India, Nov. 20 -- An Indian-origin filmmaker has shared how an unconventional and initially regrettable idea helped him break into the highly competitive entertainment industry.

Speaking to Business Insider, Darshan Patel said he Venmoed a director "50 cents to get his attention". Initially, he believed that the move was "risky" because he feared it would backfire. However, he said, ultimately it kick-started his film career.

Patel shared that in his second-to-last semester of college, he was struggling to find postgraduation work in film or entertainment despite studying advertising with a minor in film studies. He said he applied to every opportunity he could find. He cold emailed studios, messaged producers, and even repeatedly DM'd ...