Simple Kaul says that showbiz has evolved and now talent is given more significance than popular actors today. She says that in the past this used to not happen.
Simple Kaul says, “I mean, we witness a considerable amount of saas-bahu content on television. However, there has been a significant emergence of genuine content as well, which is truly commendable. It's a fantastic platform for talented artists. In the past, character artists might not have received as much attention, but they are the true heroes now. Character-driven shows and films are prevalent, providing ample opportunities across all age groups. Every actor brings their unique energy regardless of their appearance or personality traits. People from various age groups and societal backgrounds, each with their distinct language and accent, can take on lead roles and propel the show forward. They possess their own individuality and energy, which was less prevalent earlier. This is a remarkable shift in the industry.”
“Talent holds immense value today, not only for seasoned theatre performers but also for those with limited theatre experience. Unlike in the past, where commercial cinema dominated, the focus has shifted towards realism. This provides an excellent platform for numerous actors to explore their craft. Naturally, competition is fierce, and various avenues and channels are available for work. However, the present times offer a multitude of opportunities. Even someone from a small village can bring life to a character or a story. It's no longer necessary to be highly educated or come from a certain background only. Today anyone can contribute value to the narrative and character, potentially becoming the hero of the show or film. The current trend emphasises authenticity in web series and films, enabling a broader range of actors to shine. In my opinion, it's a remarkable development to embrace,” she adds.
She says that over time, the dynamics of working have also changed.
Simple Kaul says, “Mobile phones were already in use during my time in school. Facebook had launched around 2006-2007 but hadn't gained prominence like WhatsApp’s It was a different era. We weren't as absorbed in our phones, of course. Life had a distinct quality; people were more focused on personal interactions rather than being engrossed in WhatsApp and social media, as that world hadn't fully taken shape. Watching television was a significant part of our daily lives due to the limited channels available, resulting in substantial viewership. We used to play a lot of outdoor games. We used to read books extensively. I used to be an avid reader during that period. Nowadays, I rarely find time to read unless I'm on vacation because the phone constantly demands attention. Information is readily available on the phone. I miss the times when conversations were more common than text exchanges on phones. A lot of us would finish reading our books waiting for our shots to shoot. Many of us indulged in reading at that time. Presently, we're almost always on mobile phones. Instead of utilising our free moments to enjoy a good book, write poetry, or create stories, we use that time to capture Instagram videos, take real-time pictures before our shots, and share them on social media. This shift in focus takes up a lot of time that could have been spent on productive activities, such as reading or writing or learning a skill.”
“The process has evolved to be influenced by considerations like whether content will be well-received on Instagram. There's a tendency to share personal lives on social media. I admit that I'm also part of this trend, but it's striking how this behaviour has become second nature. It wasn't like this in the past,” she concludes.
