Actor Shaleen Malhotra, widely recognized for his work in television shows like Arjun, Laado 2, and Ziddi Dil Maane Na, took to social media with a cryptic but hard-hitting post that has sparked serious conversations within the entertainment industry.
Shaleen Malhotra calls out industry exploitation in cryptic post
On Tuesday, Malhotra shared a note addressed vaguely “To whomsoever it may concern,” venting frustration over what appears to be the television and OTT industry’s continued habit of citing the pandemic as an excuse for slashed budgets and underpaying creative professionals. His post read – “Came out of a meeting to realise, can we please stop using the word pandemic, it’s done, budgets are low toh bhai expect the same result, you can’t pay peanuts and expect a masterpiece, Stop using excuses for lesser budgets, there’s a fees for creativity wether it be actors, creators, writers, directors. If you have lesser budgets and you know it Then stop trying to exploit people please.”
Though Malhotra did not mention any specific project or production house, the tone and timing of the message have led many to assume that it stems from a recent professional interaction or casting discussion. Fans and industry peers have responded with a mix of support and speculation, many praising the actor for voicing a sentiment that is often whispered but rarely said aloud. The actor pointing out that the entertainment sector has bounced back post-pandemic, and yet the pay scales — particularly for writers, junior actors, and independent creators — often remain stagnant or reduced, seems to have raised some important questions regarding the entertainment industry.
Malhotra, who has built a strong reputation for portraying intense and action-driven roles on Indian television, has rarely used his platform for such direct commentary on industry practices. This rare instance of outspoken critique adds weight to his words and has opened up a much-needed dialogue. While the specific meeting or project that triggered the post remains undisclosed, Malhotra’s statement shines a light on the ongoing struggle between budget constraints and creative value.
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