The industry selectively ignores or scrutinises

...says actor Ranvir Shorey in a candid conversation as he discusses the film industry

Actor Ranvir Shorey (above) says that he loves being an actor and whatever he has achieved is all because of the film industry.

“There is no business like showbiz, they say, and I totally believe in that. Whatever I have today, I owe it to the industry. Be it my friends, my family... I owe my being to it,” says Shorey, who is married to actor Konkona Sen Sharma.

But there are a few things about the industry that the Bheja Fry actor doesn’t like much or would like to change, if he could. “Depending on your surname, you are selectively ignored or selectively scrutinised in the industry, and that’s a bit unsettling,” he says.

That the profession is emotionally draining also adds woes. “There is no job security, because you don’t know if the film you are doing will work for you. But then again, another film works and you are alright,” laughs Shorey, who was recently seen in a biopic on the freedom fighter Gour Hari Das.

He adds that he would be happier if the film business becomes more than just about raking moolah at the box office. “We are a capitalist society, and movie making has become principally about money making. I wish telling stories through films, would be taken with equal seriousness. I know that the monetary part is important, but wouldn’t it be great if we could achieve a marriage of the two — make money and tell good stories... the audience likes content-driven cinema,” he says.

Whatever I have today, I owe it to the industry. Be it my friends, my family... I owe my being to it

Depending on your surname, you are selectively ignored or scrutinised in the industry Ranvir Shorey, actor