Entertainment
Actor Says Online Popularity Should Not Replace Acting Talent
Actor Raashul Tandon has voiced concerns over the increasing trend of influencers and internet personalities being cast in films and streaming projects primarily due to their social media popularity. The actor said production houses and OTT platforms should recognise the difference between online fame and the craft of acting on screen.
Actor Raashul Tandon, known for supporting roles in films such as Pink, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and Heropanti, has criticised the growing practice of casting influencers and social media personalities in films and OTT projects primarily because of their online popularity.
Tandon shared his views in a video posted on his Instagram page, where he discussed the trend of digital influencers being offered significant acting roles. Referring to Netflix’s recent release Kartavya, he remarked that while internet personalities may be highly successful in their own fields, acting for cinema requires a different skill set.
In the video, Tandon mentioned journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, who reportedly played the main antagonist in Kartavya. He also referred to comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi appearing in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar and YouTuber Ajey Nagar, popularly known as CarryMinati, featuring in Runway 34 starring Ajay Devgn.
Tandon clarified that he was not comparing or criticising these personalities individually and acknowledged their achievements in their respective professions. However, he stressed that being famous on social media should not automatically qualify someone for acting opportunities without proper performance abilities.
The discussion has reignited debate within the entertainment industry regarding the growing influence of social media popularity in casting decisions and the challenges faced by trained actors seeking opportunities in mainstream cinema and streaming platforms.
