Jaideep Ahlawat Told to Pay Money to Increase Followers During Raazi: 'It Shocked Me...' | Exclusive

Social media has become an inseparable part of an actor’s career today. Their follower base on various platforms often determines the brand endorsements that come their way. And in the last few years, it has also become a factor for casting directors to approach actors – some of who’ve often spoken up on how influencers have been chosen over them for projects solely for having a higher follower count on their social media accounts.

And now, in an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Jaideep Ahlawat opens up on how he too has been at the receiving end of the same advice for not being very active on these platforms. The actor, who has carved a niche for himself with author-backed roles over the years, reveals that at the time of filming Raazi, he was asked to make his social media game stronger. However, he shut them down.

He tells us, “I’ve been told to pay money to increase my social media following. This had happened during Raazi. It really shocked me. When I asked them what kind of fruit that would bear, they just reiterated that it would drive up my follower count. And when I kept prodding them, they were also confused about how that would benefit my career. I didn’t want to increase my social media mileage by doing these things.”

Jaideep shares that he has never felt the need to succumb to the pressures of the film industry such as attending film parties and encouraging gossips being written about him. But that has never stopped people from showering him with free advice to gain commercial stardom. “Thank god, gossips have never been written about me. I was also told to buy a bigger car. And as for my social media, if the number of followers has to increase someday, it will happen on its own,” he states.

So, how does he deal with the paparazzi culture? “So many people feel the need to put out which gym they go to and what they had for lunch. Those who feel like it is necessary to get spotted and captured by the paparazzi at gyms and airports, it’s their choice and it works for them. I too wanted to succumb to it out of anger,” says the Jaane Jaan actor.

He adds that he has often been advised by his team to jump onto the bandwagon and tip off photographers. And while he did make up his mind to do the same, he eventually backed out. “Sometimes, my team motivates me to do it too and I tell them that I’ll start doing it from the next day. I tell them, ‘Kal se bula lena. Main jahan bhi jaaunga, wahan bula lena.’ But that tomorrow never comes (laughs). You’ve to think of so many things like what to wear if you’re calling the paparazzi,” reveals Jaideep, who will soon be seen in the Zee5 series The Broken News 2 co-starring Sonali Bendre and Shriya Pilgaonkar.