Comedian and actor Suresh Menon, known for his sharp comic timing and memorable character roles in films and television, has opened up about his absence from the Bollywood spotlight. In a candid interview , Menon revealed that while his passion for acting remains strong, the industry has changed in ways that no longer accommodate actors like him.
“I love being in front of the camera, there’s no doubt about that,” he shared. “But even after 30 years in the industry, I still have to approach casting directors and give auditions—and sometimes they don’t even recognize me.”
‘No nepotism, just groupism’
Menon dismissed the often debated idea of nepotism in Bollywood and instead highlighted what he calls the real problem: groupism. “There is no nepotism, that term is misused. The issue is groupism. If you’re in the right group, you survive. If not, you’re out,” he said. Despite having worked with top stars, he revealed that he never networked beyond the professional space. “I’ve never disturbed anyone in their personal life.”
He recalled a disheartening experience at a well-known casting agency, where he was introduced as “someone who wants to come back to films.” “That hurt deeply,” he said. “I was never gone. I’ve always been around.”
‘Heroes still get character roles; we have to wait’
Menon also spoke about how character actors are sidelined in today’s cinema landscape. “Earlier, a hero could play any role; a Bihari, a South Indian. Now, only the stars get those opportunities. We, the supporting actors, have to wait endlessly. Even brainless comedies don’t call me. Ahmed Khan—I’m alive! ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ is happening and no one called me.”
He recounted a piece of advice from a director: “You’ll always sleep on the bed you make.” Reflecting on that, Menon added, “Maybe this is not my time. But it’s unfair to tie an artist down to a certain image.”
‘I’ll never stop acting, but I won’t depend on it’
The actor also shared the kind of typecasting he’s dealt with. “Someone once told me I could either play a gay character or a South Indian. I said, ‘Fine, bring it on.’ But I want to do something different. I want to play a villain, a killer, I want to surprise people.”
Despite the setbacks, he maintains a sense of humor and optimism. “The world is a circle, what goes around comes around. So I don’t stay sad for long. I go out, have a vada pav or a drink with friends. Life moves on.”
Menon concluded by revealing his next steps: “I’m pivoting now. I’ve been in the corporate world before, and I’d love to return to it. I’ll always continue acting. I can never give it up. But I won’t depend on it anymore, and certainly not on any group or lobby. In Delhi, they call it gol gappe. In Mumbai, it’s chaat.”
