Tanisha Mukherjee spoke candidly about the changing culture in Bollywood, saying that the film industry today seems more “solidaristic” and emotionally detached compared to the environment she grew up experiencing as a child.In a recent conversation with Mamaraazzi, Tanisha talked about how relationships, integrity and passion for cinema gradually gave way to business and profits.Speaking about the evolution of the industry, Tanesha said: “I find it’s becoming cooler. Unfortunately, we grew up in an industry that was more about relationships, family and integrity. Now it’s more institutionalized – less about values and more about money, less about content and more about projects, less about audience and more about profits.”The actress said that during her formative years, success in the film industry seemed collective. “I grew up in an industry where everyone celebrated each other’s success. Of course there was a little bit of jealousy – that’s human nature – but overall, one person’s success was the industry’s success because the industry itself felt like a family.”Recalling stories she heard from her grandmother’s time, Tanesha spoke of how important the award used to be.
“I grew up hearing stories from my grandmother’s generation about how important prestigious events like the Filmfare Awards were. At that time, only actors and artistes were allowed to enter. It was an honor to attend. Today, it seems like every second person gets an award. Sometimes, it feels like if your film is a commercial success, awards automatically follow, regardless of performance,” she said.Despite her criticism, Tanesha emphasized that she remains deeply connected to the industry. “I still attend awards because I am a baby of the film industry and I will always support my industry. Every time a film breaks records, I feel proud – be it Animal, Kantara or any other big hit. I especially love when the content shines and someone who was not considered a ‘star’ suddenly becomes one through storytelling and talent,” she added.
“The producers risked everything for the sake of cinema.”
Tanisha also spoke about how filmmaking used to involve enormous personal risk and emotional investment from producers.
“There was a time when producers would put everything on the line for cinema. My father did that – took loans, risked losing the house because the film was not good. There was a time when producers literally lost everything for a film. You could have just a single rupee left in your wallet because you had spent your entire life on this project,” she said.According to her, this emotional investment is missing today because the system has become more secure and too dependent on corporations.
She explained: “This kind of passion, this kind of risk-taking, where you invest your whole heart in cinema – I feel that this is missing today. Now everything is very safe. Companies support projects, risks are hedged, systems are in place. But somewhere, the heart has disappeared.”
“Bollywood is going through a difficult phase.”
Talking about the current state of Indian cinema, Tanisha admitted that the industry is suffering. “Right now, a lot of projects in our industry are stuck.
She said that the industry is going through a difficult stage.She also added that Bollywood has become an easy target for public scrutiny. “There is a lot of negativity about Bollywood today. Some of the criticism is deserved and some is not. But Bollywood has become a talking point for everyone. The moment you say ‘Bollywood’, people react immediately – be it in drawing rooms, corporate offices or general discussions.”
“Everyone wants to either praise him or attack him.”She added: “Unfortunately, the industry is suffering. A lot of films are stuck, not being produced or released because audiences no longer go to theaters like they did before.”
He watches
Tanisha Mukherjee talks about her marriage plans; “Everyone wants to find that special someone…” he says.
Tanisha praises Durandar and Ranveer Singh
However, the actress also expressed her hope while talking about Dhurandhar, whom she described as an ‘enigma’. Praising the film and its emotional impact, she said: “I honestly think Dhurandhar is an enigma.
I loved it. I watched it with my mom and I was screaming and clapping in the theater. I’m that kind of audience. I am bacha filmi.Tanisha revealed that she enjoys movies wholeheartedly and is not shy about expressing her excitement in theatres. “Now, if I suddenly start clapping in the PVR, everyone looks at me saying: ‘Isko kya ho gaya?’ But I can’t help it. That’s how I enjoy cinema. I remember I did the same during Animal as well,” she said.Praising director Aditya Dhar and actor Ranveer Singh, she added, “What I loved about Dhurandhar is that you can see the passion behind it. I’m not even talking about the content specifically – you can just feel that Aditya Dhar and Ranveer Singh have poured their hearts and souls into it.”“We all read stories about the difficulties behind making a film, the financial issues, studios pulling out and everything else. But that kind of emotion always reaches the audience. India is an emotional country. We are a very emotional and spiritual people. We don’t just think practically or logically, we feel things,” she concluded. “And when filmmakers put that kind of passion and honesty into a project, the audience doesn’t just watch the movie, they feel the emotion coming off the screen. That’s what I truly believe in.”
