Parineeti Chopra Says Bollywood Roles Need More Than Merit: 'You Have To Be In Cliques And Camps'

Parineeti Chopra, who is being praised for her role in Imtiaz Ali’s Amar Singh Chamkila as the late singer Amarjot Kaur, waited nearly a decade for such an opportunity. In a recent interview, she opened up on the challenges she faced due to a lack of opportunities and career decisions she had taken in the past. Parineeti said that she avoids industry events where roles are often discussed and prefers directors and producers to recognise her work directly.

“I don’t go to dinners and lunches or attend parties where work opportunities are created in Bollywood or those roles are discussed. I want directors and producers to call me for my work because I am willing to work hard. I won a National Award for Ishaqzaade 10 years ago. I am still the same actor,” she told Bollywood Hungama.

After the success of Netflix’s Amar Singh Chamkila, Parineeti expressed her gratitude on Instagram. She wrote, “Parineeti is back. These words are ringing loud. Hadn’t thought of this. Yes, I am back, and not going anywhere!” She also talked about the challenges in Bollywood, saying and said that getting roles isn’t just about talent. “Getting work in Bollywood doesn’t only depend on merit or acting, you have to be in cliques and camps to get roles. I am not present at the right place at the right time. I am not getting papped every day. My PR game sucks,” she added.

The actor believes that many talented artists miss out on roles because they’re not social butterflies at glamourous events. She said, “I want to be the voice for actors who aren’t parts of cliques and camps. I hope we break this system of lobbying in Bollywood because I want equal opportunities and work. I may have done the wrong films, but I am the same actor who started 10 years ago and is in search of the right platform.”