Ritvik Sahore with Sharman Joshi in Ferrari Ki Sawaari

In real life, 12-year-old Ritvik Sahore loves football but he had no trouble playing the uber talented cricketer Kayo in Ferrari Ki Sawaari. The Class VIII student of Gokul Dham High School in Goregaon talks to t2 about the visit to a mall that changed his life, competing with “professional” child actors and his first pay cheque.

How did you get the role?

Our house in Kandivali (East) was being renovated, so we went to a mall nearby to buy a fridge and TV. I was really hungry after all the shopping, so I dragged everyone to McDonald’s. That’s when the casting director (of FKS) started following us. When we reached the parking, he approached my mother. Initially, she thought that he was offering her a role (laughs). He spoke with my parents and told them about the role and that I would need to audition.

How did you react?

Actually, this wasn’t the first time that I was approached. Once before, someone had stopped me in a mall and said that I should get a portfolio clicked because I am photogenic. But we didn’t because he was just a casting agent. This time I was really happy that a casting director wanted me for a role in a Vidhu Vinod Chopra film!

What was the audition process like?

They didn’t have proper auditions. It was more like workshops and I went through three of them. It was very scary because there were others who had done ads and even films. They were professionals.

Had you ever acted before?

I have acted in quite a few school plays but I didn’t know anything about acting in front of the camera. Honestly, I had never even thought that I would act. But when I got the chance I decided to give it a shot.

What was the toughest part for you?

Learning all the dialogues was easy but it was tough for me to cry on cue. The director (Rajesh Mapuskar) helped me through the scene where I had to cry. He told me to think of the saddest thing I could and also put some drops of glycerine in my eyes.

How did you react when you first saw yourself on screen?

I saw the whole film with the audience at the premiere. I was literally shivering. I was nervous, scared and excited all at the same time. And, I got to shake hands with Mr Aamir Khan!

How have your friends reacted to your new-found fame?

My friends are very excited for me. Everyone has loved the film. My school teachers, specially my drama teacher, have all liked me in the film. Some of my friends even asked me for my autograph; I think they were pulling my leg!

Are you going to do more films?

I don’t know as yet. If it doesn’t get in the way of my studies, I would like to.

What did you do with your first pay cheque?

I gave it to my mom and dad and they have invested it for my future studies. I haven’t bought anything with that money, though I won’t mind a gift from my parents. A PS3 (Playstation 3) maybe!