Rakul Preet Singh has joined the long-running debate over Bollywood and South Indian cinema, saying she finds the Telugu film industry more united and supportive.
Having worked successfully in both industries, Rakul said Tollywood has a culture of celebrating one another’s achievements, something she feels is largely missing in Mumbai.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Rakul reflected on her journey from making her acting debut in the Kannada film Gilli to becoming a familiar face in Telugu cinema before entering Bollywood with Yaariyan in 2014.
She credited the Telugu film industry with creating an environment where actors, filmmakers and producers openly support one another’s projects.
According to Rakul, members of the Telugu film fraternity regularly promote each other’s trailers, attend film events and celebrate box-office successes despite being competitors.
“They support each other’s films, trailers and promotional events. They celebrate each other’s success without hesitation,” she said.
While praising Tollywood’s work culture, Rakul also pointed out what she believes is one of Bollywood’s biggest weaknesses.
She said insecurity often prevents members of the Hindi film industry from openly supporting one another. Instead of encouraging fellow actors and filmmakers, she claimed that “negative PR” has become increasingly common.
Rakul added that Bollywood could become stronger if it adopted the same sense of unity and collaboration seen in Telugu cinema.
Her remarks have sparked a fresh debate on social media. Many users agreed with her observations, while others questioned whether the comparison between the two industries was entirely fair.
Several Telugu cinema fans praised Rakul for acknowledging Tollywood’s supportive culture, even after establishing herself in Bollywood.
On the work front, Rakul was last seen in Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, alongside Ayushmann Khurrana, Wamiqa Gabbi and Sara Ali Khan.
She is also reportedly part of Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash. Although the makers have not officially confirmed her role, reports suggest that she may play Surpanakha in the mythological epic.
Rakul’s comments have once again brought attention to the work culture in Indian cinema and whether greater collaboration could help Bollywood grow stronger as an industry.