The Shabdotsav 2026 in Delhi showcased a unique blend of film and literature, with Bollywood actor Tej Sapru sharing insights about the evolving film industry.
Tej Sapru on Shabdotsav’s Purpose
Tej Sapru expressed, “The aim of Shabdotsav is to openly discuss every topic and share one’s views. We were invited to discuss the film line, and we expressed our thoughts on the subject in great depth. Such programmes prove to be very helpful for the development of the film world.”
A Journey Through Film
Reflecting on his extensive career, Sapru said, “I started working in films in 1979 and have had the opportunity to collaborate with many great actors. Despite the changes in the industry, I always remember the old days. Earlier, films had more feelings and emotions. The distribution model was different, with various distributors in cities like Mumbai and Delhi handling their respective regions.”
He elaborated on financial shifts, sharing, “Producers used to recover their money first, and whatever remained was shared with the producers. Today, the number of distributors has significantly reduced, concentrating power in fewer hands.”
Shifts in Theatrical Releases
Sapru discussed the transformation of theaters: “Earlier, single theaters were everywhere, and films enjoyed long runs, often lasting 50 to 75 weeks. Golden jubilee awards were common, and many of my films achieved this milestone. Now, even superhit films typically do not last a month; films that run for four weeks are considered major successes.”
He addressed the challenges faced by smaller producers: “This has significantly impacted small producers. In the past, ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ category producers could produce and release films independently, which supported their livelihoods. Today, it’s become increasingly difficult for small and new producers to secure theater space. Rising inflation and high ticket prices often prevent audiences from watching films.”
Nostalgia for Old-School Music and Films
Tej Sapru reminisced about the charm of earlier films and music: “Back then, films featured six songs, all of which were hits. The songs were so popular that people can still recall their lines easily. Achieving such a connection with audiences today is challenging. The impact of music isn’t as profound as it once was.”
He concluded, noting the missing elements in today’s industry: “Comparing this era to the past, we see many things lacking. Today, small artists and filmmakers struggle due to the centralized system dominated by big producers and multiplexes. The personal, passionate approach of the older era, the long-lasting film releases, and the vital role of music have all faded. While change in the film industry is natural, the depth and emotion of the past will always be missed.”