This actor, who delivered an ace performance last year, was subjected to frequent insults by his film's director.

He is regarded among the most promising actors today; someone who goes the whole hog to get into the skin of his characters. And the prep for one of his recent roles was no different. When the film hit theatres, the results were there for everyone to see, and the film proved to be a big hit. While the actor and his director went all out to say that they had a great time shooting the film, industry sources have a different story to tell.

"Notwithstanding his intense preparations, the actor was given a hard time while shooting. The director, known to be a taskmaster, would ridicule him in front of the entire crew if he struggled with a particular scene," says a source.

The purpose of yelling and humiliation might have been only to push the actor to give his 100 per cent, but the source says the director's behaviour raises the question of what a person at the helm can demand of actors in the name of art: "Once, he was unable to get a scene right and the director threatened to show him the door. It was highly embarrassing for him. After a point, even the crew started making fun of him."

The actor, however, kept his emotions in check and silently tolerated the director's alleged tyrant ways since did not want to let the film slip from his hand.

"Eventually, he did prove that he was the ideal choice for the role," adds the source.