Posted:
Show us the role
29 Mar 2008, 0000 hrs IST
,PRAVDA AASHAY ,TNN
Film producers have been known to have launched nation-wide searches for fresh faces for their films. But, isn't there enough talent available in the television industry? Apart from stray cases like that of Shah Rukh Khan who graduated to films from television (and the rest, of course, is history), why is it that television stars rarely ever get a chance to act in Bollywood?
One of the reasons is that television stars have packed schedules, shooting back-to-back and working in more than one serial at a time. Moreover, their shift timings are erratic, leaving them with no time for anything else. Says TV show host and actor Hussain Kuwajerwala, "Yes, date problems are an issue, but then if a certain TV star gets a good opportunity s/he either quits the soap or takes a break from it. But, there is a lot of good stuff in here. Television keeps you happy. There is good money, job satisfaction and some good opportunities. We don't lose out here."
But, they do agree that if a good film offer comes along, there is no problem in adjusting the dates. Says film and TV actor Apara Mehta, "Yes, it is tough situation. But, everybody understands. As soon as you get an offer, you let your television producer know about your unavailability. Accordingly, everything is adjusted. But, that's if you are an established name."
Even in Bollywood, the scenario is changing and film producers do not restrict their choices to just filmstars or fresh faces. What they want are good actors. What matters in Bollywood is how good you are at your work, and what value you hold in the industry. Date issues are secondary.
Says TV actor and model Nikkhil Arya, "I don't think the main issue is date problems. Gone are the days when a television star was associated with one serial for a long time. The only thing with television is that faces of stars get too much of exposure," says Nikkhil. But, Hussain disagrees, "The freshness of the faces remains. Whether over-exposed or not, a star if he is a good actor is picked up by the best production houses," says he.
For an artiste, what matters at the end of the day is both professional and mental satisfaction, be it in films or television. "A leap should be taken only if it is worth it, irrespective of whether you are a known face or not. TV stars are breaking all barriers today," ends Apara on a happy note. As long as there's good work and your worth as an actor is recognised, it doesn't really matter whether it is television or films.
One of the reasons is that television stars have packed schedules, shooting back-to-back and working in more than one serial at a time. Moreover, their shift timings are erratic, leaving them with no time for anything else. Says TV show host and actor Hussain Kuwajerwala, "Yes, date problems are an issue, but then if a certain TV star gets a good opportunity s/he either quits the soap or takes a break from it. But, there is a lot of good stuff in here. Television keeps you happy. There is good money, job satisfaction and some good opportunities. We don't lose out here."
But, they do agree that if a good film offer comes along, there is no problem in adjusting the dates. Says film and TV actor Apara Mehta, "Yes, it is tough situation. But, everybody understands. As soon as you get an offer, you let your television producer know about your unavailability. Accordingly, everything is adjusted. But, that's if you are an established name."
Even in Bollywood, the scenario is changing and film producers do not restrict their choices to just filmstars or fresh faces. What they want are good actors. What matters in Bollywood is how good you are at your work, and what value you hold in the industry. Date issues are secondary.
Says TV actor and model Nikkhil Arya, "I don't think the main issue is date problems. Gone are the days when a television star was associated with one serial for a long time. The only thing with television is that faces of stars get too much of exposure," says Nikkhil. But, Hussain disagrees, "The freshness of the faces remains. Whether over-exposed or not, a star if he is a good actor is picked up by the best production houses," says he.
For an artiste, what matters at the end of the day is both professional and mental satisfaction, be it in films or television. "A leap should be taken only if it is worth it, irrespective of whether you are a known face or not. TV stars are breaking all barriers today," ends Apara on a happy note. As long as there's good work and your worth as an actor is recognised, it doesn't really matter whether it is television or films.
