Sparsh Shrivastava Addresses Typecasting in Indian Cinema

New Delhi | 21 April 2025 — Actor Sparsh Shrivastava, known for his captivating performances, has opened up about dealing with stereotyping in the Indian film industry. The talented actor, who gained significant recognition for his portrayal of Deepak Kumar in Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, acknowledged the ongoing challenge of being typecast in certain roles. However, he is determined to break free from these limitations and offer fresh perspectives with every portrayal, emphasizing that labels should not define an actor’s range or potential.

In a candid conversation with India Today Digital, Sparsh Shrivastava revealed that, despite being frequently approached for rural characters, he is determined to give each role a unique and refreshing spin. His openness about how the industry often associates certain actors with specific roles sheds light on the broader issue of stereotyping in Indian cinema.

Sparsh Shrivastava — “There is stereotyping, and I do get…”

Sparsh Shrivastava admits that he is often typecast in rural roles, a trend that has been consistent in his career thus far. These roles, often characterized by characters from rural India with deep-rooted cultural ties, have become an integral part of Sparsh’s acting repertoire. While many actors might find such pigeonholing limiting, Sparsh doesn’t see it as a burden. Instead, he sees it as an opportunity to bring new dimensions to his characters.

“There is stereotyping, and I do get approached for that (rural characters). Lekin, aap karo stereotype (But, you keep stereotyping), but I will bring something new and fresh to the craft. Once you watch it, it will feel different,” Sparsh Shrivastava said in the interview. His statement is a testament to his belief in the power of individuality and creativity in overcoming industry expectations.

Despite being largely recognized for his roles in rural dramas, Sparsh Shrivastava expresses a desire to explore more urbane and diverse roles. His wish to feature in more city-based projects shows his eagerness to break free from the constraints of typecasting and showcase his versatility as an actor.

Sparsh’s recent comments come as a reminder of the growing need for more dynamic storytelling in Indian cinema. Actors, particularly those who are often pigeonholed into specific types of roles, must find ways to innovate within those stereotypes or challenge them altogether. Sparsh’s approach to typecasting is a nuanced one; while he acknowledges the industry’s tendency to place actors in boxes, he insists that there is always room for reinvention.

This mindset is a contrast to the prevalent trend in Indian cinema, where actors, especially newcomers, often find themselves trapped in roles that are defined by societal and cultural expectations. However, Sparsh Shrivastava sees this challenge as an opportunity rather than a limitation, demonstrating his strong will to redefine the way characters from rural backgrounds are portrayed on screen.

Sparsh’s perspective on typecasting also sheds light on how the film industry is evolving. Veteran actors, once known for their repeated roles in specific genres or types of characters, had their own way of adapting and bringing something new to the table. This could be compared to the way Sparsh Shrivastava views his rural characters.

“Back in the day, veteran actors like Amrish Puri, Mithun Chakraborty, and Anupam Kher were often stereotyped in specific kinds of roles,” Sparsh Shrivastava explains. “They were the go-to actors for particular characters, but they made those roles their own and created a strong impact with every performance. Similarly, I want to challenge the conventional wisdom of typecasting by offering something new each time I step into a role.”

This comparison is a nod to the fact that stereotypes in the film industry are not new, but what matters is how actors approach these stereotypes and use them as an opportunity to showcase their craft.