Veteran filmmaker and actor Tigmanshu Dhulia, known for Paan Singh Tomar and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, recently shared a candid perspective on the film industry’s cutthroat nature. In an interview with ANI, Dhulia revealed how vulnerabilities are often exploited in Bollywood and emphasized the importance of genuine friendships.

Calling the industry an “insecure place,” Dhulia said, “You need a lot of good friends here because you can’t open up. Every person feels weak at times. If you share your weakness with the wrong person, they will take advantage of it. But whom do you talk to? A lot of things your wife can’t understand.”

Dhulia further elaborated on the significance of having a real friend in the industry. “There should be two friends, but that has become a problem for me. Who do I turn to when I’m unsure about a script or struggling with casting? When we write film scripts, we always include a friend of the hero—someone who listens. But in real life, I don’t have that person right now. I cannot open up to anybody. It’s a problem.”

Dhulia’s career in Bollywood began as a casting director for Bandit Queen. Over the years, he has carved a niche as both an actor and a filmmaker. He has appeared in acclaimed films like Dil Se, Shahid, and Manjhi – The Mountain Man, but his portrayal of Ramadhir Singh in Gangs of Wasseypur remains his most iconic role. As a director, he is best known for Paan Singh Tomar, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.

Despite his success, Dhulia’s revelations highlight a darker reality of the industry—where loneliness and insecurity often lurk behind the glamour. His candid admission sheds light on the emotional toll of showbiz, making it clear that even established artists struggle to find trusted confidants in Bollywood.