Ray Parihar on the realities of the acting world; says ‘Struggle never ends, it evolves’

Ray Parihar, currently seen as Pratham in Jamai No. 1, offers a grounded take on the relentless demands of the acting world. Known for his sincere performances, Ray believes that struggle in the entertainment industry isn’t a phase—it’s a constant that changes shape.“The hustle doesn’t really vanish; it just shifts,” he says. “When you’re new, you hustle for roles. When you’re known, you hustle to stay meaningful and not get boxed in. It’s a journey of reinvention. And the pressure to keep pushing your boundaries is constant.”For Ray, acting is never mechanical—even if the characters seem familiar on paper. “No, acting is never predictable. Even if you’ve done similar roles, each comes with its own mood, setting, and emotional core.

You’re not just repeating lines, you’re living someone’s story, and that’s never easy if you do it sincerely.”To keep himself creatively fuelled, Ray leans into experiences outside the industry. “I take creative breaks when needed. I watch world cinema, spend time with people outside the industry, or travel solo. These experiences ground me and give me fresh perspectives. I believe that to act well, you must live fully.”

He also acknowledges the evolving role of the audience in shaping performances. “Yes, the audience has a stronger voice now than ever. I read DMs and comments—not obsessively, but enough to understand what’s resonating. I try to absorb the constructive parts without letting it dilute the integrity of the role.”On the shift in narratives, he says, “The kind of roles being written today are far more nuanced. The guy next door has layers, the villain has a backstory. That gives actors the scope to explore grey areas and go deeper than surface-level storytelling.”