Bollywood Subtly Enters An Individual’s Life: Manas Shah

Manas Shah, who has been a part of shows like Humari Devrani, Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman, and Yeh Hai Chahatein and is seen in the show Tulsi - Hamari Badi Sayani, feels that the Bollywood bug bites everyone at least once in their lives. He believes that it happens especially during childhood, and most of the kids want to see themselves on the big screen or have this thought in their minds at least once in their lives. He said, "Whenever someone asks me about this, I always say that when a boy or girl starts styling their hair in front of a mirror, noticing their pimples, or trying to look more beautiful or handsome, it's a sign that they've found their inner hero or heroine.

And practically speaking, for every parent, no matter how their child looks, they will always be their hero or heroine." "From childhood, we often hear things like, 'You look like a hero' if it's a boy or 'You look like a heroine' if it's a girl. This is how Bollywood subtly enters an individual's life. Slowly, when people start giving compliments or showing admiration, it pulls them into a zone where they crave more appreciation and validation. This often leads to the dream of becoming a hero or heroine one day," he added. However, Manas quickly stressed that soon the realization hits and people let go of their dreams due to responsibilities, while others realize they aren't meant for it.

He added, "That's why so many people eventually step away from this dream. But even today, it's said that Bollywood is one of the most competitive industries. This is how, at some point in life, many of us form goals or dreams influenced by it." Speaking of Bollywood, he also emphasized that it has both pros and cons. "On the positive side, Bollywood brings a lot of fame. People become curious about you-what you eat, where you travel, how you live at home, and even what movies you watch. This curiosity creates a unique kind of attention. If you're getting good work in Bollywood, it can take your career to an entirely different level," he said. "Practically, most people enter Bollywood with dreams of becoming someone like Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, or Akshay Kumar. These stars inspire millions. But the hard truth is that the success ratio in Bollywood is less than 1%. Very few people actually reach the top. Gradually, many settle for lower levels of success, adapting to the reality of the industry. In my perspective, 'Bollywood local train ki tarah hai, tumhe jagah milti nahi, tumhe jagah banani padti hai,'" he added.

He believes it's all about persistence and said, "If someone keeps working hard and doesn't give up, Mumbai and Bollywood eventually acknowledge their efforts. With time, people often find their place, achieve financial stability, and gain recognition. But yes, it's tough." "Not everyone becomes successful. When you reach a point where you have neither success nor recognition, and you're unable to switch to any other career, it can get very challenging. Still, people are drawn to Bollywood because it offers fame, power, and money-things that are hard to resist," he added. Manas also shared his opinion on star kids and how it's easy for them to get their first break. However, he doesn't agree with nepotism and said that he prefers using the term comfort zone.

He said, "Here's how I see it: if someone has worked with a particular family for years and knows their kids personally, it feels more natural for them to take a chance on someone they are familiar with rather than risking it on a complete stranger. It's not always about favoritism; it's about being in a comfort zone. When a producer or filmmaker works with someone they know-someone who is reliable, works smoothly, fits their budget, and doesn't cause issues on set-they naturally want to continue working with that person or their family.

If someone gives priority or a second chance to someone within their comfort zone, I don't see anything wrong with that. But here's the truth: if you deliver results at the box office, it doesn't matter whether you're from a Bollywood family or a complete outsider-you'll keep getting chances." "On the other hand, if you don't perform well, even if you're the child of a superstar or a famous director, you won't survive in the industry after 2-3 opportunities. We've seen many examples of star kids who didn't make it, while newcomers carved out their own space and became successful.

So, I believe comfort zone is the right term, and I don't see much of an issue with it. At the end of the day, the audience and the box office decide who stays and who doesn't," he ended.