• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

The trend of influencers landing acting roles has led to concern in the Indian film industry (Bollywood). Actors like Abhishek Banerjee and Aahana S. Kumra argue that casting is becoming more social media-driven rather than merit-based. Traditional actors face difficulties, and the future of the acting industry is called into doubt, as this tendency reflects an evolving climate where social media following and 'clout' significantly impact casting decisions. It is becoming more difficult for professional actors to find work, since casting is moving away from talent and focusing on the business aspect of it.

Diksha Juneja, known for her roles in shows like Saare Jahan Se Accha and Guilty Minds joined the list of actors who opened up about the growing trend of influencers taking over acting jobs. In an exclusive conversation with The Daily Jagran, Diksha revealed how she faced rejection early in her career because she didn’t have enough follower count on Instagram. The actor admitted that once her follower count increased, she began noticing a difference in the kind of opportunities that came her way.

'You Don't Have Enough Following': Diksha Juneja

Diksha Juneja said, "I didn't get something because of my following on Instagram. That's when it hurt me and this is like very initial like 2018 or 19. I think I didn't have any followers. Then one of my shows came during Covid. My first, one of my youth based shows, which actually helps you garner more popularity that came and then I had little bit of following, but usse pehle ek show tha, I was literally told on my face - 'Tumhara audition director ko bohot pasand aaya' but channel says you don't have enough following'."

ALSO READ - Diksha Juneja Recalls Dangal’s Casting Days With 'Busy Actor' Aamir Khan: ‘Saw Every Audition' | Exclusive

Speaking about the recent shift where influencers are being cast in acting jobs, Diksha Juneja acknowledged the business logic behind the trend but highlighted its pitfalls. "Because now people started looking at the overall aspect of it, you know aap kya audience apni laa rahe ho humare show ke liye. What are you bringing for us other than your acting skills. That's the only time honestly that I felt bad for getting rejected," she continued. 

Diksha Juneja added, "As a person working in the industry, I understand the logistic part of it, like the functionality part of it because right now jo humare industry ka haal chal raha hai, everybody wants to either make something that helps them make money or reach better because also there's a lot of clutter. My only thing is, I'm okay with influential getting work. It hurts when an influencer who gets work, does not work on themself."

Diksha Juneja Says It's Just Painful

Taking a jab at social media influencers bagging acting roles without honing their craft, the actor acknowledged, "It’s just painful!" She said, "Mujhe aisa lagta hai ki aapko woh mauka mila hai toh acting seekhlo na yaar, thodi workshop lelo, thoda kaam karlo apne upar. Don’t just rely on like I have 2 million or I have 3 million, I have 10 million followers. That is where it hurts as an actor because we are constantly working on our craft in one of the other way and those guys are getting selected just mostly for the business part of it. And then I see that performance not reach me or not reach the audience, so it feels so unjustified. Toh dekhkar bura lagta hai.”

Diksha's concerns connect to a broader discussion in the entertainment and film industries, where craft is frequently overshadowed by the number game. The difference between a real talent and decisions made by popularity is getting increasingly blurred as casting shifts more and more toward social media presence. Her remarks serve as a reminder that, even while followers might increase visibility, an actor's career is ultimately sustained by their craft and diligence.

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Diksha Juneja (@dikshajuneja_31)

ALSO READ - Saare Jahan Se Accha On OTT: Plot, Cast, OTT Platform, Release Dare And More About Pratik Gandhi's Series

Diksha Juneja, a native of Rajpura, Punjab, began her acting debut in 2017 with the movie Dil Jo Na Keh Saka. Nonetheless, she became well-known because to the web programs Girlfriend Chor and Rajma Chawal. She went on to feature in Amazon Prime Video's Guilty Minds and Nishedh on MTV.  Many have been captivated by the actor's portrayal of Naseem in Saare Jahan Se Accha on Netflix.