'Ektaa Kapoor created STARS, now actors struggle to buy ALTO': Ashita Dhawan on slashed budgets of producers

Ashita Dhawan, who has been a part of shows like Sapna Babul Ka...Bidaai, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Imlie, Krishna Mohini, and Mera Balam Thanedaar, to name some, and is currently seen in Prem Leela on Dangal TV, recently shared her candid thoughts about the entertainment world, the challenges actors face, and how things have changed over time. Having worked non-stop for 20 years, she has seen both the highs and lows of the industry.

Speaking to Telly Masala, Ashita recalled a time when actors had no fixed working hours. "Back then, we were just working endlessly, without breaks. We weren’t even going home! But now, things have changed. There’s proper scheduling, and we get time for ourselves and our families. This is a very positive change," she said.

However, not everything is better. One of the biggest struggles she faces is the lack of a proper script bank. "Because scripts take time to get approved, creativity often suffers. If approvals were given faster, we could execute content better," she explained.

Despite being in the industry for two decades, Ashita still faces budget-related struggles. "I have worked non-stop, yet I still have to beg and plead over budgets. It makes me feel like a vegetable – like I’m being treated like just another commodity. There was a time when Ekta Ma’am used to create stars, giving them enough to buy houses, cars, and even farmhouses. But now, even after working all day and night, actors can’t even afford an Alto car. It feels bad," she shared.

She also spoke about how competition has grown. "There are so many actors now, and multiple platforms creating content. Channels are constantly competing on budget cuts, and eventually, it’s the actors and creators who suffer the most," she said.

I have worked non-stop, yet I still have to beg and plead over budgets. It makes me feel like a vegetable – like I’m being treated like just another commodity. There was a time when Ekta Ma’am used to create stars, giving them enough to buy houses, cars, and even farmhouses. But now, even after working all day and night, actors can’t even afford an Alto car.

- Ashita Dhawan

For newcomers, Ashita had one piece of advice: "If you have the skill to polish yourself, come to this industry – otherwise, forget it!" She believes that competition exists everywhere, not just in acting. "Every field has struggles, but because actors are in the limelight, their struggles are talked about more."

Speaking about trolling, Ashita said she refuses to let it affect her. "Trollers will keep trolling. That’s their job. But in the end, truth will always win. I might feel bad for a day, but then I listen to some music and move on."

Her attitude towards challenges is simple – focus on the bright side. "I always choose to look at the positive. Problems exist in every home, office, and industry. But good things take time, and if you keep working hard, success will come."