Have you always got fascinated by the stardom of the actors working in the entertainment industry?
Do you believe you have the talent and passion to become a successful actor?
While the world of fame and limelight may seem too exciting, but in reality the journey to becoming a successful actor involves dedication, hard work, and proper training. With the right skills, guidance, and mindset one can step into the world of acting and build a rewarding career.
But the real question is where to start?
Most beginners, especially those without any background in acting, often feel confused about where to start. Some may choose the wrong paths due to a lack of proper guidance.
That’s why it is important for the aspirants to have knowledge of courses, professional training and the right steps to enter the industry confidently.
In this article, we will explore top acting courses in India and how to become an actor/actress covering details about eligibility, acting schools and career prospects.
What is Acting
“Acting” is a form of performing art that involves portraying different characters, delivering dialogues and more importantly expressing different emotions as per the situation or role.
Acting is all about living the character and making the audience believe in your performance. Many aspiring actors think modeling is a shortcut to enter the film industry. While it might help with exposure, it doesn’t replace proper acting skills and training.
To become a good actor, candidates should pursue a formal training and must work on the following skills.
Skills & Qualities Needed to Become an Actor
- Creativity and imagination
- Confidence and boldness
- Good behavior and discipline
- Voice clarity, projection, and modulation
- Versatility and adaptability
- A pleasing and expressive personality
- Strong observation and memorization skills
- Physical and emotional endurance
Acting Courses in India
There are several acting schools and film institutes in India that offer short-term and long-term courses. Many popular actors have also opened their own acting academies.
To become an actor, candidates don’t need a specific academic background or degree. Students from Arts, Science, or Commerce can all pursue acting if they are truly passionate.
Certificate Courses (3 to 6 months)
- Removing stage fear and building confidence
- Voice training – pitch, modulation, pauses
- Body language and expressions
- Improvisation and mime
- Understanding emotions and mannerisms
- Camera-facing techniques
- Basic acting exercises
- Introduction to cinema and film analysis
- Sound – Background music, SFX
Diploma Courses (1 to 2 years)
- Diction and dialogue delivery
- Dance and movement training
- Basic stunt choreography
- Character building and method acting
- Lip-syncing and dubbing
- Making a professional showreel
- Teamwork and scene-setting
- Advanced emotional and character expression
Graduation Courses (3 years)
B.A. in Performing Arts or Drama (offered by universities like NSD, FTII, and others)
Course Fees
The course fees may vary depending on the institute and the program candidates have opted, below are the rough estimates.
Certificate Courses: ₹35,000 – ₹1,50,000
Diploma Courses: ₹1,00,000 – ₹3,00,000
Degree Courses: Varies by university and location
Admission Process
As acting is a form of performing art but it doesn’t mean that only arts students can go for this. The students having Science or Commerce stream in 12th standard, can also go for acting courses if they are really passionate about it.
For admission into top acting schools, candidates must fill out an online application form through the official website of the institute.
1st Round – Screening/Entrance Test
Some institute conduct a screening test or an entrance exam.
2nd Round – Audition
Candidates may be asked to perform both in Hindi and English or their preferred language.
Some schools conduct physical auditions, while others may accept video submissions.
3rd Round – Interview/Personal Interaction
Shortlisted candidates are called for a personal interview to assess passion, understanding of the craft, and commitment. This roun may include group discussions or improvisation rounds.
Some of the popular entrance exams for pursuing courses in the acting field are:
After the completion of the course, candidates have to work in the theatres, short films, attend auditions for TV shows, movies or web series.
Candidates have to register with the talent management firms and build a portfolio and professional showreel.
Career Opportunities in Acting
There are ample job opportunities in the field of acting, but the competition is intense. Aspiring actors can begin their careers in Bollywood, TV shows, or even digital platforms. With the rapid growth of web series, game shows, and reality shows, new opportunities are constantly emerging.
One of the unique aspects of acting is that there is no age barrier. Whether you are a child, a young adult or a senior, there are roles available for all age groups. Depending on your physical features, skills, and experience, you may be cast in lead roles or in supporting roles — both positive and negative characters.
Acting opportunities aren’t limited to just movies and serials. Advertisements, web series, and short films also require a wide range of actors. With dedication and effort, you can be one of the many who contribute to these creative projects.
There is also potential to work with prominent production houses in Bollywood, Hollywood, or Tollywood. With talent and perseverance, you may find yourself sharing the screen with renowned names like Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, and collaborating with celebrated directors like Karan Johar and choreographers like the late Saroj Khan.
The job profiles of this field are:
- Actor/actress
- Lead actor/actress
- Co-actor/actress
- Supporting actor/actress
- Crowd actor/actress
- Acting instructor
- Dialogue instructor
- Villains
- Co-villains
- Stunt man
Top Production Houses in India
Every aspiring actor dream of making a debut under a renowned production house, below we have listed some of the estemeed production houses in India:
- Aamir Khan Productions
- Balaji Telefilms
- Dharma Productions
- Eros International
- Gemini Studios – Chennai
- Mukta Arts
- PVR Pictures
- Rajshri Productions – Mumbai
- Reliance Big Entertainment
- R.K. Films
- Trimurti Films
- T-Series
- UTV Motion Pictures
- Viacom 18 Motion Pictures
- Vishesh Films
- Yash Raj Films
Salary
The salary of the actors varies as per their popularity, roles offered and assignment. The lead actor typically charge a handsome amount depending on the project and role.
Candidates who are just starting their career in acting can expect to earn anywhere between ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per month, especially if they are working in television serials, regional films, or small-scale productions.
An experienced professional, with a good track record and popularity can charge anywhere between ₹5,000 to 5,0000 per day or more.
Established TV actors may earn ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakhs per month, while film actors and those working in web series with reputed platforms may charge per day or per project — ranging from ₹10,000 per day to several lakhs or even crores for a full-length role.
If you have any other queries regarding, Acting Courses in India, feel free to drop your comments below.
I am 10th standard i became a actor because I love acting