New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) The Shabdotsav 2026 event in Delhi brought together the worlds of film and literature. Bollywood actor Tej Sapru shared his insights on the evolving landscape of the film industry along with his personal experiences.

In an interview with IANS, Tej Sapru stated, "The purpose of Shabdotsav is to engage in open discussions and share diverse opinions. We were invited to delve into the film industry, and we explored our perspectives extensively. Such events are instrumental for the advancement of the film sector."

He elaborated on his extensive journey in cinema, saying, "I began my film career in 1979 and have had the privilege of working alongside many esteemed actors. Even though the film industry has transformed, I cherish memories of the past. Earlier, films were filled with profound emotions. Film distribution was handled differently back then, with cities like Mumbai and Delhi having distinct distributors managing their respective regions."

He continued, "Producers used to recoup their investments first, with any remaining profits shared thereafter. Nowadays, the number of distributors has dwindled significantly, concentrating power in fewer hands."

Sapru also reflected on the evolution of theaters, stating, "There was a time when single-screen theaters were prevalent and films could run for 50 to 75 weeks, with golden jubilee celebrations being common. Several of my films reached golden jubilee status. Currently, even blockbuster films struggle to stay in theaters for more than a month, with those lasting four weeks deemed major successes."

He pointed out the challenges faced by smaller producers today, noting, "In the past, 'A', 'B', and 'C' category producers could independently create and release films, securing their livelihoods. Today, small and newcomer producers grapple to find theaters. Due to rising inflation and elevated ticket prices, audiences often miss out on films."

Tej Sapru also praised the charm of classic films and music, saying, "Back then, films typically featured six songs, all of which became hits. The melodies were so beloved that people can easily recall their lyrics even today. Achieving that impact in modern cinema is quite challenging. The music of today doesn't resonate as deeply as it used to."

He concluded, "When comparing the two eras, it’s evident that something crucial is missing. Today's small artists and filmmakers face hurdles due to the centralized nature of large producers and multiplexes. The personal touch, the long-lasting releases, and the significance of music from earlier times have diminished. While change in the film industry is inevitable, the emotional depth of the past will always be yearned for."