In a rare and candid revelation, veteran actor Rajendra Gupta has pulled back the curtain on the inner workings of the Hindi film industry, highlighting a pervasive 'camp culture' that he believes hindered his path to mainstream stardom. The 78-year-old character actor, celebrated for his powerful performances across decades in television and cinema, shared his unfiltered views in a recent conversation, detailing the unspoken rules of networking and favoritism.
The Price of Not Being a 'Darbaari'
Gupta pinpointed the expectation for actors to constantly linger around influential filmmakers and producers as a key barrier. He described this practice as becoming their "darbaari" (courtier), a role he consciously refused to play. According to him, maintaining professional relationships often demands this constant physical presence, and those who choose not to engage in such sycophancy frequently lose out on opportunities. "I am not part of camps," Gupta stated firmly. He expressed his desire to work with creators whose work he admires but emphasized his boundaries: "I have my life and family. I am a professional and I don't hang around."
He believes this principled stand is the primary reason, apart from luck, that he never achieved top-tier stardom despite his respected body of work. "The industry has not given me the kind of roles that I yearn for," he admitted, reflecting on a lingering sense of unfulfillment even after an illustrious career.
Praise Without Repeat Work: A Recurring Dilemma
A particularly frustrating pattern for Gupta has been the lack of repeat collaborations, even after delivering acclaimed performances. He revealed that many excellent directors have loved his work but have never called him back for subsequent projects. "They have constantly been making good cinema, but they have not repeated me. Am I so bad?" he questioned rhetorically.
He directly linked this phenomenon to his unwillingness to cultivate a 'darbaari' image. "Just that I never gave them the impression that I am their darbari. Why are we required to do this? That means that your work has no value," he lamented, underscoring a system where personal allegiance sometimes outweighs professional merit.
Missed Opportunities with Notable Directors
Gupta did not shy away from naming filmmakers he wished had collaborated with him more. He specifically mentioned director Anubhav Sinha, praising his socially relevant cinema. He also recalled two significant missed chances from the past.
"Twenty-five to thirty years ago, Vidhu Vinod Chopra had chosen me for a role, the contract was also signed but the film story took a different turn and that did not happen," he shared. Furthermore, he disclosed that Rajkumar Hirani had once cast him, but that role also did not materialize, and the director never considered him again thereafter.
'Lies Are Sold': The Showmanship Over Substance
Reflecting on the core values that the industry often rewards, Gupta offered a cynical yet poignant observation. He argued that inauthenticity and display often triumph over genuine talent and friendship. "Lies are sold in the industry, those have more impact. Show-off is sold," he said.
He questioned the very nature of forced camaraderie, asking, "How can you give marketing the name of friendship?" However, he concluded with a resigned acceptance of this reality, noting, "But it is right also because the name of the industry is show business." His comments paint a picture of an ecosystem where perception and networking can be as crucial, if not more, than acting prowess itself.
