Mumbai: Actor Chaitali Kohli, known for her work in projects like The Crew, believes that while the entertainment industry today offers more avenues than ever before, the journey to building a successful career remains as challenging as it has always been. With films, OTT platforms, television, music videos, short films, reality shows and digital content creating new opportunities, she says the competition has only become tougher.
“The number of platforms has definitely increased, which is a great thing because there are more stories being told than ever before. But at the same time, the number of aspiring actors has also grown tremendously. So while opportunities have expanded, so has the competition. Acting is also a profession where timing, the right role and the right team matter just as much as talent. I believe consistency is the key. Every audition, every workshop and every project helps you move forward, even if success doesn’t happen overnight,” Chaitali says.
The actress feels the perception that opportunities have been reduced isn’t entirely accurate. Instead, she believes expectations from actors have changed dramatically.
“I think it’s more accurate to say there are more actors than ever before. Opportunities have actually increased with the rise of OTT platforms and digital content, but expectations have also become much higher. Today’s actors are expected to be versatile, camera-ready, physically fit and constantly improving their craft. So while the industry has grown, the bar has also gone up, which makes it feel more competitive.”
Laughing about the popular saying that “every second person in the gym wants to become an actor,” Chaitali admits there’s some truth to it, but says appearance alone is never enough.
“There may be some truth to it because fitness has become an important part of the profession. But acting is so much more than looking good. A great physique might get you noticed initially, but what keeps you relevant is your talent, discipline, emotional depth and the ability to connect with an audience. Acting is a craft that requires continuous learning, and that’s what truly makes the difference.”
She also believes actors shouldn’t hesitate to build another source of income, considering the unpredictable nature of the profession.
“I think there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having another source of income. Acting is unpredictable, and financial stability gives you the freedom to make better creative decisions instead of accepting every project out of necessity. Having an alternative career or business doesn’t mean you’re any less committed to acting—it simply means you’re being practical and preparing for the long term.”
While acting and content creation remain her priority for now, Chaitali already has an entrepreneurial vision for the future.
“At the moment, my primary focus is acting and content creation, but I do believe in building something beyond the screen. Eventually, I’d love to create a business that’s an extension of who I am—whether that’s in lifestyle, fashion, beauty or experiential events. It should feel authentic to my personality and create value beyond my work as an actor. For me, the idea is to build a brand, not just a business.”
For Chaitali, success isn’t defined by the number of projects alone but by the ability to keep evolving. She believes talent, resilience and the willingness to adapt will always be the qualities that help an actor stay relevant in an ever-changing industry.
