Indian cinema doesn’t have actors or protagonists in the truest sense; what we have are heroes – some larger than life. The term ‘artist’ is nearly non-existent, reserved perhaps for those rare souls who dare to tread off the beaten path.
Hero worship, however, thrives here like nowhere else. This is especially true in South India, where ‘stars’ are celebrated with a fervour bordering on the divine. Giant cutouts of actors are ceremoniously bathed in milk, garlanded with tonnes of flowers, and treated like living gods. The misplaced adoration for these so-called heroes is unparalleled.
When heroes fall short in real life
But let’s look closer. These heroes, who thrash dozens of villains single-handedly on-screen, rarely live up to their exalted roles in real life. Consider this: when two actor siblings squabble over inheritance, the physical blows are reserved for their bouncers, not the heroes themselves. Just like in the movies, these stars emerge unscathed – shirts crisp, hair untouched, and egos intact.
An exception, however, is Sonu Sood. Known for his villainous roles on screen, he turned into a real-life hero during the pandemic. While many stars stayed home, posting motivational quotes, Sonu was out there arranging transport for stranded migrants, providing food, and ensuring medicines reached those in need. He proved that sometimes, the villain can have a heart bigger than any hero.
The tragedy of misplaced priorities
Contrast this with another superstar who recently found himself in a controversy. His presence at an event led to a tragic stampede, resulting in a woman’s death. Conflicting reports suggest he was still nearby when informed of the casualty. His response – or the lack of it – left much to be desired. As someone whose popularity commands throngs of fans, shouldn’t there be an equal sense of responsibility?
But no, the rules are different for the rich, especially for a star who reportedly charged an astronomical ₹300 crores for his latest blockbuster. Greed, it seems, knows no bounds. Would it have been too much for him to voluntarily offer a couple of crores as compensation to the victim’s family? That would have shown compassion and elevated him from reel hero to real hero. Instead, he returned home to a hero’s welcome after a brief detention, with a parade of celebrities and fans at his doorstep.
Real heroes, unsung and forgotten
In a recent podcast interview, motivational speaker Gampa Nageswara Rao was asked who his favourite hero is. His answer was refreshingly candid. He said he doesn’t see film actors as heroes. For him, real heroes are teachers, freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh, the late president Abdul Kalam, farmers, scientists, doctors, labourers, and parents. These are the individuals who shape lives, sustain nations, and work tirelessly without fanfare or adulation. It’s a reminder that heroism is not about glamour but about the quiet, selfless contributions that truly make a difference.
Where are the true artists?
And what of artists? Indian popular cinema has almost none. The industry’s obsession with larger-than-life heroes has overshadowed the true craft of acting. Regional cinema occasionally throws up gems — actors who perform with an authenticity that moves audiences. These are the real artists, often working in small-budget films, telling stories that matter. But their voices are drowned out by the juggernaut of commercial cinema, which thrives on spectacle rather than substance.
These lesser-known artists rarely get the exposure they deserve. They are overlooked at international festivals and awards, where the focus often shifts to the glitz and glamour of mainstream cinema. Despite their brilliance, they remain in the shadows, eclipsed by the bright lights of blockbusters.
Indian cinema needs to pause and introspect. What do we value more – actors or artists? Heroes or humans? As audiences, perhaps the responsibility lies with us to demand more from our stars. Beyond the larger-than-life personas and gravity-defying stunts, it’s time we celebrated those who bring depth and authenticity to the screen.
What we need are not heroes who live in ivory towers, but artists who reflect the realities of life and challenge us to see the world differently. Until then, Indian cinema will remain a temple of hero worship, with art left waiting in the wings.