Tanishaa Mukerji has opened up about the changing culture in Bollywood, saying the film industry today feels far more “corporate” and emotionally disconnected compared to the environment she grew up witnessing as a child.In a recent chat with Mamaraazzi, Tanishaa reflected on how relationships, integrity and passion for cinema have gradually taken a backseat to commerce and profits.Speaking about the evolution of the industry, Tanishaa said, “I find it has become colder. Unfortunately, we grew up in an industry that was more about relationships, family and integrity. Now it has become more corporate — less about values and more about money, less about content and more about projects, less about the audience and more about profits.”The actor said that during her growing-up years, success in the film industry felt collective. “I grew up in an industry where everybody celebrated each other’s success. Of course there were little jealousies — that’s human nature — but overall, one person’s success felt like the industry’s success because the industry itself felt like a family,” she shared.Recalling stories she heard from her grandmother’s era, Tanishaa spoke about how prestigious award functions once used to be. “I grew up hearing stories from my grandmother’s generation about how prestigious events like the Filmfare Awards used to be. Back then, only actors and artists were allowed inside. It was considered an honour to attend. Today, every second person seems to be getting an award. Sometimes it feels like if your film is commercially successful, awards automatically follow, irrespective of performances,” she said.Despite her criticism, Tanishaa maintained that she remains deeply connected to the industry. “I still attend awards because I’m a film industry child and I’ll always support my industry. Every time a film breaks records, I feel proud — whether it’s Animal, Kantara or any breakout success. I especially love when content shines and somebody who wasn’t considered a ‘superstar’ suddenly becomes one through pure storytelling and talent,” she added
‘Producers once risked everything for cinema’
Tanishaa also reflected on how filmmaking once involved enormous personal risk and emotional investment from producers. “There was a time when producers would put everything on the line for cinema. My dad has done it — taken loans, risked losing the house because a film didn’t do well. There was a time when producers literally lost everything for a film. You could be left with just one rupee in your wallet because you poured your entire life into that project,” she said.According to her, that emotional investment is missing today because the system has become safer and heavily corporatised. “That kind of passion, that kind of risk, where your whole heart is invested in cinema — I feel that’s missing today. Now everything is very safe. Corporates are backing projects, risks are hedged, systems are in place. But somewhere, the heart has gone missing,” she explained.
‘Bollywood is going through a difficult phase’
Talking about the current state of Hindi cinema, Tanishaa admitted that the industry is struggling. “Right now, a lot of projects in our industry are stuck. The industry is going through a difficult phase,” she said.She further added that Bollywood has become an easy target for public scrutiny. “There’s a lot of negativity around Bollywood today. Some criticism is deserved and some isn’t. But Bollywood has become a conversation point for everybody. The moment you say ‘Bollywood,’ people immediately react — whether in drawing rooms, corporate offices or public discussions. Everybody wants to either praise it or attack it.”“Unfortunately, the industry is struggling. A lot of films are stuck, not getting made or not releasing because audiences are not going to theatres the way they once did,” she added.
Tanishaa praises Dhurandhar and Ranveer Singh
However, the actor also expressed hope while talking about Dhurandhar, which she called “an enigma”. Praising the film and its emotional impact, she said, “I genuinely think Dhurandhar is an enigma. I loved it. I watched it with my mom and I was literally screaming and clapping in the theatre. I’m that kind of audience. I’m a filmi bachcha.”Tanishaa revealed that she enjoys films wholeheartedly and doesn’t shy away from expressing excitement in theatres. “Now if I suddenly start clapping in a PVR, everybody looks at me like, ‘Isko kya ho gaya?’ But I can’t help it. That’s how I enjoy cinema. I remember doing the same during Animal too,” she said.Praising filmmaker Aditya Dhar and actor Ranveer Singh, she added, “What I loved about Dhurandhar is that you can see the passion behind it. I’m not even talking about the content specifically — you can just feel that Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh poured their heart and soul into it.”“We all read stories about the struggles behind the making of the film, financial issues, studios pulling out and everything else. But that kind of passion always reaches the audience. India is an emotional country. We are deeply emotional and spiritual people. We don’t only think practically or logically. We feel things,” she concluded. “And when filmmakers put that kind of fire and honesty into a project, audiences don’t just watch the film — they feel the passion coming off the screen. That’s what I truly believe.” Go to Source
