Versatile actors in real life

Versatile Actors

Every actor has to perform a character without any influence of self or a previously played character. We call them versatile actors when they succeed at playing multiple roles with ease. Of course, a good actor needs to be versatile to survive in the film industry. Theater is even more challenging. It demands the actor play multiple roles in the same drama with a change of attire, make up and accessories. It requires them to put in a great amount of effort to be versatile.

What about real life, do we see any versatile actors in real life or do we find them only on the silver screen? Do we see versatile actors in our society or in our families?

Broken Family

“Broken families” is a common term in today’s society. Each of us would know of at least one such family where the parents are divorced or separated or one parent is no longer alive. Families where the relationship between parents are broken also come under the same hood of ‘broken families’. I’m not here to discuss about broken families, I’m here to talk about “versatile actors”.

Jerry

This is a story about Jerry the youngest among 5 siblings. He was born and brought up in a broken family. Jerry’ mother lacked rational thinking. This hampered the daily routine required to keep the family moving forward. No one really understood the reason for her sudden outbursts. The lack of acceptance in society made the situation worse. Jerry’s father, was unable to accept his wife’s shortcomings. Added to that his short-tempered nature made matters worse and he gradually turned into an alcoholic. Every day and every night was filled with emotional drama, verbal abuse, and fights. Nobody from either of their families extended a helping hand. They were left to solve their own problems.

Jerry’s Sister

Jerry’s elder sister was the oldest among the 5 siblings. The burden of the entire household fell on her shoulders by the time she turned 10. She wore the homemaker hat: kept the house clean, ensured food was always served on time and took care of Jerry’s studies without neglecting her own education. Jerry completed his formal education and passed with flying colors under her guidance. After completing her junior college she took a year’s break due to financial problems and to take better care of her younger siblings. She later went and studied nursing, a vocation she was not interested in. But she did it only because it could fetch her a job abroad and that would help solve some of their financial problems. She would send the money back home and ensured that she worked double shifts to earn more income.

Jerry’s Brother

At an adolescent age when his friends were celebrating adulthood, Jerry’s brother shouldered the household responsibility with his sister. He was a caring brother too. He cycled 50 miles to buy an Ayurveda medicine when baby Jerry was down with a severe skin allergy. Because of the families financial constraints he sacrificed his dream of pursuing engineering. As a person who recognized Jerry’s intellectual ability he was eager to see Jerry study engineering. He took an education loan using the only piece of land as a collateral to ensure that Jerry studied in a reputed college. He mentored Jerry to the best of his abilities.

My Siblings, My Heroes

Movies have body doubles to play roles that the main actors are incapable of performing. In Jerry’s life it was his siblings. Jerry’s brother doubled up as his father. His sister took up the role of his mother. Both of them were not willing to ruin their lives blaming people or circumstances. Jerry would have grown up as product of a broken family if it were not for these two actors who rose up to the challenge and played it extra ordinarily. Jerry grew up in the canopy of love, care and affection extended by his guardian angels. They rewrote Jerry’s destiny with their dedication and sacrifice.

Nostalgia

Today, Jerry works with a multi-national firm. During a meeting, one of his American clients mentioned about the deep bonds that families have in India. His eyes swelled with tears as images of his versatile actor parents flashed through his mind. He’s indeed indebted to them.

We are surrounded by people who are our friends, philosophers and guide. Can we try and find the versatile actors in them? How many of us rise up to be versatile actors when life throws us an opportunity?