Many are debating and protesting the growing nepotism in Bollywood. Has it ever bothered you?
Nepotism has never bothered me in any way. I have always been busy working at my craft. People might think I’m lying when I say I’ve never been uncomfortable in the industry. But this journey and this experience have been mine, so I can only say how it was so far. My truth is that I have had many struggles. I’ve worked a lot to get movie roles. I have struggled for eight long years before people started to recognize me.
Although I have never had experiences of this type, I cannot deny that I have seen these things happen in the industry with others. Star children get opportunities faster than others because they belong to a certain family. I never had opportunities so easily. However, no one stopped me too. It doesn’t matter if you become a recognized actor after eight years of struggle or only eight days if you don’t have the talent; you will not survive in this industry. The audience is very smart. They know who is talented and who is not.
You have become a household name today. People know you by the name of the characters you have played on screen. How do you see your journey in Bollywood so far?
I have had a very interesting trip. It was like a sequence of dreams in the movies. I believe that I am one of the actors representing rural India. I was in the villages up to my 10th level. I didn’t know what life was like in the city until then. I think my journey in Bollywood shows that anything is possible. You can make a name for yourself in the world even if you are from a small town, “he said.
Of course, it has not been easy. When there is a vacancy for one and there are 100 candidates, obviously it will be difficult. Being an actor is like getting a job in the government. In fact, I feel like being an actor is more difficult because you have to have the ability and you can only work hard. There is nothing else in your hands. Definitely, my journey has been hard but not impossible.
Have you ever had a hard time adjusting to this glamorous world of Bollywood?
The people in this industry are very good and have always given me love and respect. I haven’t changed one bit to be part of this industry. I’m still that man from rural India. I’ve only changed in the sense that I’ve learned my performing arts craft and read good books. Regarding my appearance and outfit, I continue to wear what I feel most comfortable with. I have never changed my originality.
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