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Seen in Hungama2 (2021) and the TV series Pyaar Tune Kya Kia (2023), actor Tanish Mahendru says that it is extremely difficult for young people to enter the industry and find work.

“It is challenging to break into the industry. It all depends on you as an individual. Many turn back after years of struggle as it is not only difficult to find work but also the right people. Many exploit young people, be it for money or other reasons. It took me some time and some cases that were not exactly distasteful before I found sincere people to work with,” says Mahendru.

Recalling one such incident that made him think twice before pursuing acting, the actor adds, “I vividly remember going for auditions almost every day, meeting new people, trying to earn a living while somehow managing in a small room with over half a dozen other actors trying to make it. It was tough! In such a situation, it made me super happy when I got a call from one of the assistants of a casting director who wanted to audition me for a film. For someone who takes his meals in a Gurudwara, it was like ‘finally kuch kaam aya’. But when I reached the place, I immediately realised that it was not how a casting office should be. Then there was just this person sitting opposite who had called for auditions. By this time, I had realised that it was a trap and without wasting a second, I ran away from the place. It took me days to recover from that episode and to this day I have trust issues.”

Mahendru feels that television is a more predictable industry for newcomers. “It is a more calculated place to work. Although the reach is huge, the people associated with it are limited. Samjhna bhi asaan hai! It took me a couple of years to take a break and find work that marked my entry into the profession. Working in television and simultaneously starring in Rabb Se Hai Duaa has given me a stable life. I am happy as an actor and my finances are going well. Despite all this and all my work, I have not forgotten to support young people as much as I can so that they do not fall into bad deals,” concludes Mahendru.