In a candid revelation that’s shaking up Bollywood’s inner circles, rising star Siddhant Chaturvedi has laid bare the harsh realities faced by writers hailing from small towns. Speaking at a recent industry panel, the Gully Boy actor didn’t mince words about the systemic barriers that keep fresh voices from tier-2 and tier-3 cities sidelined in the glitzy world of Hindi cinema.
Chaturvedi, who himself rose from Mumbai’s suburban roots to stardom, highlighted how nepotism and urban-centric networks dominate scriptwriting opportunities. ‘These writers pour their hearts into stories reflecting real India, but they lack the connections to get through the gates,’ he said emphatically. His comments come at a time when Bollywood is under fire for lacking diversity in its creative talent pool.
Drawing from personal anecdotes, Siddhant shared how aspiring scribes from places like Jaipur, Lucknow, or Patna struggle with everything from language biases to outright rejection without feedback. ‘Producers in Mumbai often dismiss dialects or regional nuances as ‘not marketable’,’ he noted, pointing to a deeper cultural disconnect.
The actor called for change, urging filmmakers to scout talent beyond metros. ‘Small-town writers bring authenticity that’s missing in our films. It’s time we open the doors,’ he asserted. His outspoken stance has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many young writers thanking him for amplifying their plight.
As Bollywood grapples with post-pandemic recovery and calls for inclusivity, Chaturvedi’s intervention could mark a turning point. Industry insiders are watching closely to see if his words translate into action, potentially reshaping who gets to tell India’s stories on the silver screen.
