Are new actors impressed? Mukesh Chhabra, Anand Pandit, and stars weigh on the equation developed with the social media fame of Bollywood – exclusive. Hindi film news

In the digital age, where a social media can accept the following traditional credibility, Bollywood casting ecosystem is undergoing a groundbreaking shift. Once, a star travel was defined by theater workshops, television gigs and modeling portfolio.Today, it begins rapidly with viral videos shared with reels, stories and millions of followers. This new reality has designed social media influential people – which are in the casting room of films and OTT projects along with the finished fanbase, which shake the criteria for a long time and shook the intensive debate within the industry.In a special conversation with Etimes, some of Bollywood’s most respected casting directors, producers, actor and filmmakers share their clear views on the incident. Their voices reveal a landscape that is the opportunity and challenge, innovation and caution of equal parts.

At the center of this conversation, casting director Mukesh Chhabra is behind India’s largest cinematic talent. For him, casting is anchor in a main principle – role.“First and foremost, it’s about the role,” Chhabra says. “Does this person actually suit character? It does not matter whether someone has a million followers if they cannot distribute emotionally on the screen. It doesn’t just help the film.”Nevertheless, Chhabra is not dismissing the lump sum influential people. “If an influential person has a screen appearance, emotional honesty, and ready to learn, I consider them. Their access can definitely help in the web material. But let me be clear – no one bypasses the audition. I still test everyone.”For him, the rise of affected in casting is “a natural development”. He explains, “Every generation has its own entry point. In the past, there were TV and modeling launchpads; Today, it is Youtube or Instagram. The stage may change, but storytelling and acting are the same. ,Chhabra insisted that impressive casting is not a free pass. “Only those who respect the crafts, who improve themselves and consider acting seriously, will live for a long time. Meditation can be purchased for a moment-cannot deepen deeply.”He is also into consideration about the concerns of trained actors. “I have rejected the affected with heavy followers because they cannot work. Also, I have seen some surprisingly raw talent online. Acting does not lie. The camera captures everything.”

Producer Anand Pandit is known for supporting a diverse slate of films-from commercial recreational to material-operated projects-similarities between today’s impressive wave and earlier ages.“Casting non-actors in films is not new,” Pandit Note. “Even in the seventies, the model and pageant winners infected in the rich film career. Now, the affected people have joined the league.”But, he quickly adds, “What matters is not the number of followers – it is whether they fit the character, bring authenticity, and desire to grow as artists. Popularity does not guarantee the impact on the screen alone. That is why many of them are only a few successful.”Pandit believes that this change shows how viewers today connect with materials. “Social media has democraticized access to opportunities … people now interact with personalities in reels and Vlog as with films. Still, you need an eye to see the real talent.”He also underlines the need to prepare the affected for cinema’s rigor: “Everyone has to learn that the camera is to face – it should star children or debutants from digital space. They should acting through workshops through workshops, acting skills through workshops.Talent vs. Trend: What actually Casting Drives?This partition is resonant among directors and actors amidst the reach of social media and real talent. “Pratibha can come from anywhere,” shares Housefull 5 director Tarun Mansukhani. “What really means an actor has the ability to connect with the audience and bring honesty to a performance. But it is important not to confuse popularity with preparation.”Acting demands surrender, continuous growth and honesty. “Followers do not substitute for crafts. Acting is a skill that demands depth and development,” the filmmaker emphasized.Diplomatic actress Sadia Khetab expresses a qualified approach: “I think it does not matter whether you are a doctor, engineer, or material manufacturer – as long as you are talented, nothing. But if the casting is done only on the countdown, it is a problem.”She highlights inconsistency in impressive performances: “I have seen talented material creators and are also influencing who do not perform on the screen. Eventually, it comes down to talent. ,Filmmaker Mojze Singh sang it simply: “It doesn’t matter whether a person is an influential person or not, or how many followers of him. The only reason for his selection should be – are they the best people for the part?”Voice from industryNevertheless, not everyone welcomes this change. Actress Charu Asopa said that many trained actors feel silent: “It is happening many times that the affected are put on trained or experienced actors – and this is not right. Just because someone looks good on Instagram does not mean they can work. ,She indicates the glamorization of online personality and ease of buying followers. “Followers can be purchased. Today, if you have money, it is not difficult to create an impressive profile. But acting requires experience, the camera needs to understand work, rhythm and emotional range.”ASOPA advocates equal opportunity but with equal effort. “There should be auditions. Casting should be based on talent, not viral videos or beautiful photoshoots. ,Playback singer Rimi Dhar is even more blunt: “In most cases, there are no affected actors. Having them often shows a lack of confidence in the filmmaker’s story. If your content is solid, he does not need a viral facial. It requires a real artist.”

Actor and entrepreneur Chahat Khanna highlighted why some of the impressers are successful and others do not: “Some impressers were probably to be an actor, but there was a shortage of exposure, so they made their platform. I’d appreciate it. But casting someone just because they have 10 million followers? It is baseless. ,She believes that there is nothing like making a content on a film set: “It is easy to shoot a reel – I can do it in 30 minutes and can earn what I can do in a week of acting. But acting requires discipline, understanding of lighting, camera angle and emotional arcs. It does not come from social media.”Khanna says that when she has not lost from roles to the affected, she is aware of shifting dynamics: “Instagram is a great platform for visibility. But if success was only based on the follower count, star-staded films would not flop. It all comes down to performance. ,This really means to ‘acquire’ a roleProducer Anand Pandit clearly calls it: “If real actors are sidelined in favor of the affected, it damages the quality of a project. Opportunities can be easier today, but maintaining a career requires talent, passion and commitment to maintain a career. A role is earned, not assigned to the popularity chart.”Mukesh Chhabra echoes: “Authenticity. Emotional honesty. The ability to take direction. The followers can see you, but this is your truth on the camera that takes care that.”Digital is his advice to aspiration for actors without the following: “Train. Play. Make self-taps. Stay hungry. Use social media to showcase your work-not a check trend. You don’t need to be famous to cast. You need to be real.”Fresh face, old values: new generation soundsActress Ritabhari Chakravarti embraces fresh talent but draws a clear line. “If someone has the right form, energy, and can act, it can audition them. It makes sense. But purely casting based on social media followers is transaction.They believe that impressive casting is a temporary phase, not a permanent replacement. “Brands pursue the affected for advertisements, but serious storytelling actors are preferred. The affected market grab a stake in the market, yes, but not always reliability.”Ritabhari welcomes cooperation with the affected for publicity, provided social media fame is not confused with acting skills.

Actor and assistant director Shan Grover offers a fine perspective: “The casting that affects is to live here. Manufacturers bring the price access and engagement, and millions of followers affecting.”Nevertheless, he remains a strong believer in traditional training: “I am a true-blooded actor. The theater, training, year of dedication-this is a real journey.”Shaan admitted that losing roles for the affected could be disappointing. “If an impressive person can actually act, they are not a threat. But producers must ensure that they are trained and ready.”Actor Arnav Maggo first emphasizes skill and suitability: “If the artist is a good actor and fits the role, it makes sense. Pratibha must come first.”They excel many affected people in material construction, but struggle to embodiment the characters written by others. “They often cast in roles close to their personality, which works for the audience. But professional acting needs to exit your comfort field.”Arnav adds that the impressive casting helps the OTT platforms to achieve the audience, but states, “I don’t remember an impressive dramatic hit.”Actress Khushi Mukherjee offers an optimistic view: “Our industry has always welcomed new people. Cinema has changed a lot from black and white to OTT generations.”He believes that social media affects only part of the talent of the new generation and should be seen with an open mind.The Final Tech: Craft remains kingThe rise of affected in Bollywood casting is undisputed. Social media has democratoized the discovery of talent and has opened doors for many people which may be ignored otherwise. Nevertheless, as the industry struggles with this new general, a clear consensus from casting directors, manufacturers, actors and filmmakers emerges equally:The craft of acting should remain in the core.Impressed with a real passion for acting, who are ready to work hard, learn and grow, will find a place in this developed landscape. Trained actors may face new challenges, but will not be replaced by followers alone. After all, the camera never lies.As Anand Pandit said, “Viewers can click out of curiosity, but they live for quality.”