Whoever you are and wherever you come from, everyone has their share of struggle,” says actor Raima Sen. The daughter of yesteryear actor Moon Moon Sen, and granddaughter of veteran actor late Suchitra Sen, Raima says if star kids had it easy in the film industry, each one of them would’ve been successful.

“Had things been that easier, I would’ve been at the top, too,” she asserts, admitting that she got her first break in Bollywood with Godmother (1999) because she was Moon Moon Sen’s daughter. “But, that was it. I did not get 100 film offers immediately after that. I had to struggle, and I’m still trying hard. In between, I worked in Bengali films. Bollywood does appreciate regional films and actors, they do recognize me for Chokher Bali (2002) and The Japanese Wife (2010), but that isn’t the criteria to get Hindi films,” she explains.

According to Raima, it’s the survival of the fittest and ultimately, everything boils down to talent. “If you’ve got talent, you’ll find a way. There are many star kids who couldn’t make it. You are no one if your film doesn’t work. Star kids who’ve survived are much better performers than many others, they deserve credit,” she says.

The actor goes on to say that it’s not always about playing lead roles or screen time. “You get recognized in smaller roles, too. You can cry nepotism and all, but only if you have it in you, you get it. There’s no two ways about it. Yes, it’s difficult to make it in Bollywood, but it isn’t easy in any profession. You can’t think I’ll become number one without doing anything,” she adds.

There have also been talks about groupism and favouritism in Bollywood, with many claiming that only insiders or those connected with certain groups get noticed. Raima somewhat agrees, but is quick to add, “I’ve never been a part of any (group), nor do I go to such parties. Films don’t come to you because you attend such parties, your capability gets you work.”