The conversation was honest, emotional, and very real, offering a glimpse into the struggles many trained actors quietly face in today’s entertainment industry.
Mahir shared his excitement about being part of Daniel, an international project that marks an important step in his career. For him, working on a Hollywood film is not just about global exposure, but also about being valued for his craft. He spoke about how the experience challenged him as an actor and pushed him out of his comfort zone. According to Mahir, international projects often focus more on performance, preparation, and discipline, something he deeply respects as a trained actor.
However, the tone of the interview shifted when Mahir opened up about a Bollywood project he was removed from. Without naming anyone, he revealed that he was dropped despite being prepared and committed, simply because someone else brought more social media followers to the table. This experience left him disappointed but also opened his eyes to the industry’s changing priorities.
Mahir spoke about the growing obsession with numbers — likes, followers, and online popularity. He shared that today, casting decisions are often influenced by social media reach rather than acting ability. Influencers, he said, are getting projects easily, sometimes without proper training, while actors who have spent years learning the craft continue to struggle for opportunities.
He made it clear that he does not hate influencers or social media personalities. In fact, he respects anyone who works hard. But what hurts him, and many others like him, is when talent takes a backseat. Mahir believes acting is a skill that requires time, effort, and emotional understanding, and it should not be judged by Instagram numbers alone.
The actor also spoke about rejection and how it shapes a person. Being replaced was painful, but he chose not to let it break him. Instead, he used it as motivation to focus on his journey and growth. Mahir shared that rejection is part of an actor’s life, and resilience is the only way forward. Every “no,” he said, teaches you something and prepares you for a better “yes.”
Mahir Pandhi’s journey reflects the larger debate of “talent versus followers” in today’s entertainment world.
