Tisca Chopra at the book launch. (Source: Express photo by Amit Chakravarty)
What provided you the impetus to write Acting Smart?
I was talking to Mita Kapur, one of India’s prominent literary agents, about a book written by my husband Sanjay Chopra, titled Talespin, when I mentioned that I had written an article. It tells aspiring actors how to take care of their appearance, image and publicity. She thought it could be developed into a book, and I said I could write it in three months; she almost fell off the chair laughing. It took me four years to finish Acting Smart (published by HarperCollins, Price 299).
You’ve Read Your Free Stories For Now
Sign up and keep reading more stories that matter to you.
Since nearly 4,000 copies have already been sold, you must be happy.
Being an actor, I think in terms of tickets, and have no clue about publishing. Initially, I thought they should print some 2-3 lakh copies. However, I have been told 4,000 is a good number.
The book is likely to go into reprint soon. Would you like to make any additions?
I would add a chapter or two and expand a few of the existing ones. The book tells the readers that they can’t relax, and have to be very inclined. Also, to not just dream but pursue their dreams. It’s full of combined wisdom of people I have worked with as well as many from the industry who have shared their experiences and beliefs with me. The book should reach more people than just actors.
Did you tap into your memories and experiences to write it?
Story continues below this ad
I have tried not to bring in much of my experiences. For the book, I had four sessions with Yash Chopra at his office; Imtiaz Ali spoke late into the night about his lows and highs; Shabana Azmi gave love, lunch and advice. Similarly, Anil Kapoor, Boman Irani and Rajkumar Hirani talked about their work in detail. I am indebted to all of them.
In your book, you give so much importance to theatre and training.
I have been acting since I was two and did amateur theatre when in Delhi. After acting in movies, I went back to the drawing board and decided to work on my skills. That took me to Satyadev Dubey and I also did plays with Feroz Abbas Khan.
Are there more books in you?
Now that this one is done and dusted, I want to focus on a film script. We have chosen a story from Sanjay’s book and are developing it into a full-fledged script. I also want to create content for women-centric movies in which their characters will be more nuanced and fleshed out.
Alaka Sahani is a prominent film critic and journalist based in Mumbai. With a career spanning over two decades, she has established herself as one of India’s most authoritative voices in cinematic journalism, known for an analytical approach and insights that transcend the standard cycle of celebrity journalism.
Expertise & Accolades
In 2014, Alaka was honoured with the National Film Award for Best Film Critic. Her Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) citation specifically lauded her for "highlighting facets of cinema beyond glamour and gossip" and for her ability to delve into the contemporary relevance of iconic filmmakers. Her commitment to journalistic integrity was further recognised in 2019 with a Special Mention at the Red Ink Awards for her investigative feature, 'In Search of a Star'. Her article titled 'People Like Us', published in The Indian Express on March 27, 2022, was shortlisted for Red Ink Award, 2023.
Global Industry Leadership
Alaka’s expertise is sought after by major international and domestic film bodies:
Golden Globes: In 2025, she joined the international voting body for the 83rd Annual Golden Globes.
National Film Awards: She served on the prestigious jury for the 68th National Film Awards, helping select the finest contributions to Indian cinema.
Global Perspective: Her work consistently bridges the gap between commercial Bollywood A-listers and emerging independent talents, offering nuanced insights into both Indian regional cinema and international film trends.
Focus & Vision
Beyond the screen, Alaka is a dedicated observer of Mumbai’s vibrant theatre scene and the historical evolution of the moving image. Through her long-form articles and deep-dive interviews, she continues to challenge "tried-and-tested" templates, providing readers with a deep understanding of the artistic and systemic workings of the Indian and global film industry. ... Read More
