Actors are looked upon as a commodity, says Karan
The star kids versus the outsiders debate is far from getting over. When Karan Deol was launched by his father, Sunny Deol, in Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas last year, he, too, was called out for being ‘a product of nepotism’.
Grandson of Dharmendra, Karan doesn’t want to shy away from accepting his lineage and the advantages that come with it. But, he’s quick to add, “This industry thrives on talent and nothing else. You might get a good launch as a star kid, but it’s up to you what you do with that opportunity. Those who consider star kids as the privileged ones, should also understand that we go through a lot of criticism. Would someone want to be in our shoes and take that?”
The 29-year-old, whose debut received mixed response, isn’t dwelling much on the criticism and instead, he’s determined to make it big in Bollywood on his own merit. For that, Karan is attending acting workshops and prepping for his next big screen outing.
“Pal Pal... will always be close to my heart irrespective of its box office verdict. The nature of showbiz is such that one Friday you’re there, the other you’re down. One should take criticism with a pinch of salt, and move on. You have to work hard to prove your mettle and that’s my aim,” he says.
After a not-so-good debut, Karan is aware that the challenge ahead for him lies in getting good projects that will tap his potential and life his career graph. “It’s challenging, not just for newcomers, but even for other actors who have been in the industry for a while. And for star kids, it’s not that easy because in this industry, actors are looked upon as a commodity,” opines Karan, further elaborating his point, “Unless the commodity is bringing in some profit, why would a producer or a director take the risk? Actors are always watched over for what they do, and how prepared they are before anyone decides to invest in them.”
Not letting anything deter his spirit, Karan prefers to look up to his illustrious family members and take inspiration from their Bollywood journey. “I’ve grown up watching everyone in my family go through all of it, and I’ve learnt that one has to stay headstrong. Nobody can put you down. You know your potential and what you are capable of. And you only need to continue to work hard. I’m already honing my skills and will give my 200 percent,” he asserts.