45 actor Raj B Shetty says talent and not a person’s family or socio-economic background should be criteria in the film industry

45 actor Raj B Shetty's clarity of thought about what is needed in the pursuit of perfection has won him a lot of fans. The actor was speaking as part of the 45 promotions.

Raj B Shetty

Every now and then, one of the big debates that springs up in filmi circles is the one about nepotism and the advantage that those with privilege have over those with no such backing in the industry. Actors from non-filmi backgrounds are also known to milk their ‘struggle’ and road to success stories strewn with obstacles galore at every opportunity.

Sob stories don't matter, talent does: Raj B Shetty

Actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty, who has successfully carved his own path in the industry, is very clear that the debate should not be about a person’s family or socio-economic standing. The only criteria for someone to get an opportunity in the film industry should be talent and being able to convince the person who is putting money into a project that he deserves to be a part of it.

In a special interview for his upcoming release 45, Raj spoke about how Dr Rajkumar insisted that his children get trained before getting into cinema, vis a vis now, when aspirants message him on social media for a chance in cinema. “Why should someone give a person an opportunity? You have to make yourself the most deserving candidate for that opportunity; nothing else matters,” said Raj, adding that if he were to choose between a boy from a ‘poor background with no talent’ and ‘a supremely talented rich kid’, he would go with the latter.

Raj’s comment, of course, has spread like wildfire on social media, bringing him a lot of praise, but some wondered if it was a veiled remark for actor Dhananjaya, who often brings up his non-filmi middle-class upbringing. Raj, who was last seen in a pivotal role in his production Su From So, which went on to become a massive hit, will next be seen in 45, which marks the directorial debut of music director Arjun Janya. Also starring Shivarajkumar and Upendra, the film hits theatres on December 25.

45 the movie FAQs

Q. What happened to Arjun Janya?

A. Kannada music composer Arjun Janya suffered a massive heart attack during the Covid-19 pandemic, but has since made a remarkable recovery.

Q. What is the inspiration behind Arjun Janya's directorial debut, 45?

A. Arjun Janya lost his brother during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is the inspiration behind the story of 45. According to reports, the film revolves around the 45 days after a person's death, which, as per Sanatana Dharma, is when it is decided if the soul moves to the after life or gets reborn.

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