TOI: Flop in films, but hit on tv- Apurva

As one more film actor debuts on TV, we look at those who became popular on TV after theirBollywood careers failed to take off

Thanks to the failure of movies like "Fun2shh", "Agni Pankh" and "Dil Vil Pyar Vyar", TV has got some of its most popular heroes. Names like Ronit Roy, Rakesh Bapat and Iqbal Khanwouldn't have been a part of television had their Bollywood careers not failed to take off. The latest to join the club is Chandrachur Singh, best remembered for his films "Maachis" and "TereMere Sapne", who's made his TV debut as host of the show "Royal Rasoi".

TV wasn't a choice
Iqbal Khan, who became a household name after his rockstar act in "Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai", had done two movies, "Fun2shh" and "Bullet", that bombed at the box office, forcing him to turn to TV. "Now, when I look back, I feel that the timing for the release of "Fun2shh" wasn't right. It released along with "Munnabhai MBBS", while "Kal Ho Na Ho" had released just a week before. The next week had "LOC Kargil". Between all these big releases, it fizzled out," he says, adding, "After both my films flopped, sustenance had become difficult. I didn't really care at that moment about the kind of work that came my way. But, by God's grace, I got "Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai"." Iqbal currently plays Dr Viren in "Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli".

Rakesh Bapat, last seen in "Maryada", feels he took some hasty decisions while choosing films after the success of his debut film, "Tum Bin". "I was lucky to get a good break with "Tum Bin". But after its success, I didn't choose the right movies. Since I wasn't from a film background, there was no one to guide me. It was tough," Rakesh says. He learnt his lessons well and has carefully chosen his TV projects. "I love performing on TV. I have been very choosy with my TV shows. "Saat Phere" was unique, and then "Maryada" was a milestone. Now, I won't leave TV even for films," he tells us.

TV has a wider reach Sameer Dharmadhikari aka Raj Singhania of "Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli", who won critical acclaim for the film "Satta", followed it with a slew of forgettable flicks like "Agni Pankh" and "Nigehbaan: The Third Eye". He says, "Films were not meant for me. With films, you can reach a certain section of the audience, but TV has a wider reach. Even though my character was supposed to be a part of "YMGGK" for three months, it was increased to nine months because viewers liked my role."
Safe haven Right from Ronit Roy to Rakesh Bapat, TV has proved to be a safe option for those who couldn't make it in Bollywood. Experts say that TV is a well-paid medium and there is a sense of security. "TV has much more scope and pays well. Audiences find TV celebs much more approachable and feel they are a part of their family," says Damini Shetty, who has been associated with the making of shows like "Maryada" and "Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan". Sameer Dharmadhikari seconds Shetty, "A TV actor is decently paid and if you are not satisfied with your character, you can easily find another role. The kind of flexibility TV offers is not given by films."
However, Rajan Shahi, who has worked with Apoorva Agnihotri and Rakesh in "Jassi Jaisi KoiNahi" and "Saat Phere", has a word of caution. "It's true that TV has relaunched several actors who weren't able to make it big on the silver screen, but it shouldn't be looked upon as a standby medium. The kind of financial stability TV offers is not given by movies, so in no way is it inferior to films. Several film actors who haven't tasted success on the big screen have approached me for lead roles in my shows. But their perception of TV as a lowly medium put me off. Actors should have respect for the medium, and shouldn't consider it a step backwards. Not every Bollywood actor has made it big here," he adds, citing the example of Karisma Kapoor and Sridevi, who couldn't recreate their magic on the small screen.
Counterview Chandrachur Singh is quick to point out that his TV stint is for his love of cooking, and not to become a TV actor. "TV is not a necessary choice. I am here for the love of food," he asserts. Saloni Bhatia