Actor Siddharth, who will next be seen in the web series Operation Safed Sagar, spoke about his relatively limited body of work in the Hindi film industry, despite earning acclaim for his performance in Rang De Basanti two decades ago. The actor, known for always speaking his mind on social and political issues, also commented on whether his opinions has cost him work.
In an interview with Showsha, Siddharth was asked why audiences don’t get to see him more often in Hindi films. The actor answered that the opportunities haven’t come his way. “I’m absolutely not offered enough Hindi films. Not the kind of work I’d like to do,” he said.
Siddharth clarified that actors can only choose from the projects that are offered to them. “I can only say yes or no to something that’s offered to me.”
Looking back at his Hindi film journey, Siddharth stated out that although he hasn’t done many Bollywood films, he has been fortunate enough to be part of projects that truly matter to him.
He said, “Twenty years ago, I got cast as Bhagat Singh in Rang De Basanti. Twenty years later, I get cast as Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja in Operation Safed Sagar. I have done something somewhere that the universe keeps picking me to give me this stuff. Because I didn’t come and say, ‘Please cast me for this role.’ So something somewhere, someone somewhere really likes me. I can’t complain. I’m happy to say no or wait for 10 years for a project like this,” he said.
When asked whether his opinions on social and political issues have led him to lose out on work, he turned the question back on the media.
“In 2026, if there’s anybody in the world who I would like to ask, ‘Does being vocal come at a cost?’ It would be the Indian media. So I think you have the answer to your question.”
The actor added that he has never sought anyone’s approval before expressing his opinions. “I didn’t need anyone’s permission when I started speaking. I don’t need anyone’s permission to continue speaking,” he said.
Operation Safed Sagar chronicles the Indian Air Force's titular campaign during the Kargil conflict, and follows the Golden Arrows Squadron as it undertakes high-altitude combat missions while also exploring the personal lives of the officers and their families.
Created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava, and directed by Oni Sen, the show also stars Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin, Dia Mirza, Prajakta Koli, Adil Hussain and Amrita Bagchi.
Produced by Matchbox Shots LLP and Feel Good Films, the show premieres on Netflix on August 7.
