He didn’t take the traditional route to Bollywood, but an unconventional career path brought actor Akhil Kaimal closer to his dream. Before moving to Mumbai in 2021, the Chand Mera Dil actor spent four years in Kerala, studying acting and working in Malayalam cinema. Along the way, he found an unexpected calling in casting. “Casting felt closest to acting because you’re involved in auditions, observing actors, giving cues, and understanding performances. It also allowed me to earn a living,” says Kaimal, who used the same route to break into the Hindi film industry.

A still from ‘The Trial’