EXCLUSIVE: Zakir Hussain SLAMS Casting Based On Actors’ Social Media Followers; Questions, “Sabse Zyada Followers Shah Rukh Khan Ke Hai Fir Dunki Kyun Nahi Chali?”

Zakir Hussain, an NSD alumnus who made his debut with Ek Hasina Thi (2004), is widely recognized for his intense and gritty performances. His most acclaimed roles include Rashid in Sarkar (2005), directed by Ram Gopal Varma, Shardul in Johnny Gaddaar (2007), helmed by Sriram Raghavan, and Prakash Rao in Singham Returns (2014), directed by Rohit Shetty. Coming from a strong film background, Zakir Hussain spoke candidly about the growing trend of casting actors based on their social media following. Scroll down to read what he said.

Zakir Hussain On Casting Actors Based On Their Social Media Following

When questioned about whether social media following now outweighs acting talent, Zakir Hussain said, “Aisa sunta hoon main. Ki, ‘Arey iske 4 million social media pe followers hain, isliye cast kiya hai.’
Sadly, yeh as a director bahut baar hota hai. Bola jata hai, ‘Accha inko cast kar lo, inke itne followers hain. Matlab itne log to jaayenge hi dekhne.’ Woh par zaroori thodi hai ki itne log jaayenge? Aap bas publicity ka zariya ban sakte ho. Agar aisa hota, toh sabse zyada followers toh Shah Rukh Khan ke hain. To unki Dunki kyun nahi chal gayi? It’s not that. Basically, content hi chalta hai. Woh har film mein accha hi karte hain, lekin kabhi kuch click nahi karta, kabhi samajh nahi aata.”

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A post shared by Zakir Hussain (@officialzakirhussain)

To this, Sarim Momin, the director of the film, also added, “Saiyaara ke un dono (Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday) ki pehle koi following nahi thi, bilkul nahi thi. But ab hai na. Toh aisa nahi hota ki sirf followers se film chalti hai. Content matters.”

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About The Film ‘Human Cocaine’

Human Cocaine is a Hindi dark psychological thriller exploring the brutal nexus of international drug trafficking and the exploitation of drug mules. Directed by Sarim Momin, the film stars Zakir Hussain, Ishita Raj, and Pushkar Jog, each stepping into intense, layered roles in this gripping crime drama. While Zakir brings his trademark intensity, Ishita steps into a darker, more complex space, and Pushkar adds further depth to the layered storytelling. The film promises a raw, hard-hitting cinematic experience.

Watch The Full Interview Here

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Sonali Singh

Sonali Singh watches films like it’s a job (and honestly, it kind of is). Currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication and Journalism, she lives somewhere between deadlines and movie scenes. If it’s Bollywood, she’s already invested—films, drama, and all the gossip included. When she’s not writing, she’s either dancing her heart out like no one’s watching or trying to mimic people, proving that not all talents are meant to be discovered.