Right before all the magic happens.
During his first ever visit to India in 2010, American photographer Mark Bennington began a book project titled Living the Dream: The Life of the 'Bollywood' Actor which is an in-depth exploration of the acting community of Bollywood.
Bennington explains: "The series has 112 photographs and interviews from the beginning student to the biggest star in the country and everyone in between. This is the story of many, that only few know.
"Actors are actors wherever you go; they share a universal commitment to story telling by hiding and revealing their lives at the same time. It’s this dichotomy that provoked the purest interest in me... I decided to present the actors in their own words, quoting them directly and making as few edits as possible."
Bennington's photos take a look at what goes on behind-the-scenes when Bollywood actors create the movie magic on-screen.
Ranveer Singh, at an award show, right before flying down to the stage using a harness.
Mark Bennington
Kareena Kapoor Khan, waiting for her shot to get ready at a sunscreen commercial shoot.
Mark Bennington
Nargis Fakhri, getting ready for a promotional event in a washroom in Mumbai.
Mark Bennington