Mumbai – Juhu, India
June 2004
The night air in Juhu was quiet, broken only by the distant sound of traffic and the faint echo of music from nearby buildings. Krishna leaned back on the sofa of his rented apartment, exhaustion finally catching up to him. The success party of School Dreams had ended only an hour ago, but his mind refused to rest.
The television was still on, muted. His reflection stared back at him from the dark screen — not the poor orphan boy from years ago, but a rising television star. Still, something inside him felt restless.
Just as he was about to turn off the lights, his phone rang.
Unknown Number.
Krishna hesitated for a second, then answered.
"Hello?"
A calm, confident voice replied, "Hello, is this Krishna speaking?"
"Yes, speaking. May I know who's calling?"
"This is from Baba Films Production House. I'm calling on behalf of director Abbas Mustan."
Krishna sat up straight.
"We've been following your work in School Dreams. The performance, the screen presence… impressive. Mr. Abbas would like to meet you regarding a film offer."
For a moment, Krishna was speechless.
"A… film?" he finally asked.
"Yes. If you're free tomorrow, please come to our office."
After ending the call, Krishna sat in silence. His heart raced.
This is it… the door I've been waiting for.
That night, sleep refused to come.
Next Morning – Baba Films Production House
Dressed neatly in a simple shirt and trousers, Krishna arrived early. The building itself felt different — larger, heavier with ambition. Posters of past films decorated the walls. He was led into a spacious cabin where two men sat discussing something seriously.
One of them stood up and smiled warmly.
"Krishna, welcome. I'm Abbas."
The other man nodded in agreement.
"We've seen your serial," Abbas continued. "Your expressions, your screen presence — you have something different."
Krishna folded his hands politely. "Thank you, sir."
Abbas slid a script folder across the table.
"We are working on a film called Taarzan: The Wonder Car. It's a fantasy-thriller. The concept is unique. We want you for the lead role."
Krishna opened the script carefully. As he read, memories from his previous life returned.
He remembered this film. He remembered how it had performed.
He knew where it went wrong — and where it could be improved.
He looked up calmly.
"Sir, I like the concept. But I have a few suggestions… if you allow."
Abbas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Go on."
Krishna spoke with clarity and respect.
"Some emotional scenes can be strengthened. The bond between father and son can be deeper. And the climax — if we make it more emotionally driven, not just visual, it will connect better with the audience."
The room fell silent.
Then Abbas laughed.
"You're confident for a newcomer."
Krishna smiled slightly. "I believe in the story, sir."
After a long pause, Abbas nodded.
"Alright. We'll try some of your suggestions."
That moment changed everything.
Contract & Shooting Begins
The contract was signed the same day.
Salary: ₹50 lakhs
Production Budget: ₹15 crores
Role: Lead Actor
For a television actor, it was unheard of.
Shooting began in January 2004.
The set was massive. Cameras, lights, technicians — everything felt overwhelming. Ajay Devgn, playing the father's role, greeted Krishna warmly.
"You're new, right?" Ajay said with a smile.
"Yes sir."
"Relax. Acting is about honesty. Don't overthink."
During filming, Krishna absorbed everything. Camera angles. Lighting. Dialogue delivery. Even the way directors communicated with crew.
Sometimes, he subtly suggested changes. To his surprise, the directors listened.
"You think like a filmmaker," Abbas once said.
Krishna only smiled.
By mid-2004, whispers started circulating in the industry.
"Have you seen that new boy?"
"He's good… really good."
"TV actor, right?"
"Yes, but different."
The media began writing small articles.
Film magazines mentioned his name in "Actors to Watch".
Meanwhile, Krishna lived simply. He avoided parties. He studied cinema. He rewatched classics. He learned editing, camera framing, dialogue rhythm.
He knew fame was temporary. Skill was permanent.
August 2004 – Release Month
Posters of Taarzan: The Wonder Car appeared across Mumbai. Krishna's face stared confidently from hoardings.
On 5th August 2004, the night before release, Krishna stood alone on his apartment balcony.
The city lights shimmered below.
He remembered his past life. The failures. The loneliness. The death.
And now — this.
His phone buzzed. A message from the producer:
"Tomorrow decides everything. Good luck."
Krishna closed his eyes and whispered,
"Whatever happens… I'm ready."
The next morning, theatres would open.
Critics would judge.
Audiences would decide.
And a new chapter of his destiny would begin.