Even though the web as a new medium has opened up new doors and a number of platforms are coming up, finding the right work opportunity is s...
Even though the web as a new medium has opened up new doors and a number of platforms are coming up, finding the right work opportunity is still quite a task. There is a huge competition and often an actor is swamped with offers while others aren’t. 90’s popular Bollywood actor Sheeba Akashdeep, who has also done substantial work in films and television, shares her experience.
“There are plenty of opportunities today and there are many mediums. But yes, there are a lot of actors vying for similar roles. So, an actor's life is a hard life,” she says.
References and personal equations do help besides merit. There has been quite a debate around it. While many feel that it is a natural progression of things and is similar to any other industry, others opine that this has often created barriers for talent to progress forward.
“Definitely a personal equation and knowing the right people and being at the right place at the right time makes a big difference. And, I don't feel undeserving people get work. Whoever gets whatever, it means they deserve it and they probably fit the part well, and they were there at the right time. Also, they did a great audition. So I don't think they're untalented people who get an opportunity because today there are companies who handle the audition and they put you through the grind. So for the most part, they try to cast the right actor for the right role,” she explains.
Casting couch, power games, lobbying, and nepotism still exist no matter whether we accept them or not. Sharing her honest viewpoint, the actor says, “All these big words, I think it's applicable to people from every industry because at the end of the day, everyone goes just as far as their own conscience permits. Nobody forces anybody to do anything. And, if by lobbying you mean keeping in touch with people and trying to be seen at the right places and be available when the right opportunity presents itself, then let me tell you that doing good PR is an important part of the game.”
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