Kanwar Dhillon reveals the hidden struggles behind television acting

Kanwar Dhillon, who is currently seen as Sachin Deshmukh in Udne Ki Aasha, recently opened up about the realities of being a television actor. While audiences often admire the glamour and charm on screen, Kanwar reveals that the journey behind the camera is much more challenging than it appears.

Performing Despite Personal Struggles

“No matter what’s happening in your personal life—a loss, a crisis, anything—you have to come to set and perform,” he says. “You can’t let it show on camera. Sometimes you feel it, sometimes you fake it, but at the end of the day, the work has to be delivered. Daily soaps don’t allow the luxury of long breaks.”

He emphasizes that acting on television demands immense mental strength. Actors are expected to maintain their energy and emotions even when life outside the set is difficult. For Kanwar, learning to manage these pressures has been an essential part of his career.

The Grind of Long Working Hours

Another aspect of the profession Kanwar highlights is the grueling schedule. “Working hours are long and exhausting. You must balance fitness, rest, and recovery within a very short time frame. It’s not as easy as it looks, and there’s so much more to it than the audience ever gets to see,” he admits.

Despite the pressures, Kanwar remains passionate about the medium of television. He points out its unmatched impact on audiences. “OTT is important, but the recall value television gives is unmatched. TV actors working on popular shows are instantly recognizable, and that’s the strength of this medium. Even post-Covid, with changing tastes, television continues to adapt. There’s more variety now, and that’s good for everyone.”

Working hours are long and exhausting. You must balance fitness, rest, and recovery within a very short time frame. It’s not as easy as it looks, and there’s so much more to it than the audience ever gets to see

- Kanwar Dhillion

Television vs OTT: Kanwar’s Perspective

Kanwar also weighs in on the ongoing debate between OTT platforms and television. “Television audiences will always be loyal. You cannot take them away from TV. Digital may grow, but TV has its own dominance,” he says firmly. He believes that the emotional connection and widespread reach of TV remain unmatched.

Embracing Adaptability in Acting

Talking about his craft, Kanwar describes himself as a “chameleon.” “Adaptability is part of being an actor. Whether I’m playing someone larger-than-life or someone as grounded as Sachin, I like to fully transform. That’s the only way to sustain in this industry,” he explains.

For Kanwar, the love and recognition pouring in for his character, Sachin, is deeply rewarding. “Sachin is real, relatable, and that’s why people connect with him. At the end of the day, that’s what makes television magical—it mirrors life while still keeping audiences hooked.”

With his candid reflections, Kanwar Dhillon not only showcases the demands of the profession but also reaffirms his belief in the power of television as a medium that continues to touch the hearts of millions.