Rasika Dugal Says Talent and Merit Don’t Always Decide Casting, Admits Rejection Hurts

Actress Rasika Dugal has opened up about the realities of casting in the entertainment industry, saying talent and merit do not always receive equal weight and that business considerations can often influence who gets an opportunity.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Rasika was asked whether the film industry is genuinely democratic and whether talent alone is enough to secure work.

The actress said the industry is not fundamentally different from the wider world, where merit does not always determine outcomes.

“We live our lives. Talent and merit never get equal importance. We know that,” she said.

“The world is not a fair place to live in. Sometimes business things are more important, and sometimes artistic things are more important,” she added.

Rasika, who has built a reputation through performances in both films and streaming projects, said casting decisions are also shaped by how commercially viable an actor is perceived to be at a particular point in their career.

“When your work increases and people feel that you are viable in their perception, they cast you. When that does not happen, they do not cast you,” she said.

The actress was candid about the emotional impact of not being selected for a role. “It hurts a lot when casting does not happen. But this is a part of the game and a part of the business, and you have to take it on the chin,” she said.

She also spoke about how perceptions within the industry and among audiences can influence an actor's career trajectory. According to Rasika, an actor can be viewed through a particular image or genre, but such perceptions are shaped by several factors, including commercial considerations.

“People have perceptions, and this is also about business perception. But who perceives you and at what time? Is it in your hands?” she said.

Rather than allowing such factors to dictate her choices, Rasika said she prefers to focus on the quality and honesty of her work.

“I feel that even if those things affect my work, I have no control over them. So, I try not to think about these things and do my work as honestly as I can. The rest will follow,” she said.

Rasika's comments highlight one of the less visible aspects of an actor's career — the gap between performance and opportunity. While strong work can build credibility, casting decisions can also depend on marketability, audience perception, the requirements of a particular project and the commercial calculations of producers and directors.

The actress continues to remain in the spotlight following the success of her recently released movie Mirzapur 2, in which she essays the role of Beena Tripathi. The film also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Kulbhushan Kharbanda and others.