Arjun Bijlani on showbiz socializing: 'Work must speak for itself'
Synopsis
Arjun Bijlani is pushing back — quietly — against the always-on culture of showbiz. In a candid conversation, the Naagin and Chumbak actor made a case for genuine connections over visibility, and for talent over social media noise. In an industry where being seen often matters as much as being good, that's a more contrarian stance than it sounds.
Key Takeaways
Arjun Bijlani says he values genuine connections over attending every industry event or party.
He describes himself as neither a full introvert nor extrovert, calling the balance key to bringing depth to characters.
Bijlani believes social media visibility must be backed by 'talent and good work' to sustain a career.
He makes a point of switching off social media when spending time with family.
He recently appeared in Chumbak , which premiered on Netflix on 10 September , alongside Neena Gupta and Deven Bhojani .
Arjun Bijlani, one of Indian television's most recognisable faces, has spoken candidly about how he navigates the social demands of the entertainment industry — and why he chooses depth over visibility when it comes to relationships in showbiz.
Genuine Connections Over Constant Presence
In a refreshingly candid reflection, Bijlani said he enjoys meeting people but does not feel compelled to attend every party, event, or social gathering that the industry churns out. 'I enjoy meeting people, but I'm not someone who needs to be everywhere. I value genuine connections more than being seen everywhere,' he said.
He acknowledged that social gatherings do serve a purpose in an industry built on relationships, but maintained that talent remains the ultimate currency. 'Social gatherings definitely help. This industry is about people and relationships, but I believe your work ultimately has to speak for you,' he added.
Neither Introvert Nor Extrovert
Describing his personality, the actor said he resists easy categorisation. Rather than placing himself firmly in the introvert or extrovert camp, Bijlani described a fluid middle ground that he believes actually enriches his craft. 'I'm a bit of both. I'm social when I'm comfortable, but I also enjoy my own space. I think that balance helps me bring different shades to my characters,' he explained.
This self-awareness is notable in an industry where performers are often expected to project consistent, curated personas — both on screen and off.
On Social Media: Visibility Needs Substance
Social media has transformed the way actors build and sustain careers, but Bijlani is wary of letting it dominate. The 'Ishq Mein Marjawan' actor said he makes a conscious effort to switch off when with family. 'You just have to keep up without letting it take over your life. I try to switch off when I'm with my family and enjoy the moment. Social media is definitely important today, but it can't replace talent and good work. You need both visibility and substance,' he said.
He also noted that he does not consciously engineer a public image. 'I don't try too hard to create an image. What you see on my social media is quite close to who I am in real life, and that keeps things simple,' he concluded.
What Arjun Bijlani Is Working On
On the professional front, Bijlani recently featured in Chumbak, which premiered on 10 September on Netflix. The show was created by Aatish Kapadia and Jamnadas Majethia (JD Majethia), and also starred Neena Gupta and Deven Bhojani. With a Netflix outing to his credit, Bijlani's transition from television to streaming platforms marks an evolving chapter in a career built across popular shows including Naagin and Ishq Mein Marjawan.
Point of View
Where algorithmic visibility has become almost indistinguishable from career strategy. His insistence that talent must underpin presence is sound, but the industry data tells a more complicated story — streaming platforms now actively factor social following into casting conversations. The more interesting question his comments raise is whether an actor of his standing can afford this philosophy precisely because he already has the recognition that others are still chasing. For mid-tier talent, the calculus is rarely so clean.
NationPress
27 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arjun Bijlani say about socializing in the entertainment industry?
Arjun Bijlani said he enjoys meeting people but does not feel the need to attend every industry event or social gathering. He stated that he values genuine connections more than constant visibility, and believes an actor's work must ultimately speak for itself.
What is Arjun Bijlani's view on social media for actors?
Bijlani said social media is important today but cannot replace talent and hard work. He tries to switch off when with his family and avoids letting social media take over his life, stressing that actors need both visibility and substance.
How does Arjun Bijlani describe his personality?
He describes himself as neither a complete introvert nor extrovert, saying he is social when comfortable but also values personal space. He believes this balance helps him bring different shades to the characters he portrays.
What is Chumbak and where can it be watched?
Chumbak is a show created by Aatish Kapadia and JD Majethia that premiered on Netflix on 10 September. It features Arjun Bijlani alongside Neena Gupta and Deven Bhojani.
What are some of Arjun Bijlani's most well-known shows?
Arjun Bijlani is widely recognised for his roles in Naagin and Ishq Mein Marjawan, two popular Indian television shows. His recent appearance in the Netflix series Chumbak marks his foray into streaming content.
