Candid Conversations Unveil Challenges Faced by Actors in Bollywood
As Vidya Balan and Pratik Gandhi gear up for their upcoming film “Do Aur Do Pyaar,” they recently engaged in a candid conversation during the inaugural session of Indian Express Expresso, sharing insights into their journeys in the film industry.
Vidya Balan, known for her outspoken nature, didn’t shy away from addressing the hot topic of nepotism in Bollywood. With her trademark candor, she firmly stated, “Nepotism or no nepotism, I am here. Kisi ki baap ki industry nahi hai, nahi toh har baap ka beta, har baap ki beti successful hote” (The film industry doesn’t belong to anybody’s father; otherwise, all the star kids would have been successful).
Reflecting on her own struggles, Vidya opened up about facing setbacks and enduring what she described as a “witch hunt” early in her career. Despite the challenges, she emphasized her resilience, stating, “I was shattered and my will to continue on this path was shaken. But I have to say that the fire in my belly outshone everything else.”
Pratik Gandhi, known for his stellar performance in “Scam 92: The Harshad Mehta Story,” shared his experiences of breaking into the industry. Relocating from Surat to Mumbai, he faced numerous rejections, particularly in the realm of television. He highlighted the industry’s narrow standards, revealing, “TV rejected me outright. My appearance didn’t work for them. They were looking for a certain kind of physique, skin colour, and look.”
The conversation not only provided a glimpse into the personal struggles of these talented actors but also shed light on the broader challenges of nepotism and stereotyping prevalent in the entertainment industry.
