Austin Shivaji Kumar’s Essential Tips for New Actors on a Bollywood Film Set

The first day on a film set feels overwhelming. Lights, cameras, directors giving instructions—it’s a different world. For new actors and models, especially those stepping into the industry for the first time, the environment can be confusing. Many arrive with dreams but little knowledge of how things actually work.

Austin Shivaji Kumar has seen this countless times. Young artists walk onto the set, unsure of where to stand, whom to talk to, or how to carry themselves. Some hesitate to ask questions, afraid of looking inexperienced. Others get overwhelmed by the pace of production.

Austin never gives long lectures. He doesn’t believe in complicating things. But when someone asks, he shares what he knows in the simplest, most practical way.

Divya, a newcomer in a supporting role, once approached him nervously. “Austin sir, pehle din set pe kya karna chahiye? Bohot log hain… samajh nahi aa raha.”

Austin smiled. “Sabse pehle, set ko observe karo. Director aur assistant director kis se kya keh rahe hain, dhyan do. Tum jitna jaldi samjhogi, utna better hoga.”

Divya nodded, taking mental notes.

Observation is key. A new actor who pays attention to how the team works learns faster than someone who just waits for instructions. The director, cinematographer, and assistant directors have their own process. Understanding their rhythm makes everything smoother.

Another important thing is being on time. Film sets run on tight schedules. If an actor isn’t on time, the entire sequence gets delayed. Tanvi, a fresh face in the industry, once arrived just a few minutes late for a call time. She didn’t realize how crucial those minutes were.

Austin, who was already on set, noticed the assistant director’s expression. The delay was minor, but it disrupted the team’s workflow. Later, when Tanvi apologized, Austin gave her a simple piece of advice. “Call time ka matlab hai uss waqt ready rehna, uss waqt set pe aana nahi.”

She understood immediately. Many newcomers don’t realize that their call time isn’t when they should arrive but when they should already be prepared for the shot.

Mahima, another aspiring actress, had a different question. “Austin sir, kabhi kabhi itna wait karna padta hai set pe… pata bhi nahi hota kab scene aayega.”

Austin nodded. “Waiting normal hai. Film set pe patience bohot zaroori hota hai. Jab bhi free ho, script par kaam karo ya surroundings ko observe karo. Time waste mat hone do. Kuch nah kuch seekhte raho life mein.”

Waiting is part of the job. Shoots rarely happen in sequence, and delays are common. Smart actors use this time to refine their expressions, understand their co-actors' performances, or prepare for their next scene.

Urvi, who was shooting for her first commercial, faced another common issue. “Lines yaad karni toh easy hai, par jab camera saamne hota hai toh sab bhool jaati hoon main.”

Austin understood. Camera consciousness is something every new artist struggles with. “Jitna zyada practice karogi, utna kam lagega ki camera waha hai. Aur kabhi bhi camera ke lens ko mat dekho, unless director bole.”

She tried the technique in her next shot. It worked. The more natural an actor behaves on camera, the more effortless the performance looks.

For male actors, challenges are different but equally important. Sanjeev, an aspiring actor, once asked, “Set pe jab scene ke beech assistant director ya DOP kuch change karne ke liye bolta hai, tab humein kya karna chahiye?”

Austin smiled. “Shaant raho. Ek accha actor kabhi bhi set pe irritation ya nervousness show nahi karta. Har chhoti cheez important hoti hai, uss moment ka respect karo.”

Patience isn’t just about waiting. It’s about maintaining professionalism in every situation. Whether it’s adjusting a camera angle, fixing a lighting issue, or reshooting a take, every change serves a purpose. The best actors remain calm and focused, knowing it’s all part of the process.

Varun, another newcomer, struggled with dialogue delivery. “Austin bhai, dialogues fast ho jate hain… ya kabhi unnatural lagte hain.”

Austin kept it simple. “Words yaad mat karo, scene ko samjho. Agar tumhe emotion samajh aa gaya, toh dialogue automatically natural lagega.”

Acting isn’t about memorizing words. It’s about feeling the moment. When an actor connects with the scene, the lines come naturally.

Aaradhya, a young actress in her first film, had a concern about dealing with multiple retakes. “Agar director baar baar take maange, iska matlab hai ki hum galat kar rahe hain?”

Austin shook his head. “Kabhi kabhi scene ko aur perfect banana hota hai. Ye personal nahi hota, bas patience rakho.”

Film sets are unpredictable. Even experienced actors go through multiple takes. What matters is maintaining energy and delivering the best performance in every shot.

Karan, a new model transitioning into acting, faced another issue. “Mujhe action shots karne ka chance mila hai, par body movement control nahi ho raha.”

Austin gave him a tip he had shared with many before. “Har action slow motion mein practice karo. Pehle flow samjho, phir speed badhao.”

Action sequences look effortless on screen, but they require control. The best way to master them is by understanding the movement before increasing pace.

One of the most overlooked things by newcomers is set etiquette. Respecting the crew, being aware of space, and following basic set rules make a huge difference.

Shraddha, a beginner in a lead role, asked, “Set pe har koi itna busy hota hai, humein kaise pata chale ki kisse kya puchhna hai?”

Austin explained it simply. “Hamesha assistant directors aur spot dadas se help lo. Unko sab pata hota hai.”

Newcomers often feel lost on set, but the assistant directors and crew members are the best guides. They know the schedule, the instructions, and the set dynamics. A smart actor builds good relations with them.

At the end of the day, acting isn’t just about facing the camera. It’s about discipline, patience, and adapting to the unpredictable nature of filmmaking.

Many new actors and models struggle in their early days, not because they lack talent, but because they don’t know these simple things. Austin Shivaji Kumar has seen this pattern for years. And whenever someone asks, he shares what he knows—straightforward, practical advice that makes their journey smoother.

Because sometimes, all it takes is the right guidance at the right moment.

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