Divyenndu sees meme makers as untapped screenwriting talent for Bollywood
Synopsis
Actor Divyenndu sees meme creators not as cultural parasites but as untapped screenwriting talent. His observation that meme makers combine disparate elements into coherent narratives reflects a broader industry reality: streaming has democratised talent-spotting, and the next generation of Bollywood writers may well come from Reddit and Instagram rather than film schools.
Key Takeaways
Actor Divyenndu , famous for Munna Bhaiya in Mirzapur , believes meme makers possess professional-grade screenwriting instincts.
He suggests meme creators could transition into roles as dialogue writers or screenplay writers in Hindi cinema.
Divyenndu cautioned that viral character reinterpretations carry responsibility, particularly when romanticising morally complex roles.
His career spans from 2007 (minor role in Aaja Nachle ) to 2023 ( Netflix's The Railway Men miniseries).
Streaming platforms have reshaped how talent is discovered, moving beyond traditional film-school pathways.
Actor Divyenndu, who rose to prominence playing Munna Bhaiya in the crime thriller series Mirzapur, believes internet meme creators possess a rare creative gift that could translate into professional screenwriting and dialogue work in Hindi cinema. Speaking to IANS, the 42-year-old actor praised meme makers for their ability to blend disparate narrative elements into cohesive, humorous storytelling — a skill he argues mirrors professional screencraft.
From Liquid to Munna Bhaiya
Divyenndu first gained notice in 2007 with a minor goon role in Madhuri Dixit's Aaja Nachle, but his breakthrough came as Liquid in the romantic comedy Pyaar Ka Punchnama in 2011. He went on to appear in David Dhawan's 2013 remake Chashme Baddoor, followed by his first lead role in Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend in 2015. However, it was his portrayal of the volatile gangster Munna Bhaiya in Mirzapur that catapulted him into mainstream recognition, transforming him from character actor into a recognisable name across digital platforms.
The meme phenomenon and character responsibility
Divyenndu expressed fascination with how audiences have embraced his characters through meme culture and pop references. "I just find it very fascinating how much people love a character, how much they accept them in their lives," he told IANS. However, he flagged a responsibility that comes with viral popularity: preventing the over-romanticisation of morally complex or harmful character traits. "One has to be mindful of the character I have played. Not to over-romanticise that character and that situation," he cautioned, acknowledging the cultural influence wielded by viral content.
Meme makers as creative professionals
Divyenndu noted that meme creators demonstrate sophisticated storytelling instincts by combining seemingly unrelated elements into coherent, entertaining narratives. "Many a time, I think meme makers can get work in our film industry. If not on screen, but at least as a dialogue writer, if not a screenplay writer," he said. He praised their ability to synthesise disparate ideas, describing their craft as something that "amazes" him. This observation reflects a broader industry trend: streaming platforms and production houses increasingly scout unconventional talent from digital spaces.
Career trajectory post-Mirzapur
Since Mirzapur's release, Divyenndu has appeared in films including Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017), where he played Naru opposite Akshay Kumar; Batti Gul Meter Chalu; Badnaam Gali; Kanpuriye; Thai Massage; and Madgaon Express. In 2023, he landed a prominent role in Netflix's miniseries The Railway Men, a dramatisation of the 1984 Bhopal industrial disaster. His evolution from supporting player to digitally recognisable actor underscores how web series have reshaped career trajectories in Indian entertainment.
What's next
As streaming platforms continue to dominate viewership patterns, Divyenndu's suggestion that meme makers could transition into formal creative roles reflects a democratisation of screenwriting talent-spotting. Whether production houses will formally recruit from meme-creator communities remains to be seen, but his endorsement signals that the industry is beginning to recognise unconventional sources of narrative innovation.
Point of View
But it glosses over a harder truth: Bollywood's gatekeeping remains intact. Yes, meme creators demonstrate narrative instinct. But without formal industry access, mentorship, or credit, their ideas will continue to be extracted, remixed, and monetised by established producers without compensation. True integration would require studios to credit and pay meme creators whose viral content inspires dialogue or plot points — something unlikely without regulatory push.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Divyenndu say about meme makers and the film industry?
Divyenndu told IANS that meme makers possess sharp storytelling instincts and could find work in Bollywood as dialogue writers or screenplay writers. He praised their ability to combine disparate elements into creative, coherent narratives.
Which role made Divyenndu famous?
Divyenndu gained mainstream recognition for playing Munna Bhaiya, a volatile gangster, in the crime thriller series Mirzapur. Though he had appeared in films since 2007, this role catapulted him to digital prominence.
What concern did Divyenndu raise about meme culture?
Divyenndu cautioned that meme creators have a responsibility not to over-romanticise morally complex or harmful character traits, particularly when those characters are criminals or anti-heroes. He acknowledged the cultural influence wielded by viral content.
What are Divyenndu's recent projects?
Recent work includes Madgaon Express, and a prominent role in Netflix's 2023 miniseries The Railway Men, which dramatises the 1984 Bhopal industrial disaster.
Has Divyenndu always worked in leading roles?
No. Divyenndu began with minor roles, including a goon in Aaja Nachle (2007). His first lead role came in Dilliwali Zaalim Girlfriend (2015), but it was Mirzapur that brought him mainstream recognition.
