Slumdog Millonaire's casting agents had come to my school, they were in search of actors for the past eight months. I auditioned, and then bagged the role.
I have never faced the camera before. But I'm an active theatre actor, and have sung in school. I am a member of Mehli Mehta Music Foundation.
I've always wanted to act in movies. Once I had auditioned for an ad but I was terribly nervous, and didn't get selected. This time, I didn't get nervous, as Danny spent 45 minutes with me before the audition.
I don't think there's anyone in India, especially in Mumbai, who hasn't seen the slums. Many people think that South Mumbai is far away from slums but that's not true. Even Cuffe Parade, one of the richest localities in Mumbai, has a slum next to it.
I did not have to learn much for my role -- I just had to observe beggars on the streets.
In the picture: Ashutosh poses near a Slumdog Millionaire poster at Regal Cinema, South Mumbai
Also See: 'The Slumdog team made my son an actual human being'
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