Geeta Kapur Speaks Out Against the Rise of Followers-Based Casting in Bollywood and Its Unfair Impact on Real Talent
Renowned choreographer and television personality Geeta Kapur has shared strong views about the alarming trend of followers-based casting in Bollywood. In a recent interview with Hindi Rush, she expressed deep concern over how actors are increasingly cast based on their social media popularity, not their skills or training. She emphasised how this shift not only undermines years of hard work by genuine artists, but also distorts the creative integrity of cinema.
Also Read : Jackson Wang’s “Chikni Chameli” Dance Goes Viral During His Explosive India Visit
Social Media Fame Is Not a Substitute for Skill: Geeta Kapur Questions the Merit of Casting Based on Follower Count
Geeta Kapur—known for her choreographic genius in blockbuster films like Sheila Ki Jawani and Tees Maar Khan—believes the film industry is giving far too much credit to influencers. She pointed out that people with no background in acting or dance are being cast simply because they have a viral video or millions of followers.
“I worked for almost a decade to build 2.3 million followers, and then someone with zero training gets 23 million in a month. That’s unfair,” she said.
This growing reliance on follower count over performance ability is at the heart of followers-based casting in Bollywood, and it’s harming those who pursue the craft with sincerity.
A Reality Check for Aspiring Performers: Geeta Says Viral Popularity Is Misleading and Unfair to Trained Professionals
Geeta Kapur feels deeply for young actors and dancers who spend years mastering their skills, only to lose out to internet sensations.
“It’s heartbreaking to see people with real training overlooked,” she stated. “Some post a dance clip, gain followers, and suddenly claim to be dance teachers. No one checks their background. People just see the viral content and follow blindly.”
This kind of blind admiration for fame without substance distorts the opportunities for those who have invested time and money into formal education in the performing arts.
Why Geeta Kapur Refused to Lend Her Name to Dance Academies That Only Wanted Her for Branding
During the interview, Geeta revealed that she has turned down several offers to open dance schools under her name. Many people wanted her to be a brand ambassador without being involved in the actual teaching or training process.
“I could’ve made a lot of money, but it felt like cheating,” she said.
Her decision reflects her commitment to authenticity and underscores her criticism of followers-based casting in Bollywood, where branding and appearance often outweigh actual skill and dedication.
The Casting Shift: How Bollywood’s Growing Obsession with Social Media Metrics Is Impacting Creative Choices
The shift in how casting decisions are made has become more obvious in recent years. Several filmmakers now consider an actor’s digital footprint as a major factor. While this helps with marketing, it compromises the overall quality of performances.
Industry veterans and casting directors have mixed opinions. Some, like Mukesh Chhabra, insist on traditional auditions and focus solely on talent. Others admit that producers often push for influencers because their follower base ensures instant publicity.
This ongoing battle between art and analytics has intensified the debate around followers-based casting in Bollywood, leading to a clear divide between traditionalists and modern marketers.
How Fans and Industry Professionals Are Responding to the Rise of Influencer Casting
On platforms like Reddit, fans have openly criticised the casting of social media influencers with little or no acting experience.
One user commented:
“They’re casting people just because they have a following. Talent doesn’t seem to matter anymore.”
This kind of feedback shows that even audiences—especially those who respect genuine performances—are growing frustrated with the direction Bollywood is heading. It reflects Geeta’s concerns that trained performers are being sidelined for those who simply know how to game the algorithm.
Geeta Kapur Advocates for Casting That Respects Craft While Embracing Digital Influence
Geeta Kapur isn’t entirely against the influence of social media in casting decisions. She admits that anyone who can grab attention in 15 seconds is doing something right. However, she firmly believes that this should not overshadow talent and training.
She calls for a balanced approach—where influencers who want to enter the film industry are encouraged to undergo proper training. Only then, she says, can the system be fair and sustainable.
Why the Film Industry Needs to Rethink Its Priorities Before More Talent Is Lost
Geeta Kapur’s remarks on followers-based casting in Bollywood should be a wake-up call for the entire industry. While social media can be a powerful tool for visibility, it should not replace the traditional foundation of acting—training, dedication, and experience.
As Bollywood evolves, it must also remain loyal to its roots. If not, it risks alienating not just trained artists, but also audiences who still care about craft, emotion, and authentic storytelling.
