Siddhant Chaturvedi has openly spoken about a long-standing issue in Hindi cinema — the lack of access for writers from India’s smaller towns. The Gully Boy actor stressed the need for authentic stories that reflect the country’s cultural diversity, not just narratives shaped within Mumbai’s film circles.
“Bollywood Has an Access Problem”
According to Siddhant, storytelling talent exists across India, but opportunities do not.
“The writers aren’t getting access — at least not as much as we want,” he said.
He explained that writers from tier-2 and tier-3 cities often go unnoticed. The industry, he added, continues to operate within a narrow geographical space.
“Bombay is still limited to Juhu, Bandra, or at most Andheri,” Siddhant noted.
This concentration, he believes, keeps fresh voices out of mainstream Hindi cinema.
Why Hindi Films Need Small-Town Stories
Siddhant feels Hindi cinema must move away from formula-driven, “massy” narratives.
“We need stories from tier-2 and tier-3 towns,” he said, citing Laapataa Ladies as an example of rooted storytelling that connects deeply with audiences.
He also pointed out language as a major barrier.
“I don’t think a writer from Bhopal, Gwalior, Ballia, or Banaras will be able to get in here — maybe because he doesn’t know English,” Siddhant explained.
This, he said, widens the gap between filmmakers and audiences.
An Outsider Who Knows the Struggle
Born in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, Siddhant Chaturvedi understands the outsider experience firsthand. He rose to fame with Gully Boy and later impressed audiences with Gehraiyaan, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, and Dhadak 2.
With no film background, he navigated Mumbai with ambition and limited support. His role choices reflect a clear preference for authenticity over glamour.
Gen Z Wants Honest Storytelling
Siddhant also spoke about changing audience sensibilities. He believes today’s viewers, especially Gen Z, can quickly sense inauthentic storytelling.
Young audiences, he said, value honesty and emotional truth. Stories rooted in real experiences resonate more than polished but hollow narratives.
What’s Next for Siddhant Chaturvedi
On the work front, Siddhant will next be seen in Bhansali Productions’ Do Deewane Seher Mein. He is also part of the upcoming V. Shantaram biopic.
Staying true to his beliefs, Siddhant continues to back projects that challenge norms and highlight meaningful stories — voices he feels Hindi cinema needs to hear more often.
