Anupama Fans, This One's for You!

# Acting Industry = Nepotism?  

Let’s start with the most obvious question— is nepotism a real thing in the TV industry? Short answer? Yes. Long answer? Watch the damn episode. We got into the reality of how people get cast, how “outsiders” (if that term even makes sense anymore) struggle to land roles, and how some just have it served on a silver platter.  

#The Hard Truth About Casting  

Nishi talked about how she got into acting and, more importantly, how people *actually* approach actors for casting. Spoiler alert: half the people in this industry are scammers. Fake profiles, fake auditions, and an entire system designed to prey on desperate newcomers. If you think talent is all it takes, wake up. Connections, strategy, and knowing how not to get played are just as important.  

Sagar, on the other hand, shared his own grind—how he started acting, the roadblocks he faced, and the number one mistake people make when trying to get cast. If you’re an aspiring actor, you better take notes.  

#The Ugly Side of the Industry  

And now, let’s talk about the part no one really wants to admit— casting couch, gender biases, and scams. Is the casting couch real? Unfortunately, yes. But it’s not just about women; men face their own version of exploitation too. There are gatekeepers at every level, and Nishi had a lot to say about the toughest part of being a female actor in this industry.   

We also got into the gender pay gap— do female actors get paid the same as their male co-stars? Do male actors struggle more to get roles? The answers might not be what you expect.  

#TRP, PR, and the Money Game  

Now, if you’re wondering why TV shows (especially daily soaps) are obsessed with crying, we got into that too. It all comes down to TRPs and audience psychology. Apparently, people love emotional torture. The more dramatic, the better the TRP. Simple.  

And here’s the part that had me shaking my head— PR is EVERYTHING in this industry. You think actors just “get famous” organically? Hell no. There’s a whole system behind building their image, pushing certain narratives, and keeping them relevant. We even named the biggest PR agency running the game right now.  

#Does TV Get the Respect It Deserves?  

Let’s be real. Bollywood actors walk into a room and people treat them like gods, but TV actors don’t get the same respect, even though their reach is arguably bigger. Sagar spoke about the shift happening now, especially with OTT platforms leveling the playing field. But TV still has its own hierarchy, and if you’re a daily soap actor, you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself.  

We also asked the obvious question— why don’t we see more LGBTQ+ representation on Indian TV? The answers were predictable but still disappointing. Apparently, the “masses” aren’t ready. But honestly, who decides that?  

#Reality Check: Social Media & The Fame Game  

In this era, social media can make or break an actor. We got into how platforms like Instagram and YouTube are reshaping careers and why some actors feel it’s a blessing while others think it’s a curse. The pressure to stay relevant, constantly post, and deal with trolls is real. But also, let’s not forget— the paycheck from brand deals isn’t too bad either.  

# What’s Next?  

We wrapped up the episode with some straight-up real talk. Do people actually buy awards? How much do actors really earn? What’s next for Nishi and Sagar? And of course, they dropped their most iconic *Anupama* dialogues before signing off.  

If you’re even remotely interested in what *really* happens behind the scenes in the TV industry, you don’t want to miss this one. Watch it, share it, and if you don’t like what you hear— well, too bad. The truth isn’t always comfortable. To watch the full episode check our youtube channel kshitiz adukia