Dulquer Salmaan Critiques Bollywood’s Glam Over Talent
December 2, 2025

Malayalam superstar Dulquer Salmaan recently made candid remarks about Bollywood, drawing attention to the challenges he faced while working in Hindi films. According to close sources, his comments stem from his personal experiences in the Hindi film industry. Over the years, several South actors have expressed similar concerns, highlighting how Bollywood often prioritizes glamour and appearances over genuine talent.
Dulquer noted that Bollywood has long been associated with glitz and extravagance. While the industry’s focus on star power has always been visible, recent trends suggest that content and skill often take a backseat. This, he implied, is one of the reasons why some Bollywood films have struggled at the box office, despite strong performances or good stories. Industry insiders, however, often hesitate to acknowledge this openly.
Having worked across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, Dulquer explained that he personally experienced these challenges in Bollywood. He observed that the industry often rewards visibility and spectacle over talent. Nepotism is also prevalent, and newcomers from South India frequently find it difficult to gain recognition without adhering to these unwritten norms.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Dulquer said that on Hindi film sets, he constantly felt the need to assert his presence as a star. “On set, there were always two or three people ensuring there was enough commotion. If I didn’t participate in that, no one paid attention to me, not even the monitors,” he explained. “If I didn’t arrive in a fancy car, nobody treated me with basic courtesy. Maintaining this image was an additional burden while focusing on acting.”
Dulquer highlighted the contrast with the South Indian film industries, where the environment is simpler and more professional. “In Malayalam cinema, even if I travel alone to remote locations for shoots, everything is smooth. The respect and treatment for actors is genuine, and there’s no pressure to constantly showcase extravagance,” he said.
Recently, Dulquer received praise for his performance in Kaantha, despite initial skepticism about his role. The film went on to receive a positive response, further cementing his reputation for delivering consistent performances. His growing track record has made him a sought-after actor, with producers and leading directors eager to collaborate with him.
In summary, Dulquer Salmaan’s observations underscore the contrast between Bollywood’s glam-centric approach and the South Indian industries’ professional, talent-focused environment. His candid remarks have sparked discussions about how the Hindi film industry could better recognize talent beyond appearances and publicity.