Mumbai, November 29 (NationPress) Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi participated in a candid discussion during the recent IFP season 15 event on November 29. The session, titled ‘Rooted in Reality,’ featured the actor sharing insights on the spiritual essence of filmmaking, his personal acting journey, and the significance of narratives from heartland India. He also expressed his admiration for various Indian films and actors, among other topics.

When discussing the type of roles he aspires to pursue, Siddhant stated, “If given a choice, I would consistently gravitate towards the grey character zone. I appreciate unpredictability, where the outcome remains uncertain.”

Addressing the notion of competition between traditional actors and content creators, he was forthright, saying, “If you claim we face competition, then yes, we do. However, looking back, we had numerous iconic stars – Bachchan Saab, Dharamji, Rajendra Kumar, Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar, Shammi ji, Rishi ji, and Sanjeev Kumar. Even then, competition existed to capture audience interest. Given that there were no alternative platforms back then, I believe a well-crafted film will always endure, and quality content will resonate with viewers.”

Siddhant also highlighted what he perceives as a more profound issue – the lack of access for writers beyond the confines of Mumbai. He remarked, “Writers are not receiving the level of access they deserve. We need stories from tier 2 and tier 3 cities, not just chaotic narratives, but meaningful tales akin to Laapataa Ladies. Many writers are deprived of opportunities due to the industry's concentration in Bombay, primarily in areas like Juhu, Bandra, or at most, Andheri. If a writer from Bhopal, Gwalior, Ballia, or Banaras arrives here, I doubt they’ll find opportunities, especially if they are not proficient in English.”

Regarding the current disconnect between audiences and mainstream Hindi cinema, Siddhant provided a straightforward explanation. He pointed out, “Today, when Hindi actors and actresses are interviewed, they often start in Hindi but quickly switch to English after a couple of lines, often unconsciously. This behavior alienates the audience. Our younger viewers, particularly Gen Z, have access to platforms like Netflix, Korean cinema, and Hollywood. Yet, I believe they can still appreciate films like Laapataa Ladies, which reflect our culture.”

Complimenting Gen Z, Siddhant remarked, “I consider Gen Z to be incredibly perceptive. They can discern authenticity. They can tell if a story is driven by genuine passion or purpose. I feel our cinema needs to reclaim its former glory, and we must provide more access to the heart of India.”

On his upcoming projects, Siddhant is set to star in the film Do Deewane Seher Mein, alongside Mrunal Thakur. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the film is slated for release during Valentine’s week on February 20, 2026. Recently, Siddhant shared on social media that he faced personal challenges while filming “Do Deewane Seher Mein.” He expressed that the film's experience not only tested his creativity but also facilitated personal healing.

He wrote, “Do Deewane Seher Mein— a project that holds immense personal significance for me. To be honest, I was navigating my own struggles during the shoot. This journey has been therapeutic for me, and I hope it resonates with you as well... They say perfection is a myth; all you need is someone imperfect worth fighting for... Witness us in our most vulnerable state, filled with heart, the ideal misfits, a delightful chaos heading to theaters this Valentine’s.”