Ben Kingsley says Hollywood's looks-mania destroying young actors' lives

London, June 30 : Sir Ben Kingsley has slammed Hollywood bosses for destroying young lives by hiring actors simply for their looks.

The actor accused the movie industry of making youngsters believe they are talented actors when they are actually not.

The Gandhi star said that the careers of such actors often end in disillusionment when audiences gave their performances the thumbs down.

This, he said, could have "tragic" results, like the trend of failed stars turning to drink and drugs when their careers collapse.

"It's unfair to exploit a young person and say they can be in movies, then make it happen for them when they can't do it," the Mirror quoted him, as saying.

"You're lifting their expectations so high and then pulling the rug when the audience gives them a collective thumbs down.

"We throw people away too easily, but we should never invite them in the first place. There's no need to resort to drugs. I haven't ever. My drug is acting," he added.

ANI