‘The film industry is an egotistical place’
Tillotama Shome believes the film industry is an “egotistical” place as actors can often be found swooning over their success.
The actor, who started her journey in movies with Monsoon Wedding (2001) and went on to deliver criticallyacclaimed performances in films like Qissa (2013) and A Death in The Gunj (2016), said it is easy to get affected by the privilege actors receive in the business.
“Film industry is an egotistical place. The industry by its nature is very hierarchical. There are stars and then there are others. Even on the filmmaking side, there are some people who are given more importance than others.
“As an actor you are very aware of your privilege. You realise that it is very easy to feel you are important. But actually you are not. We are all just doing our work,” Tillotama says.
The actor adds that success is “seasonal” and she does not believe in taking it too seriously.
“One who is not working constantly on removing that sense of ego, will be in a bubble which would burst one day,” she says. Tillotama believes an actor should be humble enough to understand that filmmaking is a team effort.
“Our craft also requires humility to enter all kinds of characters. A film is a team work. So the thing that people feel they are above others is unfortunate,” she says.
The actor says even though the way the industry functions bothers her, she is happy with the kind of work she is being offered.
“I am happy because despite not changing myself I have worked with some of the most amazing filmmakers from all across the world,” she adds.
It’s hard to make your mark amid all this hierarchy but I can sit or cry or just focus on my craft and keep working. I have chosen the latter. I have a filmography which I am really proud of TILLOTAMA SHOME
ACTOR