Masand vividly remembered the difficulties of organizing the first-ever actors roundtable. The lineup included Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Irrfan Khan, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. It was a pivotal year for these actors, with movies like "Gangs of Wasseypur" for Nawazuddin, "Paan Singh Tomar" for Irrfan, "Talaash" for Aamir, and "Barfi" for Ranbir. Masand admitted being unsure if the roundtable would actually happen, especially considering the logistical challenges, but the actors cooperated and made it possible. Nawazuddin, who was shooting in Wai, had to drive for hours to reach Mumbai after finishing work at 8 PM, only to return for shooting the next morning. However, just an hour before the shoot, Irrfan pulled out without any means of communication since his phone was switched off. Masand had to frantically reach out to directors and producers, eventually persuading Nikkhil Advani, who had recently worked with Irrfan in "D-Day," to convince him. Irrfan, albeit irritated by the interruption, eventually joined the roundtable.
Despite the occasional challenges, Masand described the roundtable experience as a success. The shooting often continued until the early hours of the morning. However, there were instances when the chemistry among the actors wasn't ideal. Masand recalled one such incident involving Akshaye Khanna, who seemed hesitant to open up during a roundtable that featured the energetic Ranveer Singh, Shahid Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Vijay Varma. Masand realized his mistake, acknowledging that Khanna is a reserved person, unlike Singh who exudes boundless energy. The contrast was apparent, with one participant seemingly fueled by 200 Red Bulls while the other struggled to engage. In an effort to help Khanna break out of his shell, Masand's fellow participants took charge, asking questions and trying to facilitate a more comfortable environment. Despite their best efforts, sometimes the desired outcome couldn't be achieved.
Masand's recollections provide a glimpse into the intricate dynamics and challenges involved in bringing together such influential figures for candid discussions. These stories demonstrate the complex nature of managing egos, coordinating schedules, and dealing with contrasting personalities, all while striving to create engaging content.
