Actor-director Kunal Kemmu recently weighed in on the long-standing conversation around camps, favoritism, and groupism in Bollywood. Ahead of making his debut as the host of the reality show Alliance, the actor reflected on the similarities between alliances formed in reality television and the camp culture that once existed in the Hindi film industry.
Kunal Kemmu on Groupism in Bollywood
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Kunal Kemmu acknowledged that Bollywood was once largely driven by a handful of influential film families. When asked whether camps and inner circles still exist in the industry, the Madgaon Express director admitted that they were far more prominent in the past.
“Camps hote the, ab thode kam hain because tab kuch hi families thi jo films bana rahi thi (There used to be camps. Now there are fewer because earlier only a few families were making films). Then corporates entered the industry,” he said.
While acknowledging the presence of camps, Kemmu stressed that such dynamics are not unique to Bollywood and can be found across different professions. According to him, people naturally prefer working with those they trust and are comfortable with.
“You may like it or dislike it, but that’s just how things work. It’s human nature. If I enjoy working with someone, nobody can force me not to collaborate with them. It may put someone else at a disadvantage, but that’s the reality,” he explained.
The actor further pointed out that success in the entertainment business isn’t always determined purely by talent. He remarked that many decisions are influenced by commercial calculations that often don’t make much sense, adding that the industry gradually shifted from making films to creating “projects.”
Kemmu also observed that audiences today are increasingly looking for strong content rather than star-driven projects, a change he believes is reshaping the industry.
On Hosting Alliance
Speaking about his upcoming reality show, Kunal said the concept mirrors real-life relationships. He explained that while people are born into one family, they also create another through friendships and meaningful connections.
“There is the family we’re born into, and then there’s the family we choose. Sometimes even family relationships don’t last. Human survival has always depended on alliances. In ancient times, if you couldn’t hunt or gather on your own, you had to build alliances to survive. Even today, alliances remain an essential part of life,” he shared.
On the professional front, Kunal Kemmu will next be seen in Golmaal 5.
