Actress Tilottama Shome, in a recent interview, broke down while recalling a famous director’s comment on her dreams. A video of this segment from the recent interview has surfaced on the internet, where Shome is seen breaking down while narrating the incident. In the interview, Shome opened up about her journey in the cinemas, where she also faced harsh criticism sometimes.

The video starts with her narrating, “It was in stark contrast to a director I once worked with who paid me very low. At the wrap party, we were all talking when someone asked me, ‘what would be something that you really are lusting for?’ I mentioned a particular car that cost a certain amount, and said, ‘If I do a film where I’m paid this much, I could buy that car.”

“The director then said, ‘I’m so sorry to break this to you, but you’re never going to earn that kind of money. It’s unfair, but that’s how this industry is. You’re very talented, but unfortunately, you’ll never make that much.’ He said it in a tone that felt like he meant well, but it stayed with me,” she continued. 

But what she did next is a lesson in grit, resilience and determination.

“Then came my next film, which was everything I could dream of creatively. I knew I’d never get a role that good again, but I still negotiated for four months. I fought for the money, and eventually, I got paid double the amount I’d mentioned at that party,” she narrated. 

“When the contract was finalised, I messaged that director and said, ‘By the way, I just closed a deal and was paid this much. Thought you should know before you tell another actor what they can or can’t do,” Shome said, looking back at her moment of victory.  

Watch the video here:

“That moment meant a lot to me. I’m grateful I have friends who see my worth—because sometimes, potential is invisible. And true friendship is about recognising what the world can’t yet see,” she remarked in conclusion.

Tilottama Shome began her acting career in 2001 with Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding in 2001. Since then, she has starred in several movies and web series, most recent being Paatal Lok season 2.