Parmeet Sethi opens up about being replaced in films due to heroes’ insecurities, 'Hero said ki mujhe ye overpower karlega'

Parmeet Sethi, who is known for his iconic role as the antagonist in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, recently spoke about the challenges he faced in his film career, including being replaced in projects due to lead actors’ insecurities.

In a recent interview, Sethi reflected on lost opportunities and the lessons he learned along the way.Speaking to Pinkvilla, Sethi revealed, “I won’t lie. Ek do films thi jaha par mujhe main villain cast karne ke baad ‘thank you very much’ boldiya gaya, kyuki the hero said ki mujhe ye overpower karlega. He is taller than me, yaa kuch hua hoga.”He added, “I won’t name the heroes, lekin do films thi jaha I remember, jaha par mujhe bola gaya ki nai sir, it’s not working out.

So hoti hain insecurities yaa jo bhi hota hain theeke. I don’t blame anybody. Sab apna apna career sambhalne ki koshish kar rahe hote hain.”

Being selective cost him visibility

Sethi explained that being selective about his roles affected his presence in Bollywood. “Jis films mein role mujhe theek nahi lage maine nahi kiye, isliye maine kam films kari. Kam films kari that means thoda sa out of sight, out of mind hojata hain. So mujhe phir filmein kam milne lagi,” he said.

Television helped rebuild his career

While his film career didn’t fully take off, television became a platform to re-establish himself. “Jo full-fledged career hona chahiye tha films ka woh nai hua. Then I went back to TV and again I had to rebuild myself as a lead. Because waha par bhi ek time hota hain jab aap chalte ho, phir usko re-establish karna mushkil hota hain,” he explained.He added, “Maine socha TV is not for me, so I went for films then I came back to TV, eat humble pie.

I realised that TV jo de sakta hain woh filmein nahi de sakti hain. That’s when I said ki nai ab mein karuga toh dono karuga. Koi bhi kaam badaa yaa chhota nai hota hain.”

TV as a launchpad for stars

Highlighting the importance of television, Sethi noted, “When you look at it, Shahrukh bhi TV se nikla hain, Archana bhi TV se nikli hain, Ayushmann Khurrana bhi TV se nikla hain, Vikrant Massey bhi.”

Life lessons and perspective

Reflecting on his journey, Sethi said, “Life aapko lessons sikhaati hain. Jitni jaldi aap woh lesson seekh jao aap aage badh sakte ho. Jab aapko life kuch bol rahi hain ki yaha par tujhe mehnat karni padegi, toh woh naak life ragadvayegi chahe aapko ussi wakt karna hain yaa 5 saal baad.”Calling life a “joy ride,” he added, “Don’t take it too seriously. Ultimately sab jaane wale hain. Jitna aap ye ride enjoy karoge, jo bhi aapka phase hain life ka, I think you’ll be the most successful human being than any other person.”