Jackky Bhagnani: Only talent and perseverance matter in the end

Actor and producer Jackky Bhagnani discusses the importance of navigating the highs and lows in showbiz with equanimity.
Legendary director Francis Ford Coppola once noted that cinema and magic have always been closely intertwined. “The very earliest people who made films were magicians,” he remarked. In this world of illusion, actors play a pivotal role, serving as the tools for filmmakers to craft narratives that evoke wonder and fascination. Even off-screen at times, their mystique is associated with glamour, wealth and success. From multi-million-dollar contracts and film signings to red-carpet premieres and even their personal lives, everything draws attention to speculation. Few, however, care to look behind the glitter to see the challenges of not only achieving a certain level of success amid intense scrutiny but maintaining it.
As an industry insider, I have seen repeatedly that success in cinema is a mercurial and delicate balance of hard work and being in the right place at the right time by a stroke of luck. Ultimately, regardless of where you come from, it is the audience who decides your fate. It is a lesson I have learned over the years and I also know that one has to deal with the highs and lows with equanimity and believe that in the end, regardless of setbacks, talent and perseverance will matter.
There is no single formula for success, and this is why some thrive despite many failures while others, once propelled to stardom by a single hit, gradually fade into obscurity, serving as real-life reminders of how fleeting fame can be.
Every phase of building a career in cinema is fraught with challenges, especially for newcomers. Securing that first major role often involves navigating tough competition, overcoming inexperience and proving one’s talent. Socio-economic factors can also influence opportunities, while some actors benefit from privileged backgrounds and better access to resources, others face significant hurdles in finding the right connections.
This leads to the much-debated topic of nepotism, with the term ‘nepo kid’ now a buzzword in popular culture. Nepotism, the practice of favouring relatives or acquaintances, undeniably exists not only in cinema, but also in politics and even in sports, but can it truly guarantee success? While family support might provide a starting point, sustained success demands relentless hard work and talent. As an example, a parent might help launch an actor’s career, but taking it from the initial boost to long-term acclaim lies entirely in the individual’s hands. Further, attributing an artist’s achievements solely to nepotism oversimplifies the complex journey of success in the film industry, where survival depends not just on connections but as I mentioned before, enduring talent and perseverance.
These challenges in the entertainment industry extend to other areas like film production as well, because you know for a fact when you back a project that you cannot guarantee a return on investment. Success in this field requires a keen ability to identify compelling stories, ensure high-quality execution and implement effective marketing strategies. Even with meticulous planning, a film's performance can be unpredictable. Some may underperform in theatres but gain appreciation on streaming platforms later. This uncertainty signifies how the glamour and glitz are just a facade for challenges, big and small.
Being both an actor and a producer, I can tell you that ROI (Return on Investment) is crucial and today, due to evolving audience tastes, even the biggest stars cannot guarantee a successful theatrical run. Sometimes, top actors may only pull in modest box office numbers, while films like ‘Laapataa Ladies' can unexpectedly perform exceptionally well.
The mental stress resulting from a film's failure can significantly impact both actors and producers. For actors, negative reviews, social media criticism, and trolling can be deeply hurtful and undermine their self-esteem. They must consistently make calculated decisions to safeguard their professional reputation. It is essential to show resilience, take such setbacks in stride, and use them as stepping stones to grow stronger.
For producers, the most immediate consequence is often the substantial financial loss incurred when a film fails to meet market expectations. This can sometimes even lead to self-doubt but it is crucial to maintain perspective and ensure that such setbacks do not devolve into overwhelming emotional distress or anxiety.
Finally, regarding the ‘outsider vs insider’ debate and the ability to navigate industry dynamics, I would like to share something personal. Having spoken about my father's journey, I can tell you that I have never been part of any specific clique. Outsiders often perceive me as an insider, while insiders view me as an outsider. Of course, being part of a clique offers a sense of comfort. But what exactly is a clique? It’s perhaps emotional security. When you are in a close-knit group, you know what to expect from one another, and that sense of familiarity can be reassuring. However, the reality is that our industry is inherently volatile. We can never predict what will happen next. When you are making a film for theatrical release, there is no certainty about how it will perform. But of course, that uncertainty is unavoidable in life and cinema, and that risk is what makes the process of creating art so exciting.