Sooraj Pancholi has been a notable presence in the entertainment industry for some time now. The actor recently completed fifteen years in the business, despite having appeared in only four films as an actor and two as an assistant director. He has seen it change from a tight-knit film industry to a corporate one. And now, in a recent conversation, Sooraj shared his thoughts about the changes.
Sooraj Pancholi opened up about how money could manage image and perception in Bollywood
Sooraj Pancholi recently sat for a chat with Hindustan Times and reflected on the changes the film industry has undergone since his initial days. The actor addressed how social media has played a pivotal role in shaping an actor’s perception and influencing stardom. He called himself a reclusive social media user, which was unusual for an actor of his generation. He revealed that if it were up to him, he would not be on social media.
Sooraj Pancholi shared his experience with his hot and cold relationship with social media, adding that many actors have managed to stay off social media. He admitted that it was an amazing tool to build their image, but he feels like the image could easily be managed by the sum one has in their bank account.
“If it were up to me, I wouldn’t have social media. There are so many actors who do not have social media, and I am so jealous of them. Everything can be managed by the amount you have in your bank, at least your visibility can be, and sometimes even your perception. Everybody is doing it.”
Sooraj Pancholi on how young actors are using social media
In the same conversation, Sooraj Pancholi shared his views on how the younger generation of actors was using social media. The actor revealed that he was appreciative of how these young stars have used the tool to their advantage. However, he also admitted that he has only been using it to do damage control. He was quoted as saying:
“They are very smart. I wish I thought like that. People like me can only do damage control, but that’s about it. As for perception about me, pehle kaam to karoon.”
Sooraj Pancholi on the dying superstardom in Bollywood
In the same conversation, Sooraj Pancholi also discussed the often-sparked debate that the proliferation of social media has killed the superstar culture in cinema. The actor revealed that social media has significantly impacted how an actor is perceived, but at the same time, it has also diminished their stardom, as there is no mystery or intrigue left. Sooraj agreed and shared that everything was so readily available that the audience no longer felt attracted to a star. He was quoted as saying:
“There are people as hardworking as the superstars. However, social media has made everything more accessible now. Agar yeh nahi hota, people would have still been superstars. Mystery nahin hai ab. And there is nothing without it. Everything is too available. Pehle biryani sirf Eid pe milti thi. Now, Zomato and Swiggy have made it a 20-minute thing. We don’t want it even though it’s available.”
What are your thoughts on Sooraj Pancholi’s revelations? Let us know.
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