Dibyendu Bhattacharya has built a career on memorable performances rather than star status. Having worked across films, OTT and television for over two decades, the acclaimed actor believes Bollywood's hierarchy is real but also accepts it as an inevitable part of the industry. In an exclusive conversation with PeepingMoon, Dibyendu shared his candid views on star power, discrimination and how the landscape has evolved over the years.

'Hierarchy has always existed and it will continue to exist'

When asked whether he has experienced the hierarchy that exists between stars and character actors, Dibyendu admitted that the distinction is very much a reality.

"Star power discrimination does exist. Hierarchy has been a part of the industry for years, and I don't think it will ever completely go away. Earlier, the difference was much more visible. Today, because people know me and recognise my work, things have improved a little. But these are realities of the industry and they've always existed."

'Recognition has changed things, but the system remains'

While Dibyendu feels audiences have embraced his work over the years, he believes the industry's functioning hasn't changed entirely.

"People recognise me more today, so the situation is better than before. But hierarchy is still there. It's part of the system, and everyone working in the industry understands that."

'My journey has taught me to keep moving forward'

Reflecting on his career, Dibyendu said he has never liked describing it as a "struggle."

"I prefer calling it a journey. Life is a journey with ups and downs, and what people call struggle is simply one part of it. Every phase teaches you something. For the actor, the only way to survive in the industry is by concentrating on the craft rather than the hierarchy around it.”

As an actor, my responsibility is to keep working and keep growing. The rest is beyond my control.

With performances in projects like Rakh and Alpha earning appreciation, Dibyendu continues to prove that consistent performances can carve their own space even in an industry where hierarchy and discrimination continues to exist.