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Sundeep Kishan fires back at questions about success; sticks up for Faria Abdullah, Anaswara: ‘We hesitate to encourage’

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Latest News: Todays Latest News Headlines from India & World | Hindustan Times | Hindustan Times

September 20, 2026
Sundeep Kishan fires back at questions about success; sticks up for Faria Abdullah, Anaswara: ‘We hesitate to encourage’

Actor Sundeep Kishan defended his co-stars Faria Abdullah and Anaswara Rajan against aggressive media questioning during a promotional event for their film 'Sigma'. He criticized the industry's focus on box-office success ratios over the genuine achievements of young actors.

Standing Up for Peers: Sundeep Kishan’s Defense of Talent

During a recent promotional event in Hyderabad for the upcoming film Sigma, actor Sundeep Kishan took a firm stand against what he perceived as unfair and demoralizing media scrutiny toward his co-stars, Faria Abdullah and Anaswara Rajan. While the press conference was intended to highlight the project, the narrative shifted when Kishan intervened to address the tone of questions being directed at his colleagues, specifically regarding their professional success ratios.

Challenging the Success Ratio Narrative

Kishan’s primary grievance centered on the media's obsession with quantifiable box-office success rather than the individual milestones achieved by actors. He pointedly defended Faria Abdullah, noting that by the age of 25, she has already achieved significant professional and personal success—including earning awards, purchasing a home, and supporting her family. Kishan argued that the industry and media often overlook these tangible accomplishments, choosing instead to focus on a narrow definition of commercial viability.

The Pressure on Young Actors

This incident highlights a broader, systemic issue within the Telugu film industry where young actors, particularly women, are subjected to high-pressure questioning about their career trajectories. Kishan’s intervention suggests a growing frustration among established actors regarding the treatment of their peers. By highlighting Abdullah’s multi-faceted success, he sought to shift the discourse from cold statistics to the actual human effort and growth required to sustain a career in a demanding industry.

Passion vs. Profit

When pressed about his own career choices and his penchant for experimental roles regardless of box-office outcomes, Kishan offered a candid perspective. He emphasized that his commitment to acting is driven by passion rather than purely financial gain. He remarked that if monetary accumulation were his primary goal, he would have focused on the stock market instead, underscoring that his dedication to cinema is rooted in artistic fulfillment rather than just commercial security.

A Call for Industry Support

Kishan’s comments serve as a critique of how the media and public perceive Telugu actors. He suggested that there is a hesitation to truly encourage and celebrate the achievements of talent within the region, which he believes creates a hostile environment for growth. His defense of Anaswara Rajan, while implied, further reinforces his role as a mentor figure attempting to foster a more supportive and respectful atmosphere for newer actors entering the space.

Future Implications for PR and Media Relations

This event likely signals a shift in how actors may navigate future promotional cycles. As stars become more protective of their co-stars, we may see a move toward more controlled or balanced press interactions. Ultimately, Kishan’s actions reflect an attempt to humanize the film industry, reminding both the media and the audience that behind every success ratio are individuals who have made significant personal sacrifices to reach their current standing.