Jason Tham: Good looks are an important criteria, but just for the hero 

Actor Jason Tham, known for films like Happy New Year, Happy Bhag Jayegi, and Rocket Gang, says that today’s audience wants actors to look the part rather than just have good looks. The actor, who has been part of the web series Ranneeti: Balakot & Beyond as well as Honeymoon Photographer, states that only the protagonist’s role requires good looks today.

“Today’s cinema is very different. Audiences are more mature; there is a lot of logical reasoning in films these days. I feel a new breed of actors has emerged where acting is a stronger point, and looks are an added bonus. Yes, good looks might be an important criterion, but only for the character of a hero. Vicky Kaushal or Vikrant Massey might not be the best looking, but their talent speaks volumes. So, there is a change. And a good change,” he says.

He adds, “Talent outshines looks any day. I would love to play a plethora of different roles rather than doing one film as a hero. Luck is a combination of preparation and opportunity. So, if you get an opportunity, you better be ready with the preparation.”

However, he does acknowledge that there is bias in the industry, and that won’t change. “This is an inherited trait of human beings that will never change. We tend to push our people more than maybe those who are more deserving. It will always exist. Once, I was selected as the main character in an ad, but another actor, who personally knew the director, got the role. It came to a point where the director put his foot down and said, ‘It’ll either be him or me.’ Nothing could be done, but with a smile and pride, I walked away knowing that at least they fought for me,” he says.