In a recent interview, Ashish Chanchlani spoke candidly about the evolving landscape of content creation and the long-standing divide between digital creators and mainstream actors. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized how audiences today are far more receptive than they are often given credit for, especially as newer generations seek relatability through platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
“The first rule of making anything is to stop underestimating the audience. For so many years, there were rigid constraints between who was a content creator and who was an actor. Everyone wanted to explore acting or direction, but when opportunities didn’t come, people found their own ways to express and that’s what truly connects with audiences.”
He further highlighted how success metrics often become the turning point in changing perceptions, adding, “Very unfortunately, I believe numbers shut everyone up. Before that, everybody doubts you.” He went on to stress the need to support emerging talent, noting that many creators possess immense potential but lack the right backing. This, he believes, is why it’s crucial to let original voices flourish rather than restrict creative expression.
Opening up about his own struggles, Ashish shared that the past couple of years came with criticism and self-doubt, as many questioned his relevance. However, he revealed that he was quietly navigating challenges behind the scenes, particularly while working on complex elements like VFX. He also pointed out how genres like sci-fi remain underexplored in India due to the fear that audiences may not fully embrace them despite their growing curiosity and openness reinforcing his belief that trusting the audience is key to pushing creative boundaries forward.