Meanwhile...

"No, nothing in Paris. We have enough stock footage," Aditya Chopra said. "But we require some in-studio shoot; for the edit."

Ranveer nodded. "How many extra days?" he said as he observed the immaculate YRF office, right behind Mr. Chopra's desk stood a huge shelf of books, and more on his table, Bollywood people were known for not reading even the scripts they were to work on, apparently Mr. Chopra was different. Through the windows beside the shelf, Ranveer gazed listlessly at a busy Bandra road.

"Can't say, now," Mr. Chopra said. "But there are always some re-shoots in post-production, and in most cases, nine to ten days are enough, at most two weeks, I need that Ranveer," Aditya Chopra requested from behind his coffee mug which sounded more like a command.

"Huh? Of course, sir, your wish is my command," said Ranveer chuckling. "When would this be?"

"Probably next month, I've talked to the art director, she says she'll need some time to redo the sets."

Ranveer tried to listen. It was a dream come true to be cast in an Aditya Chopra directorial, the man who had put Shah Rukh Khan on the map with Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (Ranveer didn't like the film much but, as they say, no argument holds before success); he did no PR but still was one of the most powerful director-producer in the industry.

"Have you finalized the title?" he asked.

"I think I'll go with Befikre, youth still connects with Urdu, I suppose, even though they don't understand much of it but it is somehow still cool. I was thinking on the lines of 'Dare to Care' or 'Iss Raat Ki Subah Nahi', for the educated upper middle class, but they don't sound natural, I'm told. I'm not very good with names, I guess," he said with a smile.

Despite making some culture-defining love stories, Mr. Chopra sounded extremely businesslike and devoid of emotions on movie matters. He had decided to make a movie for the young Indians in India and abroad and Ranveer was the newest find.

Adi sir, like all his previous directors and drama school teachers, had predicted a bright career for Ranveer, but something had prevented him from becoming that big Bollywood star like the Khans or even Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgan.

Don't pull that Akshay Kumar over me. A voice rang in Ranveer's head which he quickly brushed aside.

"What should be the title?" he said.

Mr. Chopra observed him with quizzical eyes. Ranveer looked back blankly.

"Oh yes, we talked about it already. I'm sorry."

"Ranveer, is everything alright? You look tensed."

"No, no, no, I'm fine. Fine."

"You sure?"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, absolutely," Ranveer shook his head vehemently. "You were saying?"

"Ranveer, just relax. This can wait. It's okay."

"No sir, please, everything's fine. Please don't embarrass me."

Mr. Chopra breathed softly. "Fine," he said. "If you say so. Ranveer, I don't know how you'll take this... but... I think I must say this... Don't... don't let this all into your head, boy."

"Sorry?" Ranveer felt slightly perturbed by the sudden accusation.

"I mean it. You know you might think you are being natural, but there is still a high risk you are under control of your own stories."

"What are you talking about? I don't get it."

"Alright, my bad. I'll just say Ranveer, I see you have the potential of becoming the next superstar, with your talent, and your ability to repeat it time after time, you can definitely go long, but don't let yourself believe that, already."

"Do I behave extra starry?" Ranveer genuinely wanted to know.

"It doesn't matter how you behave with the world, that is just a story you are putting out there for their entertainment; you know like how people do on social media these days, Bollywood stars have been doing the same for generations, it is part of the job. What matters is the stories that you believe in, those you tell yourself, your loved ones, your friends... and your colleagues too.

"You see when people rush to you with with a camera in their hands and question about your life or sometimes with just a simple lovely comment on the internet, it messes with your brain, it creates an illusion of you being important to them, you are important to them, yes, but only in that moment, don't let that attention control you. That'll only bring suffering for you, your family, friends, lovers, everyone."

Mr. Chopra's words landed home with Ranveer and pushed him into deep introspection. Was he doing exactly this? He told Bhansali he didn't wish to talk to Deepika because he wished to be in the character of Khilji who had nothing but lust for Deepika... err... Padmavati, he just wanted to make her suffer as Khilji would. Or maybe Khilji is just an excuse to make her suffer. But why is he suffering himself, then? Why is he losing his peace and concentrate on work?

He picked a fight to become important for someone important to him but has it helped? Has Deepika ever opened her heart to him that she will now? And can he blame her when he has been exactly like her? Guarded.

He focused back on Mr. Chopra. "What should I do?"

"Keep things simple and don't let your life be run by your assistants," Mr. Chopra replied, as if on cue.

"Hmm..." a serene image shone in Ranveer's eyes and a smile broke on his lips.

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