Actor Dulquer Salmaan has opened up about the challenges he faced during his initial experiences in Hindi cinema, revealing that he was often “pushed around” on film sets because he did not project the image of a major star. Speaking during a recent roundtable interview with Rana Daggubati, Archana Kalpathi, and Vikramaditya Motwane, the actor discussed the perception-driven culture of the industry and how it affected him despite his established reputation in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu cinema.
Dulquer says he had to create an illusion of stardom
During the roundtable hosted by The Hollywood Reporter India, Dulquer shared that he struggled to find even a chair or space behind the monitor on some Hindi film sets. According to him, the treatment an actor received depended heavily on perceived star power rather than actual experience or credentials. “When I did Hindi films here, the two people that I would come with and I would just get pushed around on sets. I had to create this illusion of being a big star; otherwise, I wouldn’t find a chair to sit on,” he said. He added that the lack of space behind the monitor was so common that he often felt unwelcome despite being part of the cast.
Dulquer elaborated that filmmakers and crew members frequently judged artists based on superficial cues—such as arriving with an entourage or stepping out of a luxury vehicle. “Apparently, if someone arrived in a fancy car with a lot of people, the perception would be that the person is a star,” he said, expressing disappointment that such norms influence the creative environment. He remarked that these pressures were unnecessary and that an artiste’s energy should be directed towards the craft rather than maintaining an image.
Actor attributes the treatment to the scale of Bollywood
Dulquer also reflected on the size and complexity of the Hindi film industry, which he believes may be a contributing factor to the behaviour he encountered. He noted that Bollywood operates at a far larger scale than most regional film industries in India, which may create hierarchical systems based on perception, image, and seniority. “I don’t want to be mean to any industry, but I guess it’s a cultural thing. Rana and I were discussing that the size of the Hindi industry is so massive, the number of theatres, markets, and so many states that speak the language and watch those films. We have just 1–2 states, and we think that we are a big deal. Maybe the size of the industry influences things,” he said.
The actor stressed that while he respects all industries, he wishes for more equitable and respectful treatment for artistes, especially newcomers or those transitioning from other regional sectors. His comments have sparked discussions among fans and film enthusiasts about the dynamics of professionalism on sets and the challenges outsiders face in Bollywood.
Dulquer’s recent and upcoming projects
On the work front, Dulquer was recently seen in Kaantha, a period mystery drama directed by Selvamani Selvaraj. Set in the 1950s in Madras (now Chennai), the film follows the life of TK Mahadevan, a celebrated superstar who shares a turbulent relationship with his mentor Ayya. The story takes a dark turn when Mahadevan agrees to act in a film directed by Ayya, only for the production to be disrupted by his towering influence and later thrown into chaos after a mysterious death on set. The film blends elements of noir, psychological drama, and industry politics, earning appreciable responses for its atmosphere and performances.
Looking ahead, Dulquer will next be seen in I’m Game, an action-oriented entertainer directed by Nahas Hidhayath, best known for the hit RDX. The film is expected to showcase Dulquer in a more rugged and high-voltage avatar, marking his return to mainstream action after several films rooted in drama and character-driven storytelling. Fans across South India and the Hindi belt have expressed excitement about the project, which is currently in production.
Conclusion
Dulquer’s candid remarks have once again brought attention to the challenges faced by actors navigating different film industries in India. His reflections underline the need for more inclusive, respectful, and professional environments on film sets, regardless of an artiste’s perceived star status. As Dulquer continues to take on diverse roles across languages, his experiences shed light on the evolving dynamics of Indian cinema and the importance of fostering a healthier creative culture.