Suresh Menon says there's no nepotism, but groupism in Bollywood: ‘They call it gol gappe in Delhi, chaat in Mumbai'

Time of India

14-05-2025

Comedian and actor
Suresh Menon
, who is known for his memorable comic timing and character roles in films and shows over the years, has candidly spoken about his absence from the
Bollywood
spotlight. In an interview with Digital Commentary,
Suresh
revealed that while his love for acting is intact, the industry has changed in a way that no longer makes space for him.
'I love being in front of the camera, there's no doubt about that,' he said. 'But unfortunately, even after 30 years in the industry, I still have to go to
casting directors
and give auditions—and sometimes they don't even recognise me.'
'There is no
nepotism
, only
groupism
'
The actor dismissed the notion of nepotism, instead pointing out what he calls the real challenge: groupism. 'There is no nepotism, that term is false. There is only groupism. If you can get into the right group, you survive. If not, you're out,' he stated, sharing that despite working with top stars, he never tried to network beyond work hours. 'I've never disturbed anyone in their personal life.'
Suresh recalled a disheartening incident when he visited a reputed casting agency and was introduced as 'someone who wants to come back to films.' He felt invisible. 'It felt like someone stabbed me from inside,' he confessed. 'I was never gone—I was always around.'
Despite the setbacks, he still managed to find some meaningful roles. 'I did a small cameo in an English film recently. I've become a cameo master now,' he joked. He also praised casting director Tess Joseph for still believing in his potential.
'Heroes still get character roles, we have to wait'
The actor lamented the lack of character exploration in modern cinema. 'Earlier, a hero could play a Bihari or a South Indian. Now, only stars get that privilege. Supporting actors like us have to wait endlessly. Even brainless comedies don't call me.
Ahmed
Khan—I'm alive! 'Welcome to the Jungle' is happening and no one called me.'
He recalled a piece of advice from a director who once told him: 'You will always sleep on the bed that you made.' Reflecting on this, he remarked, 'That stuck with me. Maybe this is not my time. But it's wrong that an artist is tied to a certain image.'
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'I'll never stop acting, but I won't depend on it'
Suresh also opened up about the typecasting he's faced. 'Someone once told me I could either play a gay character or a South Indian. I said, 'Fine, bring it on.' But I want to do something different. I want to play a negative role. A killer. I want to surprise people.'
Despite the frustrations, he remains optimistic. 'The world is a circle. What goes around comes around. So, I don't stay sad for long. I go out, have a vada pav or a drink with friends. Life moves on.'
He concluded by revealing his next steps, 'I'm pivoting now. I've been in the corporate world and I'd love to return to it. I'll always continue acting—I can never give it up. But I won't be dependent on it anymore, especially not on any group or lobby. In Delhi, they call it gol gappe. In Mumbai, they call it chaat.'
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