Actor Kunal Roy Kapur has voiced a perspective that resonates with many seasoned professionals in the film industry: the casting pipeline has been significantly disrupted, and perhaps even “overtaken,” by social media platforms like Instagram. His comments highlight a crucial and complex shift in how talent is discovered, valued, and ultimately cast, moving away from traditional training grounds toward the digital stage.
For an actor like Kapur, the change is palpable. He fondly recalls a time when casting directors would actively scout talent in dedicated theatre spaces like Prithvi or NCPA. The process was hands-on: people went to watch young actors perform, observing their raw talent and commitment to the craft. A good performance on stage was a direct ticket to an audition.
Today, Kapur observes that the entire “playground” has changed. Instagram has become the primary scouting ground. Now, the first impression is often a performer’s profile, photos, or a quick reel. Casting directors are increasingly relying on this digital portfolio to assess potential, sometimes sending a direct message (DM) as the initial step for an opportunity. This shift, while making the industry more accessible in some ways, fundamentally changes the skill set that is initially valued.
While social media offers a quick and easy way for aspiring actors to showcase their personalities and even bits of their work, Kapur is careful to point out a significant gap between “digital popularity and the craft of acting.”
The life of a working actor requires a very specific set of skills that an online presence simply cannot guarantee: patience, discipline, and stamina.
He illustrates this beautifully by contrasting the instant gratification of a popular reel with the reality of professional acting—the need to “wait on set for four hours for ten minutes of work.” A high follower count may open a door, but sustained success depends on the ability to deliver a performance with depth and consistency, skills usually honed through years of dedicated training and theatre work.
In a world where online visibility is often seen as the ultimate goal, Kapur maintains that his motivation remains continuity—the ability to keep working steadily. He acknowledges that he doesn’t always have the “luxury of choice” and often has to select from the roles available. His focus is on “working,” not simply “being seen.”
This philosophy indirectly addresses the pressure many actors face to constantly post and chase online relevance. While digital activity may secure a role, Kapur suggests that a professional actor’s main priority must be the work itself. This pursuit of continuity through solid acting stands in contrast to the often short-lived fame of online stardom, serving as a reminder that the digital and artistic skill sets are fundamentally different, even if the industry now demands both. To know such updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
