Zee TV’s Tumm Se Tumm Tak actress Niharika Chouksey believes that although aspiring actors today have access to more opportunities than ever before, building a stable career in the entertainment industry remains a major challenge due to intense competition and the ever-growing talent pool.
Speaking about the changing landscape of the industry, Niharika pointed out that the rise of OTT platforms, music videos, short films, reality shows, vertical content and social media has created several avenues for performers. However, she feels that the abundance of platforms has also increased competition.”While platforms have multiplied, the sheer volume of aspiring talent entering the industry every day keeps the competition exceptionally fierce. Having music videos, OTT, TV and social media shows means there are more doors to knock on than there were a decade ago. But content today is also highly segmented and fast-paced. A project may finish its run within weeks, and actors are back in the audition cycle. Visibility is easier to achieve, but sustaining a long-term acting career is still extremely challenging because the supply of talent continues to outpace the number of recurring, sustainable roles,” she says.
Asked whether there are fewer opportunities despite the boom in content creation, Niharika offered a balanced perspective. “I don’t think opportunities have reduced. In fact, the industry has more opportunities than ever before. Production houses are constantly creating content. The challenge is that the number of actors has increased even more. Digital platforms have made it easier for anyone with talent and a smartphone to showcase themselves. As a result, thousands of talented individuals compete for the same roles, making the selection process extremely competitive.”
Having an alternative career or another source of income is a practical decision rather than a sign of lacking commitment.
The actress also reacted to the popular saying that “Every second person in the gym wants to become an actor. It’s a funny observation because the profession has become very aspirational. Staying fit certainly helps your screen presence, but that’s just the starting point. Looking good is probably only five per cent of what acting actually demands. The real work lies in understanding characters, developing emotional depth, improving your craft, reading scripts and having the mental resilience to handle constant auditions and rejection. The glamour often hides the hard work that goes into becoming a successful actor.”
Speaking about the uncertainty that comes with an acting career, Niharika said she believes actors should prepare themselves financially and professionally. “An acting career is naturally unpredictable, so having an alternative career or another source of income is a practical decision rather than a sign of lacking commitment. You may be busy shooting for months and then suddenly experience a long dry spell. Having financial stability or investments gives you the freedom to wait for the right opportunities instead of accepting projects purely out of necessity. It helps you make better creative choices without the pressure of immediate financial needs.”
