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Time and again, celebs have been vocal about not getting work in the industry, and the latest to join the list is veteran actor Ratna Pathak Shah. In a recent interview, she complained about being unemployed for over a year, and blamed the new age of social media for it. She said, “Based on the number of followers on Instagram, people are getting work today. That’s what I have heard. Nobody asks me because I am not even on Instagram. So maybe I don’t get work because of that.” From Karishma Tanna to Abhilash Thapliyal, we spoke to actors and found out what they think about her statement.
1. Karishma Tanna
There exists a culture of getting work based on Instagram followers in the entertainment industry. Nowadays, some casting directors and producers often consider an actor’s social media presence, especially on platforms like Instagram, when making casting decisions. This trend is driven by the idea that actors with a large following can bring more visibility and promotional value to a project. Actors are evaluated not only based on their talent and experience, but also on their ability to attract and engage an online audience. Unfortunately, this can hurt talented actors who choose not to be very active on social media. I haven’t experienced this personally, but I know many people who have faced professional ups and downs based on their social media following.
2. Urvashi Dholakia
I completely agree with Ratna ji. I have been saying this for years, Ratna ji is not the first person to come forward with this. It happened especially after Covid when social media following became a thing, before that no one cared. The pandemic changed people’s minds and suddenly the idea of keeping track of Instagram followers got ingrained in people. The digital market became very strong during that time. In terms of opportunities, everything is about the numbers game now. Producers still look at actors who have more followers, this trend is only increasing and not decreasing at all.
3. Aahana S Kumra
Of course this culture exists in the industry. If not, why would people who are not filmmakers go to Cannes? The world is running on the basis of followers now. There are many talented filmmakers and actors who are dying to go there but can’t go because of less followers, but everyone prefers to take the person with more followers. So, it is not only about acting projects, it is about every opportunity. I think in India, acting comes last. Acting is the last factor in acting. Nowadays everyone wants promotion through followers only. Personally, I have a very big family on Instagram and I feel they are connected to me through my talent, so I cannot say that I did not get work for myself, but I have many friends in the industry who have experienced it.
4. Abhilash Thapliyal
A lot of people get work based on their Instagram followers. But, you see them doing the same thing on the big screen as well that they do on Instagram. This is the trend but I hope it ends soon because there are so many amazing actors out there. Making reels and playing characters on screen are two very different things. I hope people understand the craft of acting better. This happened to me once, I was shortlisted for a show but the person who eventually played the lead role had more followers than me. But, the show turned out to be a disaster so I made peace with it. The number of followers is not directly proportional to the authenticity of a character, it should be seen that way.
5. Aditi S Pohankar
As an actor, there is so much to do and learn and I am a little slow on the gram. I think social media life is a completely different new thing. I wouldn’t say casting is exclusively based on the number of followers, but people choose someone who is more active on Instagram, I have heard it many times. I think it is a little pressurising for actors, especially when we talk about veterans. If followers will decide who to act, it is extremely sad. Thankfully, there are people in my circle who are more indulged in what you learn. But yes, my friends in the industry are upset with the gram culture. People feel good if their followers increase and if they decrease they feel disappointed. The pressure created by the industry makes actors feel confused. Even after She, I was told to be more active on social media
6. Abhishek Banerjee
I have heard this from many friends and actors when they called me and complained about such scenarios, it definitely goes on. Sometimes, casting decisions are influenced because of the actor’s portfolio, number of followers and social media. You might get cast once or twice because of that, but after that it will be about your talent and acting, it can’t happen every time. Good actors don’t need social media recognition. It will subside with time as no one can become a big actor because of their social media presence. But yes, an opportunity can be missed because of this reason.
7. Divyendu
I have heard of people being cast based on their Instagram followers. I find it quite stupid. I think you only do this when producers don’t have faith in their content, then they adopt such tactics. It’s kind of bizarre because there are so many qualified and deserving people who have given their lives to training and becoming actors. Losing a job because of Instagram numbers is quite ridiculous. Also, I think a lot of these numbers are fake too. Producers should be more accountable for this.
8. Namit Das
We are going through a phase of change at the moment. Your followers on Instagram matter because it equates to people who will see your project. Everyone looks at your social media influence in terms of how they can use it. This is something we have to live with, it is never going to change. There have been personal comments when people told me you should do something about your Instagram handle. I have a very different view on it, I don’t feel burdened to be an influencer. I am not going to name anyone, but there have been many instances where I feel I have lost opportunities because of that. I am trying to create a reality around me, which has social media as a small component, but it doesn’t control everything.
9. Rohit Roy
It is well known that getting work in our industry is not only based on Instagram followers, but it matters a lot. A lot of budding actors who have started from Instagram get more work these days. But I also think they are talented too. I agree with Ratna ji that it is prevalent today. But, if someone has a good social media presence and is passionate about acting, what is wrong with it? Many times people fall prey to numbers only, it is a bit uncertain and sticky, as many people also buy followers. I have faced ups and downs, but I don’t think it is because of social media followers. Both me and Ronit have a storehouse of work that goes beyond that, so honestly, we have not suffered.
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