typecasting

Veteran actor Ashok Saraf spoke about his incredible 55-year journey in cinema at Cannes 2026. With nearly 300 films, mostly hits, he reflected on Hum Paanch, Karan Arjun and typecasting as a comedian. Saraf also walked the Cannes red carpet alongside Nivedita Saraf, Prajakta Mali and other Marathi stars.

Renowned for her role in 'Oh Humnava', actress Shruti Gholap is on a mission to shatter the mold of conventional roles like 'mother' and is calling for the film industry to embrace more challenging characters. With a strong foundation in theater, she turned personal loss into a catalyst for growth, showcasing her remarkable talent and relentless passion for acting.

Saif Ali Khan revealed that his performance in Parineeta (2005) landed him a role in Priyadarshan's Haiwaan nearly two decades later. The actor also reflected on how Omkara remains a career-defining film, crediting Vishal Bhardwaj for breaking his typecast image and bringing together talent from vastly different cinematic worlds.

Actor Paresh Pahuja prioritizes emotional survival and artistic curiosity over career predictability, admitting that rejecting roles has cost him opportunities. He believes acting requires significant emotional investment, making excitement more crucial than financial security. Pahuja chooses to wait for fulfilling projects rather than fall into creative repetition, emphasizing that life is too short for predictable patterns.

Mallhar Thakar ventures into a new territory with 'Dharpakad', India's first Gujarati film on the 'Digital Arrest' scam. He discusses his exciting collaboration with co-star Shruhad Goswami and his deliberate choice to take on an intense role, aiming to break stereotypes in regional cinema. The film's unique, relevant subject drew him in.

Doctor-turned-actor Palash Tiwari recalls a soulful first visit to Varanasi—darshan at Kashi Vishwanath, Ganga Aarti and a sunset boat ride—while reflecting on his leap from medicine to acting and the challenges of typecasting. He also shares the thrill of working with industry veterans and how OTT platforms opened up diverse opportunities...

Ramya is conscious of taking up roles that do not typecast her. In Meesaya Murukku 2 , she plays a rooted Tamil girl, while in Anbe Diana , she plays an Anglo-Indian.

Sai Tamhankar acknowledges that her role in 'Mimi' was a game-changer for her career in Bollywood, opening doors to new opportunities and accolades. She feels that a theatrical premiere might have further enhanced its success. Tamhankar also expressed pride in Kriti Sanon’s National Award win for their collaboration and maintains a strong friendship with her.

Actor Bobby Deol, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film 'Bandar', has said that he left his inhibitions for the film, and did it "shamelessly".

Konkona Sen Sharma says that despite some progress in OTT and smaller films, big-budget movies still prioritise male heroes. After 25 years in the industry, she believes meaningful roles for women remain limited. She credits streaming platforms for change and is currently promoting her upcoming series Welcome to Khoya Mahal.

Actor Kanwalpreet Singh is making a television comeback after a four-year hiatus with Ghum Hui Yaadein.

Stepping into the vibrant world of Marathi reality television, Vishal Kotian discovered a profound connection with audiences, who were captivated by heartfelt authenticity. He shared insights on embracing flaws, echoing the tenacity of the Marathi community. Reflecting on his personal journey, Kotian revealed how reconnecting with his heritage enriched his experience while navigating the complexities of the show.

Actress Sai Tamhankar acknowledges typecasting as a significant challenge in Bollywood, often a consequence of successful roles. She finds declining similar work to avoid being pigeonholed incredibly difficult, despite having done so in the past. Tamhankar, currently in 'Matka King', remains optimistic about industry changes, believing this issue will eventually diminish. Read on to know more in detail.

Pulkit Samrat feels fortunate for directors like Bejoy Nambiar and Karan Anshuman who saw beyond his romantic hero image, offering him challenging roles. His upcoming Netflix boxing thriller, 'Glory,' required intense physical training and allowed him to explore a boxer's disciplined mindset, a departure from his earlier romantic and comedy films.

Actor Gopal Datt discusses his challenging supernatural play, 'Ankahi,' highlighting the financial hurdles of theatre. He elaborates on the unique demands of the two-hander, emphasizing the craft of embodying complex characters and his deliberate career shift towards more fulfilling roles, even if it means saying no to other offers.

As the lead in 'Udne Ki Aasha', Neha Harsora is embracing a transformative journey in her career, favoring innovative roles over the safety of familiarity. She understands that stepping out of her comfort zone is essential for true growth, prompting her to delve into unexplored dimensions of her craft.

Payal Chengappa makes her web series debut with ZEE5's sci-fi thriller 'Jerax', a significant departure from her usual 'girl-next-door' roles. She embraces a complex, immature character, finding authenticity in its rawness. Chengappa also shares insights on OTT performance, industry challenges, and the value of rejection in shaping an actor's journey.

Aishwarya Raj Bhakuni prioritizes purposeful career choices, seeking roles with depth and dignity over mere glamour. Her versatility allows her to avoid repetitive characters, embracing challenges that align with her values and personal growth. She consciously explores diverse genres and emotional arcs, ensuring freshness for audiences while staying true to her core principles and avoiding typecasting.