Siddhant Chaturvedi 
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Siddhant Chaturvedi says Hindi cinema needs writers from the heartland: ‘They don’t get access’

Siddhant also highlighted the growing disconnect between mainstream Hindi cinema and its audiences, pointing to language and cultural shifts that leave many viewers feeling estranged

Cinema Express Desk

Actor Siddhant Chaturvedi, in a recent interview, spoke candidly about a subject rarely discussed in Hindi film industry— the lack of access for writers from smaller towns and the urgent need for authentic Indian stories. Highlighting how talent often remains unseen due to geographical and structural barriers, the Gully Boy (2019) actor emphasized that the industry needs to look beyond its traditional hubs to tell stories that resonate with the heart of India.

In a clip from a discussion at India Film Project (IFP) last year which is being shared on social media, Siddhant said, “We need stories from tier-2, tier-3 towns, and not only massy narratives — we need films like Laapataa Ladies. But those writers aren’t getting access because the industry is concentrated in Bombay… in Juhu, Bandra, or at most Andheri,” he said.

He also highlighted the growing disconnect between mainstream Hindi cinema and its audiences, pointing to language and cultural shifts that leave many viewers feeling estranged. “If a writer from Bhopal, Gwalior, Ballia, or Banaras comes here, I don’t think he’ll get access — maybe because he doesn’t know English,” Siddhant explained, underscoring how structural barriers still determine whose stories get told.

He added that today’s young audiences, especially Gen Z, are perceptive enough to spot when a story comes from genuine passion and truth.

On the work front, Siddhant was last seen in Dhadak 2. He is set to appear in Bhansali Productions’ Do Deewane Seher Mein and a biopic on V. Shantaram.

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