Exclusive | Siddharth On His Break From Hindi Cinema: ‘Filmmaking Is a Writer’s Medium; Actors Are Last’

In 2006, Siddharth starred in Rang De Basanti, which quickly became one of the most iconic films in Hindi cinema. However, instead of building on the incredible success of this film, the actor gradually stepped away from the Hindi film industry, finding greater success in the South over the years.

In an exclusive conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, ahead of the release of his upcoming series Operation Safed Sagar on August 7, the actor gives an honest take on his reduced presence in Hindi cinema and why he feels an actor is the last point of consideration for a filmmaker.

“The actor has a very passive life,” says Siddharth. He explains if you don’t write or produce anything yourself, “somebody has to think of you and come to you.” He believes that whether or not someone reaches out to you with a script is a very “hypothetical construct.” “I don’t have the time or the patience for that,” he claims.

The South industry, on the other hand, has been more fruitful for him. “I work out of Chennai, I produce my own films, and I also worked in Telugu and Malayalam films,” he says. He also explains that all he is looking for is good work and that he would be grateful if it came his way. “I would rather they give me one Operation Safed Sagar in 20 years, than 20 meaningless films.”

Siddharth also believes that within the subjective medium that is filmmaking, the director’s vision trumps everything.

“Filmmaking is a subjective medium; it's a writer's medium. Whatever the writer wishes to create is the first step and the actor comes right at the end. ”