Actress Rasika Dugal has opened up about the realities of the entertainment industry, saying talent and merit do not always receive equal importance and acknowledging that it hurts when she is not cast in a project.
In an interview with IANS, Rasika was asked whether the film industry is genuinely democratic. She said the industry, like the wider world, does not always function purely on merit.
“We live our lives. Talent and merit never get equal importance. We know that,” she said.
“The world is not a fair place to live in. Sometimes business things are more important, and sometimes artistic things are more important,” she added.
Rasika said casting decisions are also influenced by how viable an actor is perceived to be by filmmakers and other decision-makers.
“When your work increases and people feel that you are viable in their perception, they cast you. When that does not happen, they do not cast you,” she said.
The actress admitted that not being selected for a role can be difficult, but said rejection is part of the profession.
“It hurts a lot when casting does not happen. But this is a part of the game and a part of the business, and you have to take it on the chin,” she said.
Rasika also discussed how audience and industry perceptions can influence an actor’s career, including the possibility of being associated with a particular image or genre.
She said such perceptions are often tied to business considerations, but an actor cannot control how or when people perceive them.
“People have perceptions, and this is also about business perception. But who perceives you and at what time? Is it in your hands?” she said.
Rasika added that while such factors may affect her career, she prefers to focus on the work she can control.
“I feel that even if those things affect my work, I have no control over them. So, I try not to think about these things and do my work as honestly as I can. The rest will follow,” she said.
Rasika Dugal has earned recognition for her performances across films and streaming projects. She is known for playing Beena Tripathi in the Mirzapur franchise, alongside Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Kulbhushan Kharbanda.
