‘Alexander’ actor Shrey Gupto is struggling with nepotism, facing casting couch and working with legends like Suria, Rajinikanth and Salman Khan – Ananya |

Shreya GuptoWhich was recently seen in Salman Khan starrer ‘Alexander‘, Opened up his journey from the vibrant set of Tamil cinema to the Bollywood bustling world. With his unique perspective as an outsider, he reflects the challenges of navigating navigating, humble experience with industry legends, and flexibility to break it. Shreya’s journey is as inspiring from facing uncomfortable realities on the set to see the true humility of stars like Rajinikanth and Salman Khan as it is an eye opening. Part …
After working in both Tamil and Hindi industries, how will you compare work culture, expectations of audiences and actors in both these industries?
Working on big sets has given me deep praise for filmmaking. For example, while working on ‘Varanam Ayiram’ with Gautham Vasudev Menon, I observed his unique style, and Suriya had my own view to work. Each set has its own work culture and methods, which I find really commendable. Being a part of such a set is a great learning experience for me, from the production designer from directors and actors. Looking at these grand films, it is now exciting to be a part of such a setup, even if the time has changed and people take longer to move to theaters. I have always been fascinated by cinema, and I would like to be a fly on the wall in a commercial film setup. This has been a great experience. While working with Rajinikanth sir, I have seen the humility and authenticity that the audience has seen on social media. The person he bear is right what we see on the screen – he is as humble as everyone believes him. On the other hand, Salman Khan’s generosity, which we know through his human campaigns, were clear when they purchased the children on the set.You have made your career without industry support. How do you see the debate around brother -in -law in Bollywood and South cinema?
There is brother -in -law in every industry. This is a clinch answer, but true. Outsiders like me, and even actors like Vicky Kaushal, who did not have an easy start, give us hope. Shahrukh Khan himself was an outsider. Udham is difficult, and sometimes, audition tapes do not reach the manufacturers due to politics and lobbying. But is this not a case in every field? In South Cinema, I was lucky to be a part of seven to eight films as a child artist. I did not know much at that time, but just enjoyed the experience. My mother ensured that I completed my education, so I shot most of my films during the summer holidays. When I wanted to be a part of Bollywood, Alexander was the first step, and I am very grateful for the occasion.

Many actresses have talked about unfair experiences in the industry. Have you ever encountered or seen Casting couch Events? How did you handle them?
I will not lie – I had to face such incidents in Chennai that made me away from the industry. This is why I went to Mumbai. When I faced such a situation, I had to ignore and leave my natural response status, without the support of any industry. I had a famous director who used to call me for an audition, and I went there with my mother after completing my post-graduation. He spoke improperly and indicated on the casting couch. I replied saying, “I will prepare the scene and come back tomorrow,” but I never went back. It exists, and I faced it a few years ago. Thankfully, I have not experienced anything like that recently, and I am happy for it.