Internationally acclaimed film producer Shekhar Kapur, who is often being asked by wishful actors what it takes to be a good actor, said that acting needs proper discipline and years of introspection.

On his blog shekharkapur. com, Shekhar wrote, "It takes years of discipline to create mastery over your body and voice. It takes years of introspection and hard work to learn how to use the inherent emotions in you, to be able to transfer them seamlessly to your mind and emotion and from there seamlessly to your body and voice."

"The discipline and 'riyaz' (practice) of an actor is no less than that of a classical dancer," he added.

Shekhar, who has directed flicks such as "Bandit Queen", "Elizabeth" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" said that today's actors are obsessed by physical appearance and trust in making rounds of the page three circuit.

"You go to the Gym, get great pictures taken, discover your best angles, and go to parties to network. Get a six pack or a great body and go to photographers that know how to exploit those assets and then later photo shop them into perfection," Kapur wrote.

He also said that being attractive on the outside may be vital, but the 'art' of acting is to be striking on the 'inside'. (With Inputs from Agencies)