In Bollywood, the rise of new talents often sparks discussions about the industry’s future and the dynamics of stardom. One such emerging figure is Pragya Jaiswal, a new sensation from the Southern industry making waves with her performances. The question on many minds is whether Pragya Jaiswal could potentially overshadow established stars like Rashmika Mandanna in Bollywood.
Pragya Jaiswal: A Rising Star
Pragya Jaiswal, born on January 12, 1991, in Jabalpur, India, has carved a niche for herself in the Telugu film industry. Her journey from a successful model to an acclaimed actress showcases her versatility and talent. With notable roles in films like Kanche and Akhanda, Jaiswal has garnered praise for her acting prowess and on-screen presence.
A Stunning Bollywood Debut
Pragya Jaiswal is set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Akshay Kumar in the upcoming film Khel Khel Mein. Known for her impactful performances in Telugu cinema, Jaiswal’s foray into Bollywood marks a significant milestone in her career.
Her role in this romantic-comedy suspense film is anticipated to showcase her versatility and on-screen charisma to a wider audience. Collaborating with a seasoned actor like Akshay Kumar and being part of a star-studded ensemble cast adds an extra layer of excitement to Jaiswal’s Bollywood debut. As she steps into Hindi cinema, fans and industry enthusiasts are expecting her to bring a fresh perspective and captivate audiences with her talent, just the way Rashmika brought a fresh new wave with her Bollywood debut, though she soon almost vanished from strong public perception.
Rashmika Mandanna’s Position
Rashmika Mandanna, known for her work in both Telugu and Kannada cinema, has established herself as a prominent figure in the Indian film industry. However, recent developments, such as being replaced as the ‘National Crush’ by Tripti Dimri and facing perception challenges in Bollywood, post Pushpa: The Rise, have raised questions about her stronghold in the industry.
The PR and Perception Game in Bollywood
Amid this high-stakes drama, Bollywood PR guru Dale Bhagwagar, who has handled the personal PR for some of the industry’s biggest names including Hrithik Roshan, Shilpa Shetty, Priyanka Chopra and films like the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Don and Farhan Akhtar-starrer Rock On, offers an interesting perspective. When we asked him if Pragya will dethrone Rashmika this year, he laughed and said, “C’mon, no one actually dethrones anyone as such. Bollywood has a big heart, and there is space for everyone,” he remarks, acknowledging the industry’s capacity to embrace new talents without displacing existing stars.
However, he also adds a caveat, “If we are to look at it as a PR and perception game, then yes, Bollywood PR is no less than a tamed and controlled Game of Thrones, where perception is reality, and crafted narratives are everything for brand value.”
Dale Bhagwagar’s words ring true, as the industry is often driven by carefully cultivated public images and narratives. “From that point of view,” he continues, “Rashmika did lose the momentum when Tripti Dimri managed to supersede her excellent branding after the release of Animal. And she did it at supersonic speed. In fact, so good was Tripti’s over-oiled PR machinery at that point in time, that she actually got herself acknowledged as the new ‘National Crush’ — a title Rashmika held once. Though I have my reasons for doubting if it will help her in the long run, unless she understands all the core differences between hype, publicity and image-building and reinvents her PR strategy. ”
He adds, “But the fact is that Tripti snatched Rashmika’s glory under her nose in this round, proving that only fans and success are not enough in today’s world. This PR exercise also proved once again that brand value and narrative are different monsters, and its not everyone’s cup of tea to play the game of engineering brand value and manufacturing narrative.”
Woah! That was epic PR talk!
On prodding further Dale admits, “From the narrative point of view, I feel Rashmika will need to deftly take care of her position and positioning. As I look at it, she seems to be slipping in positioning, though very very slowly, and we are hardly noticing it for now.”
With a knowing smile, he adds, “This PR and perception game, though it being an illusion, can be a decisive factor in producers, funders and financers putting their money on certain actors and actresses, eventually resulting in the fluctuating numbers of the so-called rat race.”
Analyzing the Potential Impact
As Pragya Jaiswal gains momentum with her performances and growing popularity, the prospect of her challenging established stars like Rashmika Mandanna becomes a topic of interest. While Bollywood embraces fresh talent, the industry’s dynamics, influenced by PR strategies and public perception, play a pivotal role in determining an actor’s success.
Final Take
The narrative surrounding Pragya Jaiswal’s ascent in Bollywood and its potential implications for established stars like Rashmika Mandanna underscores the competitive nature of the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, the interplay between talent, PR strategies, and audience perception remains a critical factor in shaping the careers of actors. In this dynamic environment, the rise of new talents like Pragya Jaiswal adds a layer of intrigue to Bollywood’s ever-evolving scenario.
In Bollywood, where talent meets strategy, the journey of actors like Pragya Jaiswal and Rashmika Mandanna reflects the industry’s constant flux and the enduring quest for stardom.
