7 months ago
Actors Reevaluating Talent Agency Ties
Actors and musicians in India are leaving their talent agencies to have more control over their careers.
Jahnvi Kapoor recently left Dharma Cornerstone Artist Agency (DCAA) to join Collective Artist Network, which represents stars like Deepika Padukone.
Ranveer Singh also left Yash Raj Films after 12 years to take more control of his career.
Musicians like Arijit Singh are doing the same to focus on creative work.
This trend shows that artists want to make their own decisions and not be tied to strict contracts.
It's about finding better opportunities and being independent.
Janhvi Kapoor left Dharma Cornerstone Artist Agency (DCAA) for Collective Artist Network, seeking a wider spectrum of representation.
Ranveer Singh ended his 12-year association with Yash Raj Films in 2022 to take greater control of his career.
Actors often feel constrained by talent agencies, which can be controlling and focus on recoupment at the actor's expense.
Musicians like Arijit Singh are also stepping back from traditional labels to focus on selective collaborations and creative control.
This trend indicates a growing confidence among artists to chart their careers beyond inherited loyalties and restrictive contracts.
- Who
- Janhvi Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Arijit Singh, and other actors and musicians
- What
- Actors and musicians reevaluating and leaving talent agencies for better opportunities and creative control
- Where
- Bollywood and the Indian music industry
- When
- Recent years, with notable exits in 2022 and 2025
- Why
- To gain more control over their careers, explore better opportunities, and avoid restrictive contracts
Key facts
- Janhvi Kapoor
- Actor who left Dharma Cornerstone Artist Agency (DCAA) for Collective Artist Network
- Dharma Cornerstone Artist Agency (DCAA)
- Talent agency co-founded by Karan Johar and Bunty Sajdeh, rebranded in 2025
- Collective Artist Network
- Agency representing Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna, Jahnvi Kapoor's new agency
- Ranveer Singh
- Actor who left Yash Raj Films in 2022 after 12 years
- Arijit Singh
- Playback singer who stepped back from label-driven work for creative control
Quotes
Girish Wankhede
Film analyst discussing the role and dynamics of talent agencies in the film industry
“Agencies typically launch actors by securing initial roles, introducing them to industry networks, and guiding early decisions. In return, actors often shoulder significant costs, as contracts are structured around recoupment — sometimes at the actor’s expense.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Once actors establish themselves, they often begin to resent clauses or decisions that cost them major opportunities. Missing out on a key role or struggling after a contract ends can be a turning point. At that stage, many artists assert greater control — building personal teams of managers, legal advisors, PR professionals, or even launching boutique production companies.”
deccanchronicle.com
Informed industry source
An industry insider providing context on Jahnvi Kapoor's career move
“Given the recent performance of her films, she is looking to rebuild an identity beyond inherited labels and align with a management team that offers a wider spectrum of representation”
deccanchronicle.com
Joginder Tuteja
Film critic commenting on actors changing talent agencies
“It’s really not about branding or labelling. Actors change agencies just as people move on from jobs or organisations. Everyone looks at their best interests to advance their careers. It’s a two-way agreement. You work together, create good outcomes, and if a better prospect emerges, you move on.”
deccanchronicle.com
Anonymous actor
An actor speaking about the relationship with talent agencies
“It’s stifling. You can’t explore beyond their rules, and you’re never indispensable. If your films don’t work, attention shifts to someone newer or more influential. It’s toxic, but also a necessary evil. In today’s corporate-driven industry, you can’t survive without backing.”
deccanchronicle.com
