2006
Mumbai, Juhu – Krishna Villa
Monday morning sunlight filtered softly through the large windows of Krishna Villa. The city outside was already awake, horns and distant voices blending into Mumbai's familiar chaos. Inside the villa, however, everything felt calm.
Krishna stood barefoot on a yoga mat, eyes closed, breathing steady. Yoga had been a part of his life since childhood. In his previous life and this one too, discipline was the one habit he had never abandoned. Fame, money, and recognition meant nothing if the body and mind weren't balanced.
The television in the corner played silently at first, but the volume slowly increased as the morning news segment shifted to celebrity gossip.
"Another surprising success story in Bollywood," the reporter said excitedly.
"Outsider Krishna has delivered two back-to-back hits. With no godfather, no film family backing him—can he truly survive in this industry? Or is this success temporary?"
Krishna opened his eyes but continued his posture.
"Meanwhile," the reporter continued,
"Ranbir Kapoor, son of legendary actor Rishi Kapoor, is all set to make his debut under master filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Coming from the famous Kapoor family, his future already looks extremely bright."
Krishna exhaled slowly and switched positions.
Ranbir Kapoor.
Of course.
Krishna knew the future better than anyone else in that room. Ranbir wouldn't become a true superstar immediately—not until Rockstar in 2011. That film would change everything and dominate the younger generation.
But Krishna didn't dwell on it.
As an outsider, he understood the unspoken rules of the industry. Talent alone was never enough. Many films were never offered to outsiders, no matter how skilled they were. Big production houses preferred star kids—even those with weak acting skills.
Arjun Kapoor, Krishna thought bitterly.
A perfect example.
He completed his yoga session and sat down on the sofa just as the door opened.
A young man in casual clothes walked in cheerfully.
"Hi, good morning, Krishna!"
Krishna smiled. "Good morning, Manoj."
Manoj was his newly hired manager—only twenty-seven years old. He wasn't very experienced or polished, but he was loyal, sincere, and hardworking. More importantly, he treated Krishna like a friend rather than a product.
That was enough.
Manoj genuinely liked Krishna as a client. Managing him never felt stressful. Krishna didn't create scandals, didn't chase unnecessary attention, and never behaved like a typical celebrity.
"Krishna," Manoj said, sitting down, "the PR agency called again. They want to connect with you. They're promising to manage your public image properly."
Krishna laughed softly.
"Again? Honestly, Manoj, I'm tired of them," he said.
"They want me to pay money so paparazzi can click my photos, write fake stories, and project me as some perfect star. A star who needs to buy attention—what a joke."
In his previous life, Krishna had seen this clearly. PR agencies manufactured personalities. Actors paid to appear humble, kind, and flawless in public. Even personal failures were repackaged into sympathy stories.
Krishna hated it.
He finished his water and leaned back.
"So," he said calmly, "tell me about the new project. 36 China Town."
Manoj's face brightened. "Yes. Originally, they wanted Shahid Kapoor as the male lead, but he rejected it. He's busy with Vivah. The production house is now finalizing you."
He handed Krishna the contract details and script.
Krishna skimmed through it carefully.
36 China Town – Project Details
Story:
The wealthy casino owner Sonia Chang's only child goes missing. A huge reward is announced. Two strangers—Raj, a struggling actor, and Priya, a runaway—find the child in Mumbai and decide to return him for the reward.
But when they reach 36 China Town, Sonia's luxurious mansion in Goa, they discover her murdered. Panicking, they flee and unknowingly become prime suspects.
Inspector Karan investigates the case, interrogating various eccentric suspects. In the end, the real killers—Sonia's housekeepers—are revealed. Raj and Priya are proven innocent and are given custody of the child.
Production House: Mukta Arts
Director: Abbas–Mustan
Budget: ₹18 Crore
Cast: Krishna, Kareena Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Isha Koppikar, Upen Patel, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever
Krishna looked up, intrigued.
"I've never seen this film in my previous life," he said honestly her mind and say manoj
" I like the story. I want this role."
Manoj nodded quickly. "They're offering you ₹2 crore. Shooting starts in a month. This is your first big-budget film."
Then he added hesitantly,
"Some PR agencies are also trying to compare you with Ranbir Kapoor. Saying after his debut, people will forget you."
Krishna smiled faintly. "Ridiculous. Let's ignore that."
He stood up and walked toward his private gym.
"I'll prepare harder," he said.
"I don't rely on contacts. I rely on work."
1 February 2006
Mauritius
The shooting of 36 China Town officially began.
Krishna stood in his makeup room, adjusting his costume. Today was the first day, and he felt calm—not nervous.
Outside, the set buzzed with activity.
Suddenly, Kareena Kapoor entered the room, glanced at him, and smiled faintly.
"So you're Krishna," she said.
"I must say, it's shocking. An outsider becoming this famous so fast. You're really lucky."
Her tone was polite—but Krishna recognized the subtle edge beneath it.
He met her gaze calmly.
"Thank you," he replied.
"But I believe I reached here through ability, not luck."
Kareena blinked, slightly surprised.
Before the conversation could continue, a confident voice interrupted them.
"Oh? Already fighting before the film even starts?"
They turned to see Akshaye Khanna—a middle-aged man with sharp features and a calm yet commanding aura.
Kareena laughed awkwardly. "Of course not."
She quickly excused herself.
Akshaye looked at Krishna thoughtfully.
"Listen, kid," he said quietly.
"You've done two films, yes—but this is just the first phase. The real journey starts now."
Krishna nodded respectfully.
"Thank you, sir. I'm ready for whatever comes."
Akshaye smiled slightly, impressed.
On Set – 36 China Town
Shooting progressed smoothly. Mauritius stood in for multiple locations without any issues.
Kareena often pranked Krishna during breaks, but over time, the tension eased and they became genuine friends.
After several intense scenes, Kareena finally admitted,
"Krishna… your acting is dangerous. You're stealing the spotlight."
Krishna only smiled.
He also gave subtle suggestions to Akshaye and Kareena during scenes—not interfering, just improving emotional beats. Surprisingly, the director welcomed it.
Even Abbas-Mustan corrected several mistakes they had made in the original plan.
Paresh Rawal and Johnny Lever's comedy scenes improved significantly with Krishna's input.
Paresh Rawal laughed after one take.
"Good idea, Krishna. This connects much better."
Johnny Lever added,
"You should become a director!"
Krishna shook his head.
"No sir, acting is enough. Directing is too much headache."
Everyone laughed.
23 March 2006
Mauritius – Church Set
"Cut!"
The director finally called it.
The final scene was done.
Kareena stretched tiredly.
"Thank God it's over. I'm going to sleep for twelve hours. What about you, Krishna?"
"I want to watch the scene once," Krishna replied seriously.
Later that night, Krishna, Kareena, and Akshaye went to a nearby pub. Krishna didn't drink much, but under their insistence, he joined them.
"You're too introverted," Kareena teased.
"No hobbies, no fun."
Akshaye laughed. "You need to enjoy life."
Krishna smiled.
"Coming from the biggest introvert here, that's funny. But yes… maybe I need to change a little."
They parted ways soon after.
Mumbai, Juhu – Krishna Villa
Back home, Krishna returned to his routine.
For fun, he bought a Super Mario game.
Manoj joined him.
"Krishna! You're cheating again," Manoj complained.
"Let's play once more."
Krishna laughed.
"You act like a ten-year-old child—and still lose."
Manoj groaned, and both laughed.
For Krishna, this simple moment felt more precious than fame.