17 July,2026 07:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rakul Preet Singh. Pic via Instagram
Actor Rakul Preet Singh has weighed in on the long-running debate surrounding Bollywood and South Indian cinema, saying she finds the Telugu film industry to be more united and supportive. Having built a successful career across both industries, Rakul said Tollywood has a culture of celebrating each other's achievements, something she believes is largely missing in Mumbai.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, the actor reflected on her journey from making her acting debut in the Kannada film Gilli to becoming a familiar face in Telugu cinema before entering Bollywood with Yaariyan in 2014. She credited the Telugu film industry for fostering an environment where actors, filmmakers and producers openly back one another's projects.
According to Rakul, it is common for members of the Telugu film fraternity to promote each other's trailers, attend film events and celebrate box office successes regardless of competition.
"They support each other's films, trailers and promotional events. They celebrate each other's success without hesitation," she said, praising the collaborative spirit within the industry.
While appreciating Tollywood's work culture, Rakul also pointed to what she believes is one of Bollywood's biggest shortcomings. The actor claimed that insecurity often prevents members of the Hindi film industry from openly supporting one another.
She alleged that instead of promoting fellow actors' projects, "negative PR" has become increasingly common in Bollywood. Rakul added that if the industry adopted the same sense of unity seen in Telugu cinema, it could become even stronger.
Her remarks have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many users agreeing with her observations while others debated whether the comparison between the two industries is entirely fair. Several Telugu cinema fans also praised the actor for acknowledging the industry's collaborative culture despite having established herself in Bollywood.
On the work front, Rakul was last seen in Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, alongside Ayushmann Khurrana, Wamiqa Gabbi and Sara Ali Khan. She is also reportedly part of Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious Ramayana, headlined by Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash. While the makers have not officially confirmed her role, reports suggest she will be seen as Surpanakha in the mythological epic.
Rakul's comments have reignited conversations around work culture in the Indian film industry, with many debating whether greater collaboration across Bollywood could help strengthen the industry's collective growth.
