'Saathiya' Actress Sandhya Mridul Voices Concerns Over Industry's Fixation on Social Media Following

Sandhya Mridul, a well-known actress in both television and cinema, recently sparked a debate about the criteria used for casting actors in the entertainment industry. In a video shared on her Instagram account, Mridul expressed her frustration with the increasing emphasis on social media follower counts, revealing that it has become a barrier to her securing work.

Mridul, recognized for her roles in films like 'Saathiya', 'Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd', and 'Page 3', highlighted what she perceives as a "vicious circle". In the video, she stated, "There's a new situation, that if you don't have followers, then you won't get work". She further elaborated on this point, questioning how actors are expected to gain fame and followers if they are not given opportunities to work in the first place.

Adding to her disappointment, Mridul shared a specific instance where her manager informed her that she lost a role due to a lack of followers and her "rich" look. The actress humorously responded to the latter comment, saying, "My look is rich, not me".

Mridul's video quickly gained traction, with many people expressing their opinions on the matter. Some social media users showed support for the actress, with one commenting, "I know you are a good actor. Following you, hope this helps". Another user reminisced about Mridul's earlier work, stating, "We were kids when we saw you in Koshish Ek Asha days — those times will always be remembered as the golden era of TV. It's sad that real artists like you have to face this kind of situation today".

Sandhya Mridul's concerns echo similar sentiments expressed by other actors in the industry. Earlier this year, actor Saqib Saleem also addressed the trend of casting actors based on their social media following. He noted that while a large following does not necessarily equate to good acting, talented actors are sometimes overlooked because they lack a significant online presence.

Mridul's career began in television, with a notable role in Mahesh Bhatt's 'Abhiman'. She transitioned to Bollywood, where she initially faced challenges and stereotypical offers before landing a role in Yash Raj Films' 'Saathiya'. In an earlier interview, Mridul recalled how Yash Chopra persuaded her to take on the role in 'Saathiya,' despite her initial reluctance. She had "sworn off Bollywood" due to some bitter experiences.

As of October 2025, Sandhya Mridul has 99.8K followers on Instagram, while Saqib Saleem has 559K. Her recent statements have reignited the discussion about the impact of social media on the entertainment industry and the value placed on talent versus online popularity.