Actor Sparsh Shrivastava, known for his performances in Jamtara and Laapataa Ladies, recently shared his views on favoritism in Bollywood during an interview with Filmy Gyaan. Addressing the long-debated issue, he suggested that the industry is undergoing a transformation, largely driven by changing audience preferences and the rise of OTT platforms.
“No, it doesn’t happen… but that’s how I see it. I may be wrong, but the audience today gets bored very easily with everything because their attention span is gone. So, when the same faces are repeated—if they are not bringing anything new to the table—the audience itself is replacing them. If you keep practicing favoritism in one film, then another, but after that, if the audience stops giving you business, you tend to change the faces. So yes, I mean, it’s a fair chance for everyone. That’s a big blessing from OTT because now it’s a level playing field.”
View this post on Instagram
His statement suggests that while favoritism may still exist, its influence is diminishing as audiences demand novelty and fresh talent. With viewers becoming less tolerant of repetitive casting and predictable performances, actors must continuously evolve to stay relevant.
OTT: The Great Equalizer?
Shrivastava also highlighted the role of OTT platforms in leveling the playing field. The digital space has introduced numerous new talents and provided opportunities beyond Bollywood’s traditional star system. Unlike mainstream cinema, where big names often secure major projects regardless of audience reception, OTT content thrives on storytelling and performances rather than celebrity status.
This is not the first time Shrivastava has spoken about industry dynamics. In a previous interview with The Times of India, he mentioned his interest in exploring urban-centric scripts while still appreciating the appeal of rural narratives. “I also don’t want to miss out on beautiful characters that belong to rural India. The world out there enjoys such films. You get immense love for such characters,” he had said.
With audiences increasingly favoring fresh faces and authentic performances, Bollywood appears to be shifting away from conventional favoritism. As Shrivastava aptly put it, the industry’s reliance on repeated faces is fading, and the focus is now on talent and originality.
Favouritism and Nepotism in Bollywood
The debate around favoritism and nepotism in Bollywood has been ongoing for years, with several celebrities openly addressing the issue. Many actors and filmmakers have shared their perspectives on how the industry functions, often favoring certain individuals over others.
Kangana Ranaut has been one of the most vocal critics of Bollywood’s favoritism culture. During a 2017 episode of Koffee with Karan, she famously called host Karan Johar the “flag bearer of nepotism,” accusing him of promoting star kids over talented outsiders. Since then, Ranaut has consistently criticized Bollywood’s elite circles, claiming that opportunities are often reserved for those with influential connections.
In a 2024 interview with Pinkvilla, Parineeti Chopra also weighed in on favoritism in Bollywood. She acknowledged the existence of “camps” in the industry, where a select group of actors and filmmakers are repeatedly favored over others. She admitted that despite talent, some deserving actors struggle to get opportunities because of the industry’s inclination towards familiar faces.
