Actor Raashul Tandon has voiced strong criticism against the growing trend of casting social media influencers and content creators in films and web series, even when they lack formal acting training. In a recent Instagram post, he questioned whether influencers like journalist Saurabh Dwivedi, comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi, and YouTuber Ajey Nagar (Carryminati) ever go through the traditional audition process like struggling actors do.
Raashul Tandon Questions Influencers' Audition Process
Raashul Tandon, known for his roles in films like ‘Pink’ and ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani,’ shared his thoughts after watching Saurabh Dwivedi's acting debut in the Netflix film ‘Kartavya.’ He said, “Kal raat maine Netflix pe film dekhi Kartavya, and jisne nahi dekhi, I am sure saare memes aapne dekh liye honge. Saurabh Dwivedi ji, jo journalist hain, unhone main antagonist play kiya hai. Abhi kuch time pehle ek film aayi thi, Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, jisme ek bahut hi famous aur kamaal ke comedian, Anubhav Singh Bassi, the. Aise hi Ajay sir ki film thi Runway 34; usme Ajey Nagar ji, Carryminati, the. Ye teeno log apne apne field me kamaal ke hain. Inka koi saani nahi hai. Aapko kya lagta hai, ye log line me lag ke audition dete honge, shortlist hote honge, and phir ek din woh golden call aata hoga. Nahi!”
Raashul Tandon's Plea to Producers
Raashul highlighted the business logic behind such casting decisions, stating that big production houses and streaming platforms approach influencers to leverage their ready-made fan base due to high financial stakes. However, he emphasized that online fame does not equate to acting ability. He made a passionate plea to producers and platforms: “I understand face value; I understand poster value. But please give us the roles where we fit. We are actors. We might not be that famous online, but we are good enough. There are so many good actors struggling to find a good role, kyunki ek kaam se doosra kaam milta hai.”
Raashul Tandon Urges Audiences to Take Responsibility
Raashul also called on viewers to be more discerning about the content they consume. He said, “The solution is that, as a viewer, you manage your feed. Don’t watch these cringe reels. Why? In the West, so many great shows like Breaking Bad and Seinfeld are made, but we are unable to make them. We are recycling the same old concepts because we can’t absorb new. This slight change is free of cost. But if you do it, the big production houses and platforms will feel the audience is changing. They will be ready and confident to put a lot of money on something new.” In the caption, he wrote, “This is not just about one actor or one film. It reflects what we celebrate as an audience. When society starts valuing performance over popularity, the industry will also start creating space for actors who may not be famous yet but truly deserve to be seen.”
Saurabh Dwivedi's Acting Debut in 'Kartavya' Draws Criticism
Journalist Saurabh Dwivedi made his acting debut in ‘Kartavya,’ playing the role of a self-proclaimed godman. The film, directed by Pulkit, received widespread criticism online for Dwivedi's performance, with many viewers sharing memes and negative reviews.
All About 'Kartavya' and Where to Watch It
‘Kartavya’ stars Saif Ali Khan as a small-town cop investigating a murder linked to Dwivedi's character. The film also features Rasika Dugal and Sanjay Mishra in key roles. It is currently streaming on Netflix.
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