‘Bollywood gangs try to throw you out’
Amid debates about camps in Bollywood, actor Preeti Jhangiani agrees they exist and, at times, obstruct talent. While it’s difficult to deal with, she insists it isn’t impossible either. “It depends on how you are as a person. Groupism exists at every place of work. I’ve done a few multistarrer films and faced it. These gangs try to throw you out of Bollywood. And it affects those who’re sensitive. But, I didn’t pay much heed,” says Jhangiani, who made her Bollywood debut with Mohabbatein (2000).
The 39-year-old also agrees that those born in film families have an upper hand. “If one has grown up in those circles, they’re already friends with that director or producer. They will get two-three opportunities to start their career and several chances to prove themselves again and again. But nothing helps if you don’t work hard and have that certain something in you,” she asserts, adding that it’s best to have a backup plan in place. “Among the hundreds who struggle, only one becomes a Shah Rukh Khan... It’s important to understand the uncertainties in this profession,” she says.
Ask her about any regrets she has in her career, and she says, “I should have reached out [to someone] for guidance after Mohabbatein. But I was shy and made wrong choices.”
Excited to finish shooting for her debut web series Made For Each Other, Jhangiani clarifies that she never stopped working and did some regional films in between, including a Bengali and a Rajasthani film. “I’m also looking at producing films and taking up web offers,” she ends.