In a startling revelation that has sent ripples through the Indian film industry, Manipur-based actor Bijou Thaangjam has accused the makers of the Alia Bhatt-starrer ‘Jigra’ of discrimination. Thaangjam, who is known for his significant roles in acclaimed films such as ‘Mary Kom’, ‘Shivaay’, and ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’, has brought to light a disturbing series of events that he claims have not only cost him potential professional opportunities but also reflect the systemic biases prevalent in the industry, especially towards actors from the Northeast.
Taking to the social media platform X, Thaangjam did not mince his words as he addressed the issue. “I’m not writing this with any agenda or accusations,” he wrote. “I just want to share the reality of how actors like me from the Northeast are often treated by big production houses. Hopefully, this sheds some light on what we face.”
The actor recounted his experience, dating back to 2023, when he was initially approached by the casting team of ‘Jigra’. “I was approached by their casting team to audition for a role. I sent my tapes twice over the span of four months, playing along with their timeline,” he stated. He was informed that he would begin shooting in December, a prospect that excited him initially. However, the excitement soon turned to frustration as he realized that he was being kept in the dark regarding the actual shooting dates.
According to Thaangjam, despite being booked for the entire month of December, he never received any definitive dates. “They booked me for the entire month of December, expecting that I’d be ready to shoot for them at any moment. As someone based in Imphal, Manipur, I made it clear from the start that travel arrangements would need to be made, but that didn’t seem to matter,” he shared.
The ordeal did not end there. Throughout December, Thaangjam claims he was in constant communication with the casting team but received no substantial updates. The last message he received was on December 26th, which merely stated “Waiting for a revert.
.” After that, communication with the production team ceased entirely, leaving him in a lurch.
This prolonged period of uncertainty and inactivity led to dire professional consequences for Thaangjam. “Meanwhile, I’d lost out on other projects because I was sitting around, waiting for them to give me the go-ahead. But of course, that never came,” he lamented.
Thaangjam’s allegations are not just a personal grievance but highlight a broader issue within the industry. “I understand how big production houses operate. The director is undeniably talented, but the way they handled this entire situation was deeply unprofessional. For actors like me from the Northeast, it felt particularly dismissive, almost discriminatory,” he remarked, pointing to a pattern of neglect that he believes is not isolated.
The accusations have sparked discussions about the treatment of actors from the Northeastern regions of India in mainstream cinema—a discourse that many say is long overdue. Despite the increasing visibility of Northeast India in popular media, biases and stereotypes continue to plague actors from the region, affecting their opportunities and career trajectories.
‘Jigra’, directed by Vasan Bala and starring Alia Bhatt, is a film centered around a devoted sister’s perilous journey to rescue her brother, played by Vedang Raina. The film, produced by Dharma Productions, along with Viacom18 Studios and Eternal Sunshine Productions, has not yet responded to Thaangjam’s claims. Co-written by Debashish Irengbam and Vasan Bala, ‘Jigra’ has been a topic of much anticipation, but these allegations threaten to overshadow its release.
The incident with Bijou Thaangjam serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by actors situated far from the industry’s epicenter, both geographically and culturally. It calls for introspection and responsibility from production giants who often wield significant power over the careers and lives of talented individuals who strive to make a mark in the industry. Thaangjam’s disclosure is more than a grievance; it is a clarion call for change and inclusivity.
