Chandrakanta actor Shahbaz Khan says he's called ‘overexposed' while favourites get work, recalls Dilip Kumar's advice: ‘Submit yourself…'

Indian Express

08-05-2025

Actor Shahbaz Khan, known for playing negative roles in 90s films, recently spoke about not getting enough work in films and OTT shows. He shared how casting directors often tag actors like him, who were prominent in the 90s, as 'overexposed.' The actor also addressed the rising remuneration of actors and blamed it on the entry of corporates into the film industry.
Speaking on the YouTube channel Just Baat, Shahbaz talked about the high fees charged by actors and said, 'Old actors started with less money but at that time the value of money was more. Currently, if actors are being paid more, then their expenses are also high. The economy has changed. Purane actors ne bhi maal banake rakha hai. Sab set hai (Old actors made a lot of money. They are all set). But they are not getting work now. New actors charge a lot after corporates entered the market, the game has changed. Films have become money-minting machines and the creativity has taken a back seat.'
Speaking about casting directors and the lack of work for him, he said, 'Casting directors have their favourites and they call old actors like me, who have worked a lot in the 90s, overexposed. This is wrong. Overexposed are those actors whom you cast in every other OTT show. Some actors are such that the audience doesn't want to see, but they are pushed on them. The new age casting directors and actors think of themselves as no less than Dilip Kumar. They think of themselves as the biggest actor. Casting directors don't cast actors like me by tagging us overexposed. A lot of actors from my generation face this.'
While Shahbaz admitted to not getting much work in the South film industry, the one or two projects he has done there taught him a great deal about how that industry functions. 'People in the South industry work with a lot of discipline and passion. They would call me at 6 am for a 7 am shoot, saying the car is ready,' he said.
During the conversation, Shahbaz also spoke about his experience of meeting the late legendary actor Dilip Kumar for the first time. He shared that the legend gave him three pieces of advice on becoming a great actor. 'It feels like people like Dilip Kumar weren't born, they landed directly from the sky. When I met Dilip Kumar, I asked him for his advice on how to become a good actor. He told me to be like clay when I go on set and to give myself completely to the director. He advised me to surround myself with positive people and those from whom I can learn. And he told me that every actor should be spiritual to be a good actor, he should have a connection with God.'