How often have you heard, or even said yourself, that Bollywood is heading towards a dead end?
Well, that’s not entirely true. When people discuss Bollywood, they usually focus only on mainstream cinema.
With the rise of nepotism, we’ve seen an influx of mediocre films that easily grab media attention and production support because of their star lineage. While actors from non-film backgrounds don’t enjoy the same privileges. They often have to spend years struggling for recognition.
Take Triptii Dimri, for example. Despite delivering powerful performances in Qala and Bulbbul, she only gained widespread recognition after her role in Animal. Similarly, Kartik Aaryan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 collected Rs 400 crore, while his performance-driven film Chandu Champion struggled to cross ₹100 crore.
But Bollywood isn’t on the brink of collapse. We could say it is moving towards a phase where mediocrity is no longer the standard.
Audiences no longer have to settle for forgettable masala films like Loveyapa or Badass Ravi Kumar, which may offer quick entertainment but fade from memory just as quickly.
Instead, performances like Rahul Bhat’s gripping portrayal of DSP Rajesh Tomar in Black Warrant, Sanya Malhotra’s critically acclaimed role in Mrs. and Jaideep Ahlawat as Hathi Ram Chaudhary prove that genuine talent will always shine much more than mere family connections.
A film industry background might give actors a head start, but true talent ensures longevity. Just look at Sanam Teri Kasam, a box office failure at release, but remembered years later for its heartfelt performances and authenticity.
If we want to see more such captivating performances, we as an audience must actively support them. It shouldn’t take years for actors like Sanya Malhotra to receive their due recognition, only to be overshadowed by a star kid in the lead role.
Ultimately, the kind of content we engage with shapes the industry. If we keep supporting mediocrity, that’s exactly what we’ll continue to get.
