Filmmaker Hansal Mehta and actor Pratik Gandhi have voiced their concerns over the lack of opportunities for new talent in Bollywood. Speaking at the second edition of the Cinevesture International Film Festival, they highlighted how the industry continues to favor established names, limiting the space for fresh actors and creators. Hansal Mehta and Gandhi urged producers and directors to take more risks with newcomers, emphasizing that such investments could yield significant benefits in the long run.
Hansal Mehta, who has been vocal about this issue on social media, recalled how studios like UTV played a crucial role in promoting emerging talent in the 2000s. He acknowledged Applause Entertainment for continuing this trend by supporting actors like Pratik Gandhi, Zahan Kapoor, and Gaggan Dev Riar. According to Hansal Mehta, Bollywood is at a critical juncture where an abundance of talent exists, but opportunities remain scarce. He criticized the industry’s reluctance to experiment, arguing that the so-called ‘big names’ have often failed yet continue to be cast repeatedly.
Hansal Mehta pointed out that when big stars fail, the financial losses for studios are immense. In contrast, taking a calculated risk on fresh talent comes with fewer downsides but potentially higher rewards. He urged industry leaders to reconsider their casting choices and adopt a more inclusive approach that encourages innovation and diversity.
Pratik Gandhi, who gained widespread recognition through Hansal Mehta’s Scam 1992, echoed these sentiments. He observed that the space for new actors is shrinking, with the industry relying on a select group of individuals. According to Gandhi, the prevailing notion that there is a lack of good actors is misleading. He asserted that many talented performers are waiting for opportunities, but only directors and producers can bridge this gap by offering them roles.
Gandhi also spoke about his ongoing collaboration with Hansal Mehta, particularly their ambitious project on Mahatma Gandhi. Having worked together for five years, he described their partnership as one built on mutual understanding and creative synergy. At the festival, Gandhi’s latest film, Ghamasaan, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, premiered to an eager audience.
The Cinevesture International Film Festival, which opened with the South Korean film A Normal Family, provided a platform for insightful discussions with industry veterans such as Vikramaditya Motwane, Nandita Das, Abhishek Chaubey, and Honey Trehan. The festival underscored the urgent need for Bollywood to embrace fresh talent, fostering a more dynamic and diverse entertainment landscape.
