It’s been an incredible journey—over 500 films, decades spent in the spotlight, and countless characters brought to life. Yet, as the year winds down, a small, recurring thought often crosses my mind, especially when I see certain notifications pop up on my phone.
You know the ones. They gather the biggest stars, the most lauded directors, and the critical darlings of the year. They sit together, usually in a beautifully lit room, discussing the craft, the challenges, and the state of cinema. I watch them, genuinely enjoying the conversation, but I always have this one persistent question: Why am I never at the table?
It’s not about ego, not at all. It’s about being part of the cinematic conversation. For an actor like me, who has tried to bridge the gap between commercial cinema and more artistic, serious roles, these roundtables feel like the ultimate stamp of industry recognition.
I look at the fantastic actors who are invited, and they deserve every moment of that spotlight. They’ve done phenomenal work. But so have I. This past year, like many before it, I’ve poured my soul into roles that I felt were challenging, powerful, and deeply personal. I’ve played characters that resonated with audiences across the country and even globally.
So, when the esteemed critics and journalists compile their guest lists, I wonder what the selection criteria truly is. Is it purely about the box-office success of the last film? Or is it about the specific type of cinema that is considered ‘trendy’ or ‘critically acceptable’ at the moment?
Perhaps the hesitation to call me stems from a perception. Maybe I’m seen as too much of a ‘veteran’—a constant presence who doesn’t need to be ‘introduced’ to the audience anymore. But that’s precisely why I think I should be there.
Imagine the depth of conversation I could bring. I’ve seen the industry change from the inside out, watching trends rise and fall, and I’ve worked with three generations of filmmakers. I could offer a perspective that is not just about a single film, but about the longevity and dedication required to survive and thrive in this demanding profession.
My stories wouldn’t just be about my performance in one film; they’d be about the evolution of acting itself in Indian cinema. It would be a chance to talk about the sheer joy of the work, away from the typical promotional noise.
I have tremendous respect for the journalists who host these events. They facilitate important dialogues. My hope is simply that, in the future, they might broaden their lens a little.
The roundtable is meant to celebrate the best in cinema. Sometimes, the ‘best’ isn’t just the shiny new thing; it’s also the foundation, the experience, and the consistent, impactful body of work.
My message is a simple, good-natured one: I’m ready. I have stories to share, wisdom to impart, and a genuine love for my craft that could add a unique flavor to that esteemed table. So, to the critics and the organizers, next year, let’s keep an empty seat ready. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally get my turn to sit down and talk cinema. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
