Adil Hussain wants actors to look beyond box office, urges to support indie cinema

Adil Hussain, a seasoned actor with over four decades in the industry, emphasised the need for established stars to support independent cinema to reshape its future.Adil Hussain: Stars should be courageous enough to back independent cinemaFor over four decades, actor Adil Hussain has built a career that has never been dictated by stardom or box office numbers. From acclaimed international projects to some of Indian cinema's most nuanced performances, he has consistently chosen stories over spectacle. With his latest film, Max, Mini Aur Meowzaki, now in theatres, Hussain reflected on why more stars need to support independent cinema, the difficult decision to run away from home to become an actor, and how acting continues to give his life purpose.In an exclusive chat with India Today Digital, Hussain spoke about the challenges faced by smaller films. He said that established stars can play a crucial role in ensuring such stories reach audiences.Star power can help independent storiesThe 62-year-old said, "I just saw a beautiful Tamil film called Kadaisi Vivasayi, and Vijay Sethupathi plays a very small part in that, but he is involved. So did Brad Pitt in a film called The Tree of Life. I just feel that our known stars, actors, could probably become a little more courageous and come into smaller films. Not only present them, but be part of them. If they can do that, it will change the whole landscape."The actor also shared that choosing acting as a career was never an easy conversation at home. Growing up in Assam, convincing his parents was impossible, forcing him to take a drastic step. "I could not convince them at all. I had to just run away," he recalled, adding that they eventually accepted it. "Not with a smiling face, but like, 'Iska toh kuch nahi hone wala hai.' (He would not make it)," he added with a laugh. Interestingly, there was a time when Hussain questioned whether acting was meaningful enough. In the mid-1990s, he even wondered if becoming an activist would make a greater difference to society.He recalled, "In 1996, I went to my teacher and asked, 'Why am I getting this name and fame? How does acting help society? Maybe I should become an activist or open an NGO.' But he told me, 'You are giving the audience one of the rarest gifts, which is empathy. You are helping people empathise with your characters. Even if you are playing a so-called bad role, people understand the backstory and begin treating others with more empathy.' That stayed with me. I realised I have a very important role to play."Hussain reflects on the journey Even today, Adil believes empathy is the greatest gift an actor can offer audiences. He said that after decades in the industry, stepping in front of the camera still feels like living completely in the moment."It has been one of the most beautiful journeys. I think I would do it again if I were born. I will do it again and again because I think I am one of the blessed souls on the planet. I am able to do what I really love to do. I can go without food. On top of that, I get money. Not that I get a lot of money, but at least I do. I get love from people, make friends across the world, and it gives my life meaning. It tells me why I am surviving, why I am living on this planet," the English Vinglish actor said.'Art, not politics, is my purpose'He also addressed the growing expectation for actors and celebrities to speak up on every social or political issue. While Adil admitted that pressure exists, he said he is clear about the role he wants to play in society.According to the actor, he does not see himself as a political activist, politician or social scientist, but as someone dedicated to the craft of acting and the larger purpose of art. He added that he has no problem if people do not consider him a political actor, saying, "I am not a political actor at all. I'm just an artist. I practise art through acting. I love the role of art in human society. I am trying to go deeper into it."Max, Mini Aur Meowzaki is currently playing in theatres.- EndsPublished On: Jul 30, 2026 18:53 IST