‘Bade designers dont give their outfits’: When Shivangi Joshi recalled facing ‘TV Vs Bollywood’ discrimination

Shivangi Joshi, known for her strong run in Indian television, is all set to headline Bade Achhe Lagte Hain opposite Harshad Chopda. While her acting journey continues to grow, the actress recently touched upon an often-ignored bias that still exists in the entertainment world — the way designers treat TV actors differently from their Bollywood counterparts.

In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Shivangi revisited a moment that left her feeling disappointed. “Kuch time pehle muje bura laga tha kuch chiz ka but then I was like chalo thik hai it’s their job that’s how they want to do it,” she said, recalling an incident where she was refused an outfit by a designer — simply because she was from the television circuit.

This wasn’t just a one-off instance. Shivangi admitted that this kind of discrimination has been part of the industry’s fabric for a while now. “Pehle hum sunte the na bade bade designers they don’t give their outfits to TV actors. Ki hum sirf Bollywood ko dete hai, bohot chal rahi thi chize,” she explained.

Pehle hum sunte the na bade bade designers they don’t give their outfits to TV actors. Ki hum sirf Bollywood ko dete hai, bohot chal rahi thi chize

- Shivangi Joshi

While many actors have quietly accepted this divide over the years, Shivangi’s experience reflects how deep-rooted these biases remain. Even with a massive fan following and consistent success, being a TV actor often means being sidelined when it comes to fashion collaborations — a space still dominated by Bollywood preference.

Her statement sheds light on a harsh reality: recognition in Indian entertainment isn’t just about talent — it’s also about where you come from. And for many television actors, doors still remain closed, not because they aren’t stars, but because of outdated hierarchies that continue to dictate who “deserves” the spotlight.