Veteran actor Paresh Ganatra has carved out a lasting place in Hindi cinema, earning respect for his talent and consistency over the years. With standout roles in films such as ‘Welcome,’ ‘Aankhen,’ and ‘Delhi Belly,’ he has acted alongside some of the biggest stars in Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. Yet, despite a long and successful journey, Ganatra continues to face a challenge that surprises many that he still has to audition for commercials.
A veteran still asked to prove himself
Speaking to Pinkvilla, Ganatra revealed that even after spending decades in the industry, he is often required to audition for parts, especially for advertisements. He shared that he doesn’t resent the idea of auditions, as they help him stay prepared and connected to his craft. However, what troubles him is the attitude of some of the people overseeing the process. According to him, it is less about the audition itself and more about the lack of respect shown to experienced artists who have already demonstrated their skills countless times on screen.Ganatra’s observations point to a wider reality within the entertainment world, where supporting actors rarely receive the appreciation they deserve. While leading performers usually command attention, it is the character artists who bring life and realism to a story, turning simple scenes into something memorable and emotionally engaging.
Fighting for respect and recognition
“Even though I have no problem auditioning, I am against auditioning for an ad film,” Ganatra remarked. “You’re making a 30-second ad with someone like Virat Kohli, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, or Amitabh Bachchan. I am a character artiste, and all I have to do is say one line. Do you really think that I won’t be able to say that single dialogue? If you doubt my capability to do something so small and simple, then I have a problem auditioning.”For an actor with Ganatra’s level of experience, being asked to read for small ad parts highlights a larger issue that how the industry often fails to acknowledge proven talent. Even after performing alongside legends, he finds himself needing to validate his abilities. His words reflect a reality familiar to many character actors, where recognition in the film industry is largely reserved for stars, leaving those who bring depth and authenticity to stories continually striving for acknowledgment.
