Actor Dulquer Salmaan , who works across multiple film industries in India, recently shared his personal experiences of working in both Bollywood and the Malayalam film industry, highlighting the sharp cultural and professional differences between the two.
Recalling his time on Hindi film sets, Dulquer revealed that the working environment often felt highly hierarchical and image-driven. He mentioned that unless an actor arrived with visible signs of stardom — such as a large entourage, luxury vehicles, or a show of power — they were often treated as ordinary outsiders. At times, even basic courtesies such as having a place to sit or access to viewing monitors were not readily available. He described this atmosphere as uncomfortable and emotionally draining.
According to him, the pressure in Bollywood to constantly project an image of success is intense. Respect on set, he felt, was closely tied to how powerful or influential one appeared rather than purely on talent or professionalism. This created a sense that appearances often mattered more than actual contribution to the film.
In sharp contrast, Dulquer spoke fondly about the Malayalam film industry, where the working culture is far more grounded and collaborative. He explained that Malayalam film sets operate with simplicity, where cast and crew work closely as a team without excessive hierarchy. Shoot locations are often modest, sometimes in ordinary homes or small outdoor spaces, with minimal luxury arrangements.
He noted that in this environment, there is little emphasis on status or glamour. Instead, the focus remains firmly on storytelling, performance, and collective effort. Everyone on set, regardless of their fame or role, is treated with equal respect. This, he believes, creates a healthier and more artistically fulfilling workspace.
Dulquer also reflected on how the scale of Bollywood naturally brings pressure related to money, distribution, and nationwide expectations. With massive budgets and commercial stakes involved, the industry tends to become more rigid and power-driven. Malayalam cinema, being smaller in scale, allows for greater creative freedom, humility, and human connection.
Through his experiences, Dulquer’s comments shed light on the contrasting work cultures within Indian cinema. While Bollywood offers scale, reach, and visibility, regional industries like Malayalam cinema often provide emotional comfort, equality, and creative satisfaction.
His observations resonated deeply with many industry professionals and movie lovers, as they reveal how success in cinema is shaped not only by fame and money but also by respect, teamwork, and shared artistic values.
