You need a lot of good friends: Tigmanshu Dhulia on what makes film industry insecure place

ANI April 2, 2025 147 views

Renowned filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia has openly discussed the psychological challenges within Bollywood's competitive ecosystem. He emphasizes the critical need for genuine friendships as a survival mechanism in an industry known for its unpredictability. Dhulia reveals that professionals often feel vulnerable and struggle to find trustworthy confidants who can provide genuine support. His candid insights shed light on the emotional complexities behind the glamorous film industry facade.

"Every person feels weak at times" - Tigmanshu Dhulia
Mumbai, April 2: Renowned film director, screenwriter and actor Tigmanshu Dhulia, who is known for his films like 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster', 'Paan Singh Tomar', 'Bullett Raja', shared his perspective about film industry and why it is needed to have "good friends" in Bollywood.

Key Points

1

Bollywood's psychological challenges demand strong support networks

2

Emotional vulnerability is risky in film industry's competitive environment

3

Personal connections crucial for navigating professional uncertainties

4

Filmmakers struggle with isolation and professional pressures

In a conversation with ANI, he said that the film industry is an "insecure place" "You need a lot of good friends here. Because you can't open up here. Har aadmi kamzor feel karta hai yahan kabhi na kabhi (Every person feels weak at times). If he expresses his weakness with some acquaintance, then they will take advantage of your weakness. But whom do you talk to? (lekin aap kisse baat kare?)A lot of things your wife can't understand."

He continued emphasising the importance of having good friends in the industry and why it is needed.

"'Do dost hote......' mere saath problem ho gayi hai ye (It has become a problem for me). Which movie should I do? Is the script okay or not? I am going through a bad phase in life. The movie is not working. I am not getting the actor. You have to talk to someone(Ye aapko kisise baat karni hoti hai). 'When we write the script of the film, we show a friend of the hero. Who will talk to him?'....... You need a friend in real life, too. I don't have one right now. I cannot open myself up to anybody. It's a problem."

On the work front, Tigmanshu Dhulia has garnered international recognition with the biographical film, 'Paan Singh Tomar', which premiered at the 2010 BFI London Film Festival and the thriller drama 'Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster. ' "Paan Singh Tomar' eventually went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in 2012. He is also well known for his role as Ramadhir Singh in Anurag Kashyap's cult film 'Gangs of Wasseypur'.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
So true! The film industry seems glamorous from outside but must be really tough to navigate. Respect to Tigmanshu for speaking openly about this. His movies always feel so authentic - maybe because he channels these real experiences.
P
Priya M.
This hits hard 😔 It's sad that even successful people like him feel this loneliness. Makes me appreciate my close friends even more. #RealTalk
A
Ankit S.
While I agree with his point about friendship, I wish he'd also talked about how nepotism contributes to this insecurity. The industry needs systemic change, not just personal support systems.
S
Shweta R.
Paan Singh Tomar is one of my all-time favorites! It's heartbreaking to hear the man behind such powerful cinema feels this isolated. Hope he finds his tribe soon ❤️
V
Vikram J.
"You can't open up here" - this explains so much about why Bollywood relationships seem so superficial sometimes. Respect to Dhulia for keeping it real.
N
Neha P.
Interesting perspective! I always assumed successful directors had tons of people to consult with. Goes to show we never know someone's private struggles. More power to him!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Tigmanshu Dhulia Bollywood Film Industry Mental Health Friendship Paan Singh Tomar Gangs of Wasseypur
You May Like!