Tanishaa Mukerji He opened up about the changing culture of Bollywood, saying that today’s film industry feels much more “corporate” and emotionally disconnected compared to the environment he grew up in.In a recent chat with Mamaraazzi, Tanishaa reflected on how relationships, integrity and passion for cinema have gradually taken a backseat to commerce and profit.Talking about the evolution of the industry, Tanishaa said: “I think it has become colder. Unfortunately, we grew up in an industry that was more about relationships, family and integrity. Now it has become more corporate: less about values and more about money, less about content and more about projects, less about audience and more about profit.”The actor said that during his formative years, he felt collective success in the film industry. “I grew up in an industry where everyone celebrated each other’s success. Of course there were little jealousies – that’s human nature – but generally one person’s success felt like the industry’s success because the industry itself felt like a family,” he shared.Recalling stories she had heard from her grandmother’s time, Tanishaa spoke of how prestigious the award functions were once upon a time. “I grew up hearing stories from my grandmother’s generation, how prestigious events like the Filmfare Awards were. Back then, only actors and artistes entered. It was considered an honor to participate. Today, it seems like every second person gets an award. Sometimes if your film is a commercial success, the awards automatically follow, regardless of performance,” he said.Despite the criticism, Tanishaa said she remains very connected to the industry. “I still go to awards because I’m a film industry kid and I’ll always support my industry. Whenever a film breaks records, I feel proud, whether it’s Animal, Kantara or any hit. I especially love when the content shines and someone who wasn’t considered a ‘superstar’ suddenly becomes one through sheer storytelling and talent,” he added.
“Producers once risked everything for cinema”
Tanishaa also reflected on how filmmaking once involved enormous personal risk and emotional investment on the part of producers. “There was a time when producers put everything on film. My father has done it: he took loans, risked losing his house because a film didn’t do well. There was a time when producers literally lost everything for a film. You could have only one rupee left in your wallet because you threw your whole life into that project,” he said.According to him, this emotional investment is missing today, because the system has become more secure and more corporate. “That kind of passion, that kind of risk, where your whole heart is invested in cinema. Today I feel that’s missing. Now everything is very safe. Corporations protect projects, cover risks, systems are in place. But somewhere, the heart has been lost,” he explained.
“Bollywood is going through a difficult phase”
Talking about the current state of Hindi cinema, Tanishaa admitted that the industry is struggling. “Right now, a lot of projects in our industry are stuck. The industry is going through a difficult phase,” he said.He also added that Bollywood has become an easy target for public scrutiny. “There is a lot of negativity surrounding Bollywood these days. Some criticism is deserved and some is not. But Bollywood has become a talking point for everyone. The moment you say ‘Bollywood’, people react immediately, be it in living rooms, corporate offices or public debates. Everyone wants to be praised or attacked.”“Unfortunately, the industry is struggling. Many films are stuck, not being made or not being released, because audiences are not going to theaters like they used to,” he added.
He praises Tanishaa Dhurandhar and Ranveer Singh
However, the actor also expressed hope while talking about Dhurandhar, calling him “an enigma”. Praising the film and its emotional impact, he said, “I really think Dhurandhar is an enigma. I loved I saw it with my mom and I was literally screaming and clapping in the theater. I am such an audience. I am a filmi bachcha”.Tanishaa reveals that she enjoys movies with gusto and doesn’t shy away from expressing her excitement in theatres. “Now if I suddenly start clapping on a PVR, everyone looks at me like, ‘Isko kya ho gaya?’ But I can’t help it. This is how I enjoy cinema. I remember doing the same thing in Animalia,” he said.Praise the filmmaker Aditya Dhar and actor Ranveer Singh, added: “What I loved about Dhurandhar is that you can see the passion behind it. I’m not talking specifically about the content – you can feel that Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh put their heart and soul into it.”“We all read stories about the struggles behind making a film, the financial issues, getting the studios out and everything else. But that kind of passion always comes through to the audience. India is an emotional country. We are deeply emotional and spiritual. We don’t just think practically or logically. We feel things,” he concluded. “And when filmmakers put that fire and honesty into a project, audiences don’t just see the film, they feel the passion oozing off the screen. That’s what I truly believe.”
