Farnaz Shetty on actor-influencer debate

With the social media boom, the era of influencers has come into existence. And, successful influencers are minting money which is at par or sometimes even more than the highest paid actors. Actor Farnaz Shetty shares her opinion on this trend.

“Social media has undoubtedly entered an era where influencers are making substantial amounts of money. However, acting is a craft that requires years of mastery and leaves behind a lasting legacy. If your sole goal is to make money, there are other avenues available. Yet, these monetary gains don't provide the creative satisfaction that one seeks when they invest their whole self into the process of acting. Therefore, comparing the money-making aspect of being an actor to that of being an influencer, there is no comparison. To put it simply, being an influencer demands staying active on social media since that is the core of their existence. On the other hand, for actors, social media is just one part of their profession, alongside maintaining themselves and their health. For influencers, social media is everything, while for actors, it's merely a facet of their work. Thus, the comparison is not valid,” she states.

Acting requires a lot of hard work and a very private process that an actor goes through, which social media cannot fully capture or justify, she feels.

“In fact, it is essential for an actor to disconnect from social media to remain focused on their craft, as the influence of social media can be a hindrance to their creativity. Staying away from such distractions allows them to stay committed to their profession. Nevertheless, it is beneficial for actors to remain connected to their audience, appreciating their work and building a supportive community. Having a following on social media can be an added advantage, but it should not be the sole purpose or measure of an actor's success. Ultimately, being an actor is more about honing the skills, passion for the craft, and leaving a lasting impact through their work, rather than solely focusing on monetary gains or follower count,” she explains.

Just based on the number of followers, be it Instagram or YouTube or Facebook, influencers are making big money and everyone tends to promote their project or product in one way or another via them. In the end, most influencers end up talking only money and the kind of money they are making is even more than they would have made in any other profession.

“Entrepreneurs and business owners may not universally prioritise the same factors. While some may not care about certain aspects, there are those who do, particularly among smaller brands. Some seek recognition, while others emphasize product quality. The expectations regarding marketing strategies vary for each individual or brand. For instance, Maybelline prefers actors to endorse their products, whereas Nyyka leans towards influencers. Ultimately, marketing approaches are brand-specific and depend on their unique strategies. It's essential not to categorize and assume that only influencers are favoured, as each brand's marketing decisions differ based on their distinctive approaches,” she says.

Just based on the number of followers, be it Instagram or YouTube or Facebook, influencers are making big money and everyone tends to promote their project or product in one way or another via them. In the end, most influencers end up talking only money and the kind of money they are making is even more than they would have made in any other profession.

“There exist diverse money-making avenues, and achieving excellence as an influencer, actively engaging on social media, can lead to admiration and paid opportunities. It's not an effortless endeavour, as it involves considerable preparation. I refrain from implying that influencers do not work hard, as they, too, have their own commitments. Being an influencer and an actor are entirely distinct pursuits. For instance, consider the international biggest influencer, Khabi, and the renowned actor, Johnny Depp. Both possess significant influence, yet they defy categorisation due to their unique qualities. An influencer crafts moments, while an actor lives a story that leaves a lasting legacy,” she adds.