"the only way you can survive this is try to be relevant."
Neha Sharma weighed in on the Bollywood outsider-insider debate and said that outsiders are by themselves while exploring the industry.
This is compared to star kids, who have the support of the whole industry.
Neha explained: “It has been over 10 years since I started my journey in Bollywood.
“And the one thing that I have learned is that staying relevant is important because people forget you since there’s a new guy or a guy being launched every day.
“And they have the whole industry supporting them.
“If you are an industry kid, you have the whole fraternity pushing them, so for an outsider, the only way you can survive this is try to be relevant.”
The actress went on to say that she is glad that social media is turning into a platform for aspiring actors.
Neha continued: “When I began, social media wasn’t a thing.
“Now, when I look at people who are coming into the industry, it is much easier.
“Look at all these influencers, who are not from the industry. They don’t have any inside relations, but they have made it.”
Looking back on her acting career, she said:
“There were times when I felt why I am not getting this or that.
“It has taken me 10 long years to be where I am today.
“I have taken long breaks because I was not being offered the roles which I wanted to do.
“But I still had to remain relevant, and do things to be in the minds of people.
“So, there have been phases where I have done things which I didn’t believe in because those were the offers that came to me.
“Now, with OTT platforms coming in, I feel there is a lot of good work that is being offered to me.”
Not only has new talent made but they are getting acting projects “because they are connected to their fans and people want to see them, so the industry is also lapping it”.
Neha Sharma added: “That’s why they are also supporting them.
“The only advice I can give people is to believe in yourself.
“The industry is not an easy place to be, so you need to have patience. Patience is the key.
“And be true to yourself, just don’t change for the world because they manipulate you. It’s not for your good.”