Soniya Bansal Shares Her Perspective on Industry Gatekeeping, Celebrity Culture, and the Changing Entertainment Landscape

Mumbai: Actress Soniya Bansal, known for her work in films such as Naughty Gang, Dubki, Game 100 Crore Ka, Shoorveer, and the Telugu film Yes Boss, has steadily carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. After gaining widespread recognition through Bigg Boss 17, the actress continues to expand her portfolio with music videos like Khudgarze, Farak, Zindagi Do Roz Ki, and Koi Baat Nahi alongside Shiv Thakare. She will next be seen in The Last Breath, an environmental drama inspired by a true story, also featuring Shiv Thakare and set for a Cannes showcase. In a candid conversation, Soniya opened up about industry networking, the debate around informal bans, paparazzi culture, and the realities of managing a public image in today’s digital age.
Addressing the frequently discussed topic of “informal bans” in the entertainment industry, Soniya maintained a balanced perspective. “I think every industry has challenges, and our industry is no different. But I believe if you stay focused, work hard, and keep improving, opportunities eventually come your way,” she said.

The actress also reflected on the fine line between professional networking and silent gatekeeping, emphasizing the importance of merit alongside relationships.”Networking is important because this is a relationship-driven industry. But it becomes a problem when talent and hard work are overlooked. I think both connections and merit should go hand in hand,” Soniya shared.
With the rise of OTT platforms and social media, many believe the entertainment industry has become more accessible than ever. Soniya agrees that positive change is underway. “I feel the industry is definitely more open today. With OTT platforms and social media, artists have many more opportunities than before. There is still room for improvement, but things are changing positively,” she said.
The conversation also touched upon India’s rapidly growing paparazzi culture and whether it sometimes crosses personal boundaries. “Paparazzi are part of a celebrity’s life, and they help us connect with our audience. But at the same time, everyone deserves some personal space and privacy,” she remarked.As social media increasingly allows celebrities to communicate directly with their audiences, questions about who truly controls a public image have become more relevant than ever. According to Soniya, the reality lies somewhere in the middle. “I think it’s a mix of both. We can share our side through social media, but public image is also influenced by media, public opinion, and how people perceive things,” she explained.
Speaking about controversies within the entertainment world, Soniya believes not every headline reflects the full picture. “Not always. Sometimes controversies happen naturally, and sometimes they get more attention than they deserve. In the end, audiences are smart and usually understand what is genuine and what is not,” she said.