While the entertainment industry today offers opportunities across television, OTT, films, music videos, reality shows and vertical content, Vasudha actor Parichay Sharma believes the competition has become tougher than ever. The actor says the dream of fame continues to attract thousands to Mumbai every day, making the struggle more intense than ever before.
Talking about the growing number of platforms but limited opportunities, Parichay says the industry is witnessing a classic case of more supply than demand. “Everyone wants to become famous, but very few people actually want to become actors. Most people are chasing stardom and popularity, and they see acting as the medium to achieve that. Every day thousands of aspiringactors come to Mumbai with dreams, while many others leave disappointed. That’s why even one role attracts thousands of auditions,” he says.
The actor also feels that while OTT and vertical content have opened new avenues, they haven’t solved the problem completely. He adds that vertical shows have helped many actors earn a livelihood, but the business model is still evolving. “It has become a survival option for many actors, but whether it becomes a sustainable business in the long run remains to be seen,” he says.

Parichay also addresses the common joke that every second person in a gym wants to become an actor. He believes physical fitness is important, but it cannot replace the craft of acting. “Acting is about expressing emotions through your face and your performance, not just six-pack abs. Your look may help you get noticed, but your talent is what keeps you relevant. That’s why many projects fail when people are cast only for their appearance instead of their acting ability,” he explains.
Having spent years in the industry, Parichay says his outlook has changed after the pandemic. Earlier, he believed that having no backup pushed people to give their hundred percent. Today, however, he strongly recommends having an alternative career. “COVID changed everyone’s perspective. I now believe every actor should have another source of income because success in this industry is extremely rare,” he says.
Besides acting, Parichay is planning a venture and thinking of starting his own production company. He says he enjoys investing in film-related startups and creating meaningful stories with a social message. “I want to support talented people and also produce content that entertains while leaving audiences with something positive,” he adds.















