In the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, social media has become a vital platform for many aspiring artists, offering opportunities for recognition and potential work. Rishaab Chauhaan, the cousin of Indian actor and comedian Krushna Abhishek, made his TV debut with the show Ishq Jabariya, where he plays Ritwik, the cousin of Aditya (played by Lakshay Khurana). With over 1 million followers, the talented young actor recently shared his thoughts on whether a social media following is the entry ticket to the world of acting.
Rishaab Chauhaan shared, “I don’t think work comes from Instagram. You may get ads, endorsements, or promotional deals, and those have their benefits, sure. But if you think it directly leads to acting work, that’s not true. To be an artist, you have to be talented. You have to truly become the character because here, you aren’t just making a reel in front of the camera—you’re performing. If you don’t perform well, a lot is at stake—the channel’s money is at stake. There are many successful artists who aren’t even on Instagram, like big names such as Ranbir Kapoor.”
The Ishq Jabariya actor further added, “If work were only about profiles, then everyone would be getting opportunities, but that’s not how it works. There are major influencers with 40 million followers who aren’t necessarily doing much; they just post on Instagram. To be an actor, many factors are important. From acting skills to matching the character’s look, everything needs to align. The character has to fit a particular image. For example, in my current TV show Ishq Jabariya, they needed someone with a specific look because my character is from London. So appearance, personality—everything was essential.”
Ishq Jabariya is a romantic drama that follows Gulki, a spirited young woman determined to fulfil her dreams. Despite challenges from her controlling stepmother, Gulki’s ambitions remain strong. Her journey is filled with unexpected twists, and she may find love in surprising places. The show stars Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in pivotal roles.
