“I confess what I know about them comes solely comes from my sister, who is a huge fan,” he admits with a deprecating smile that I inexplicably find charming.
Clearing my throat, I say truthfully, “It’s rigorous work. Sometimes it takes all day to film one scene. A love scene that will only air for minutes when edited takes a complicated and strategic set of moves. Often half the day’s footage is deleted from it in the end. But it can be fun, too. I enjoy it, although juggling the job with university is a challenge.”
Rama nods. “I imagine that’s difficult. I doubt I could have done it.”
“So, you’ve graduated?” I couldn’t remember how old Rama’s bio said he was.
“Yes, over a year ago.”
“Is acting your passion?”
Rama flashes his stunning smile. “Yeah, it is. I haven’t been able to do as much as I’d like, though. A couple of commercials when I was young and, more recently, some theater in America.”
Reserve completely gone, he tells me about his family there, but I’m having trouble keeping my mind on his words. The way he wrinkles his nose when he laughs shouldn’t be so engaging. Although, individually, his features aren’t perfect, when put together they create a whole that’s drugging.
When our food arrives, the waitress compliments Rama on the silver chain on his wrist. Once again, his expression closes off as he politely thanks her.
We take a moment to spoon food onto our plates from the serving dishes, then Rama asks, “How long have you been acting?”
“Since I was ten.”
“And how many bl dramas have you done?”
“This will be my fifth,” I say. “But only the second in a lead role. I’ve learned a lot over the years. Feel free to ask me anything.”
Rama is quiet a moment while he chews his food, then ventures, “I guess what I’d like to know most is what’s going to be expected of me. I’ve researched a little about the business, but I’m still mostly clueless.”
“The most important thing for us as lead bl actors is our relationship both on and off camera. Usually, the cast has months of workshops to prepare for filming, but this production has had a few setbacks in its initial stages, so it will begin filming in just a few weeks.”
“And byworkshops, you mean rehearsals?” Rama asks.
I nod. “But they’re also time meant to help the entire cast become closer, especially those who play couples on-screen. At the beginning, there will be games to build trust. We’ll be encouraged to work on skinship.”
“Skinship?” Rama asks, frowning.
“Getting used to touching and giving affection so we’ll be more believable in our roles,” I explain.
“Oh. I guess I just thought that if you’re a good actor, you won’t have any trouble acting like you’re in love with someone.”
“Maybe so, but there’s more to it than that. The best bl dramas have a Y-couple that resonates with fans. That kind of thing is difficult to fake. That’s why it’s so important to have chemistry between the actors because the dramas with the best Y-couples are most popular. A few of these couples have developed a special, unique bond that’s made them famous in the industry.”
Rama smiles. “My sister has told me a little about that. She’s determined that I do well in this.”
“That was your sister with you at the audition yesterday?”
Nodding, Rama spoons more rice and shrimp onto his plate. “She attends the same university as you do, or so she tells me. She’s a couple of years younger than you are.”
“I thought she might be your girlfriend,” I say.
“I don’t have one of those at the moment.”
“Probably for the best. It can be hard for them when we have to spend so much time together and work so closely.”
“You sound like you’re speaking from experience,” Rama says.
No point in trying to cover up my sexuality now that it’s been exposed to the media. “I’m gay, but yeah. When I got my first part, I had a boyfriend. He had trouble watching me with my co-star and broke up with me because of it.”
“But he must have realized what you were doing wasn’t real. Couldn’t he see how impersonal it all was with the cameras and all the people involved?”