The Hindi film industry operates through its own mechanisms, which Prashant Narayanan disclosed during his appearance on Bollywood Bubble’s Off The Fame podcast. Dinesh Jethani, who hosted the show, examined how power operates within Bollywood while exploring its hidden political activities and their effect on people’s ability to maintain their true selves. Narayanan explained his experience as an outsider who arrived in Mumbai by describing how he survived by making unexpected career decisions. He expressed his natural acting tendencies but rejected industry standards, which he believed neglected the actual problems between actors who remained silent on social issues and those who endorsed pan masala products.
The episode examined political biopics through its examination of whether PM Narendra Modi films can achieve objectivity according to Narayanan. He openly discussed industry personalities, sharing his thoughts on Ranveer Singh, The Night Manager casting, and current movie industry trends, which indicate a decrease in risk acceptance. He shared personal stories about turning down Rang De Basanti, his relationship with Mahesh Bhatt, and his experiences working with legendary performers, including Dilip Kumar and Shankar Mahadevan. The discussion included delicate matters related to religion, creative expression, and how artists such as A. R. Rahman are treated. The episode presents its authentic content through unrestrained expression, enabling audiences to see the moral principles, artistic abilities, and personal bravery needed to speak truthfully about Bollywood.
Prashant Narayanan offers a critical perspective on Kartik Aaryan, calling him a poor actor who has found success largely through luck and his parents’ blessings rather than talent. He suggests that Aaryan’s popularity is puzzling, attributing it more to audience amusement—often laughing at rather than with him—than genuine appreciation of his skills. Narayanan questions why such actors are embraced by Indian cinema, expressing disappointment that success is sometimes valued over substance. The actor shows greater interest in acquiring wealth and public recognition, which he considers more important than maintaining his personal dignity, which he should avoid, he says.
