Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 15: As debates around nepotism and the credibility of Bollywood debutants like Khushi Kapoor and Ibrahim Ali Khan continue, actor Sonu Sood has called for compassion towards newcomers in the industry.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Sood emphasized that no one starts out perfect and that success or failure is a collective effort. “Be kind to debutants in the film fraternity and elsewhere. Nobody was perfect when they started. We all learn with experience. Only a handful get a second chance. A good or bad performance in any vertical is the collective responsibility of every technician involved. We are all learners. Let’s support and encourage them. Spread love,” he wrote, adding a red heart emoji.

Before Sood’s remarks, filmmaker Hansal Mehta had also weighed in on the evolving nature of Bollywood, dismissing the narrative that the industry is in decline. He highlighted the emergence of fresh talent and the need for a creative shift.

Citing promising actors like Lakshya Lalwani, Adarsh Gourav, Ishaan Khatter, and Zahan Kapoor, Mehta asserted, “The past few years have proved: stars don’t necessarily bring audiences; conviction does. A new generation of actors, filmmakers, and writers is ready to change the game.”

However, he also pointed out that this transformation requires visionary producers, platforms that prioritize storytelling over commercial metrics, and directors who value authenticity over formulaic success.

“Hindi cinema doesn’t need saving—it needs a shift in priorities,” he stressed, adding that the key lies in investing in genuine talent rather than manufactured stardom.

Mehta concluded with a simple yet powerful formula: “Invest in actors, not ‘stars.’ Write without fear. Direct with conviction.”