India, July 20 -- After nearly a decade, actor Sumedh Mudgalkar still finds it challenging to land fresh, interesting roles. Recently seen in Hai Junoon, he admits that young actors now compete not just with peers but also with social media influencers, though unlike many, he has no issue with the trend. Talking about social media clout being a prerequisite in many casting rooms, he says, "Social media is the strongest tool that we are coming across in many aspects. But I do understand that a lot of commercial aspects have come in and some people do have a large number of followers and it might be beneficial. But I just tell myself that I better focus on things that I can and want to do, and don't try to fit in every single frame." But does he find it unfair that acting jobs go to influencers over actors? "It's very easy to feel unfair. This will become a problem if you start pointing fingers on why is something happening. It's wise to understand that the world works the way it works," he responds. Sumedh acknowledges the growing presence of influencers in casting decisions but sees it as part of the evolving industry. "Yes, there are influencers and content creators getting acting jobs over actors," he says, "but at the end of the day, it's business. If a producer wants someone in their project for any reason, it's their call." Despite the challenges, he remains hopeful: "I have this naive belief that people will want me when I'm truly needed and that's where I want to be." The actor adds, "I have no problem with anyone else getting work because of their hard work. It's wrong to say they don't deserve it. Many people from other professions also try their hand in acting, and it's not something new. Singers have done it, so why not influencers? Give the opportunity to everyone, and at the end, whoever is loved and appreciated by the audience will stay."...