Filmmaker Subhash Ghai spoke out against the evolving nature of Bollywood stardom. During a recent interview on the Game Changers YouTube channel, he lamented the new breed of actors who give more priority to brand development than pursuing the artistic aspect. Today’s actors, as he believes, are far more concerned with monetary success and endorsements than delving deeper into their craft.
The Transformation in Bollywood’s Stardom
Ghai contrasted the industry’s then and now, pointing out how actors in previous generations were thoroughly invested in their characters. He remembered how Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff were addressed by their character names on the set, further indicating their commitment to the narrative. But he feels that contemporary actors are swayed by talent managers, who screen scripts and decide on career choices based on box office potential instead of artistic merit.
The Rise of Image-Driven Careers
As per Ghai, performers these days think of themselves as brands instead of actors, and the result is that fewer genuine superstars exist. He condemned the growing influence of managers in deciding the public persona of an actor, saying that brand endorsements and PR tactics have overshadowed the selection of good roles. He appealed to young actors to perform scenes instead of merely reading scripts, stressing that acting is all about practice and understanding.
Only Ranbir Kapoor Shines
Ghai noted that only Ranbir Kapoor has attained actual stardom in the past decade, whereas actors of the 80s—Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Akshay Kumar—still rule due to their dedication to the craft. He challenged the current generation to place passion and discipline above business transactions, as stardom arises from actual audience connection, not commercial calculations.
