Slogan: “Talent deserves the spotlight, not the sidelines.”
Introduction: A Forgotten Star in the Limelight of a Hit Film
In the glitz and glamor of Bollywood, where star power often overshadows talent, stories of sidelining and exclusion aren’t new. One such voice that has recently gained attention is that of acclaimed actor Randeep Hooda, who candidly spoke about being excluded from the promotional campaign of Imtiaz Ali’s 2014 film Highway. Despite playing a pivotal role alongside Alia Bhatt, Randeep’s absence from press junkets, interviews, posters, and major marketing events has raised eyebrows. Nearly a decade later, his revelations have reignited debates around favoritism, selective publicity, and how the Bollywood machinery works when it comes to highlighting stars over seasoned performers. In this blog, we’ll explore Randeep Hooda’s statement, the nature of his role in Highway, how exclusion affects an actor’s career, and the broader implications this has for the industry and aspiring actors.
Randeep Hooda’s Role in Highway: More Than Just a Supporting Character
Highway, directed by Imtiaz Ali, was a path-breaking road film that explored trauma, freedom, and transformation. While Alia Bhatt’s portrayal of Veera earned widespread praise and awards, Randeep Hooda’s intense portrayal of Mahabir Bhati—her rugged kidnapper with a haunting backstory—was equally impactful. Critics applauded his performance, describing it as raw, layered, and deeply empathetic. However, while Alia Bhatt was rightfully celebrated, Hooda’s contribution remained in the shadows during the film’s promotional phase. Many fans and critics wondered why he wasn’t part of press tours or magazine covers. In a recent interview, Hooda revealed that he was consciously excluded from promotions, despite being the film’s male lead. “I don’t know why, but I was never called. It hurt,” he shared. This statement sheds light on the persistent issue of selective acknowledgment and how commercial narratives often shape public perception more than the story itself.
Quote:
“I don’t want to be a star, I want to be an actor. But even actors deserve respect.” – Randeep Hooda
The Promotion Politics of Bollywood: Who Gets the Mic?
The promotional circuit in Bollywood is a meticulously curated affair. It involves media interviews, TV appearances, online content, and press conferences—all aimed at maximizing reach. But often, these campaigns are heavily skewed toward bankable faces or upcoming star kids who the studios aim to launch or elevate. In the case of Highway, Alia Bhatt, being a newcomer and a star kid, was the face of the film throughout the marketing strategy. While this did help draw eyeballs, it sidelined the contribution of a powerful actor like Hooda. This isn’t an isolated incident. Time and again, actors who don’t belong to Bollywood’s “inner circle” are left out of promotion plans. This not only impacts their visibility but also their future opportunities. Hooda’s exclusion is a classic example of how the spotlight is not always fairly distributed, even when the talent clearly deserves it.
Impact on Career and Mental Well-Being
Promotions are not just about publicity—they are about recognition. When an actor is excluded from the process, it sends a subtle yet strong message to audiences and filmmakers alike. Randeep Hooda’s career has been a roller-coaster of critically acclaimed performances, including Sarbjit, Rang Rasiya, and Laal Rang, but he has rarely been in the limelight where he rightfully belongs. Being overlooked can affect not just the commercial trajectory of an actor’s career but also their mental health and motivation. Hooda himself admitted feeling “disheartened” by the experience. Such instances reinforce the
