Bollywood may appear glamorous on the big screen, but behind the lights and red carpets, many artists say the industry is divided by an invisible hierarchy that determines everything from the food you eat to the respect you receive.
Veteran actors Sunita Rajwar and Jatin Negi have now spoken candidly about what they describe as a “caste system” within the film industry. Their revelations paint a troubling picture of life on movie sets, especially for character actors and junior artists who often work away from the spotlight.
According to the actors, one of the most obvious signs of discrimination can be seen during meal breaks. Film sets reportedly follow a strict A, B and C categorisation system for catering. Lead actors, directors and top-billed stars are placed in the “A” category and are served premium meals close to the set. Secondary actors fall under “B”, while junior artists and tertiary characters are pushed into the “C” category, where both the quality of food and facilities are considerably poorer.
The issue, they say, goes beyond food. The system also affects basic human dignity.
Jatin Negi revealed that actors playing smaller parts often lose their identity on set. Instead of being addressed by their names, they are commonly referred to as “Man 1” or “Woman 2” in scripts and by crew members. The lack of recognition creates a sense of invisibility despite their contribution to the project.
The disparity is also evident in facilities and logistics. While lead actors may have multiple vanity vans and dedicated assistants, character artists frequently have to share a single vanity van with seven or eight other performers. At times, they are not even provided proper space to keep their belongings.
Sunita Rajwar noted that this hierarchy trickles down to every level of production. She claimed that even junior crew members and spot boys tend to treat actors differently based on the importance of their role in the film.
The financial realities are equally harsh. Supporting actors are often not paid immediately for their work. Payments can be delayed by 60 to 90 days, and in some cases, artists reportedly have to repeatedly follow up just to receive their dues. For actors earning around ₹5,000 a day for occasional work, such delays can become a serious financial burden.
The actors also highlighted the power imbalance within the industry, claiming that lead stars often have enough influence to get supporting artists replaced if they choose to exercise their authority.
Their comments have reignited an uncomfortable conversation about inequality in Bollywood. While the industry celebrates stories of dreams and success on screen, these revelations suggest that off-screen, many artists are still battling a rigid system where status determines not just opportunities, but also respect, comfort and basic human treatment.
