Working with Prakash Jha helped me overcome depression: Prashantt Guptha

Neerja and The Tashkent Files actor Prashantt Guptha talks about working in Aashram Chapter 3 and the existing nepotism in the industry.

Despite being part of lauded projects like Neerja (2016) and The Tashkent Files (2019), and having been a part of Bollywood for over 15 years, actor Prashantt Guptha rues the fact that he hasn’t been on most filmmakers’ mind.

Prashantt Guptha

Ask him if people from the industry are supportive towards ‘outsiders’, and the actor says, “Supportive? Rarely. But people here are certainly sympathetic, at times, judgmental or straight up condescending. I’ve heard a big producer tell an outsider, ‘Why are you even trying, and wasting your father’s hard-earned money?’ Sure I did get some great opportunities, few and far in between, but that doesn’t change the overall scenario that the industry thrives on nepotism and favoritism,” explains Guptha, who ventured into the OTT space with Special Ops and is now looking forward to his next show, Aashram Chapter 3.

He holds the upcoming project close to his heart and credits director Prakash Jha for it. “Working with him was an honour. The experience helped me overcome anxiety and depression I was facing for a long time,” says Guptha, who doesn’t find any difference between working in films and web shows. Asked why? And he explains, “Acting is acting. In fact, these days even films release on OTT platforms. So, there’s no difference at all.”