening."
Amitabh gestured to the couch, inviting them to sit.
Amitabh:
"Arjun has a good eye for talent. If he believes in your story, then I want to hear it too. Tell me about Dhoop Ka Saaya."
Taking a deep breath, Priya launched into her pitch. As she spoke, the same passion and fire that had captivated everyone in the conference room at Frames of Vision filled her voice. Amitabh listened intently, occasionally nodding, his gaze never wavering from her face. By the time she finished, the room was silent, the weight of her words lingering in the air.
Amitabh (thoughtfully):
"Your story has a lot of heart, Priya. It's the kind of narrative that brings out the essence of our roots and the emotional bonds that define us. I think it's something that can resonate deeply with audiences."
Priya exhaled, relief washing over her. Coming from Amitabh Bachchan, these words meant the world.
Arjun (smiling at her, then turning to Amitabh):
"She's got the talent, Sir. And I want to support her journey, the way you supported mine."
Priya looked at Arjun, confused. Supported? Amitabh Bachchan had helped Arjun Gupta? It was something she had never heard about before.
Amitabh (glancing at Arjun with a nostalgic smile):
"Arjun is being modest. He was already driven and determined when we first met. But I did what I could. He came to me, a young man with no industry connections but a deep passion for storytelling. He showed me a short film he made, and I was moved by his sensitivity and craft. I helped him get his first assistant director position under Raj Kumar Santoshi, and the rest… well, Arjun made his own path from there."
He paused, his expression thoughtful.
Amitabh:
"In fact, Arjun's debut film, The Haunting of Kasauli, was a project I introduced him to Vikram, a reputable producer in the horror genre. That film set the tone for his career, and I still remember how excited he was when he secured the deal. It was a significant turning point for him."
Priya listened intently, trying to imagine Arjun at the beginning of his journey, full of dreams and ambition. It inspired her, giving her a deeper understanding of the dedication it took to make it in this industry.
Amitabh (turning to Priya):
"Arjun sees something of himself in you, I believe. It's rare to find someone so rooted in their own experiences, yet eager to share stories that touch others. Take his support, Priya, and make the most of it. Opportunities come and go, but mentors like him are irreplaceable."
Priya's throat tightened. She looked at Arjun, gratitude and admiration welling up inside her. He had been more than a mentor to her—he had become her guide, her champion.
Priya (voice filled with emotion):
"Thank you, Arjun Sir… I—I don't know how to say this, but I promise I won't let you down."
Arjun smiled softly, shaking his head.
Arjun:
"Just keep telling your stories, Priya. That's all I want."
The rest of the meeting passed in a blur for Priya. They discussed Dhoop Ka Saaya in greater detail, with Amitabh Sir offering his insights and suggestions. He even mentioned wanting to come on board as a producer for the film, lending his name and influence to help the project gain more visibility.
As they finally stood up to leave, Priya felt like she was walking on air. This was more than she had ever imagined. Meeting her childhood idol, sharing her story with him, and getting his endorsement—it was a dream come true.
Arjun (as they stepped out of Jalsa):
"Not bad for a day's work, right?"
Priya laughed, her heart feeling lighter than it had in ages.
Priya:
"More like the best day of my life."
They shared a quiet smile, a moment of understanding and shared purpose. This was just the beginning for Priya, but with Arjun's guidance and Amitabh's support, she knew she was ready for whatever came next.