Actor Ankit Mohan has opened up about the unequal treatment that newcomers and actors playing smaller roles sometimes experience on film and television sets. Reflecting on his journey in the entertainment industry, the actor spoke about how an individual's importance in a project can influence the way people interact with them. While every production has its own working environment and set dynamics, Mohan believes that respect should never depend on an actor's screen time, character or position in the cast.
When asked whether newcomers are treated fairly by their fellow actors and ensemble members, Ankit explained that his experiences changed as he moved from smaller roles to bigger projects, including web series. He recalled that after getting opportunities in digital productions, he felt he had moved up a level. However, he also realised that the way people communicate, address one another and handle things varies significantly from one set to another. Sharing his observations, he said: "After that, when I stepped out—and fortunately, by God's grace, I got to work on a couple of web series—I felt that I had moved up a level. The way people interact, the way things are handled—it's different everywhere. Every set has its own unique dynamic—how people talk, how they address you, how they go about things, and how they treat you. Exactly. But there's one thing—I wouldn't call it 'sad,' per se, but it's a brutal fact: regardless of the project or the medium, if your character is strong and you're playing an important role, the treatment you receive is amazing. But if you aren't there for a significant amount of time, or don't have much screen time or a crucial role, then—well, I know why people don't treat everyone equally. It's an unspoken fact, but everyone knows it. That's how I see it. I believe everyone deserves equal respect—absolutely, equal respect.”
“Personally, I don't make a distinction; whether I'm speaking to a spot boy or a producer, I treat everyone as an equal human being. But that's not the case everywhere. I've experienced this myself—back when I started my journey and was doing smaller roles, they'd cram four people into a single room and just hand us a tiffin box. But gradually, I realized—well, that 'swagger' I brought from Chandni Chowk? That was completely stripped away by these experiences" added Ankit.
Mohan's account highlights an aspect of the entertainment industry that often remains behind the scenes. According to his experience, actors with prominent characters and substantial screen time can receive better facilities and attention, while those appearing in smaller roles may have to adjust to less comfortable arrangements. His recollection of sharing a single room with three other people during his early days gives a glimpse into the challenges faced by performers trying to establish themselves. He also made it clear that his personal approach is different: he believes a spot boy and a producer deserve the same basic human respect.
Ankit Mohan began his career in modelling and entered the entertainment world as a contestant on the fourth season of MTV Roadies in 2006. He gradually built his television career and gained widespread recognition for portraying Ashwathama in Star Plus' Mahabharat. He went on to appear in popular shows such as Kumkum Bhagya, Naagin 3, Haiwaan: The Monster and Kaatelal & Sons. His television journey helped him establish a strong identity among audiences, while his performances across different formats expanded his career.
The actor has also made a significant contribution to Marathi cinema, particularly through historical dramas. He played the titular role in Farzand and appeared in films such as Fatteshikast and Pawankhind. His other credits include the Hindi film Mausam, the web series Ek Thi Begum and films such as Crakk and Singham Again. Through his candid remarks, Mohan has brought attention to the importance of equal treatment and dignity on film sets. His message is simple: an actor's role may be small or large, but every person working behind or in front of the camera deserves respect.
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