Where is Karan's Name?

The show Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai required actor Kushal Tandon to go bald. He, however, settled for a buzz cut and apparently even asked for a pay hike for the duration of this track.

Not many actors so far on TV have shaved their heads for a role, except a Manish Waddhwa, who had to do it when he played Chanakya. So how would actors of today react if they were asked to go bald for a particular track by their production house? Here's what some of them had to say...

Anas Rashid
No, I won't do any such experiment for television for a simple reason that it is not appreciated. I used to wear a wig for my role in Prithviraj Chauhan and later I grew my hair till my shoulders but of what use? I got same appreciation both ways. And then I had to pay a heavy price as I had severe hairfall due to dust, sweat and the water we got for shower was salted. At least for movies it is worth it because actors are remembered for the challenges they take. Perhaps Kushal was feeling hot and decided to shave off his hair (guffaws).

Ronit Roy
When I was doing shows Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kasauti Zindagii Kaysimultaneously, I had black hair in one and salt and pepper hair in the other. I managed this for about eight years till the shows were on air. Going bald? If needed, why not?

Vishal Malhotra
It all depends whether going bald will make a difference to the character and the show. Usually, it is not required if the show is moving in the right direction. But if it is for a genuine reason and before signing the show, I am informed that I will have to shave off my hair after these many episodes, I will do it. But if it's merely a gimmick, I wouldn't want to. I won't leave the show if there is conflict of ideas. I would discuss with the creative guys and choose a middle path.

Samir Soni
Bald? Why not? But only if it is genuinely required. In fact, I am waiting to play an older man, bleach or dye my hair. It brings the character alive. In Parichay Nayee Zindagi kay Sapno Ka. I haven't shaved for almost 10 months. In films, you do away with the change in about two months or so but in daily soaps it goes on for a long time, which can be irritating at times. While doing Fashion, where I played a gay designer, I had shaped my eyebrows a bit.

Jay Soni
I am willing to chop my hair, go bald, build abs, go fat or even look handsome (laughs). I would have been surprised had Kushal Tandon not taken up the challenge. We get a lot of opportunities to experiment with our looks for a role on TV and how far you are willing to go for it depends entirely upon you.

Hiten Tejwani
I wouldn't mind doing it if it is a good role. Everyday we don't get the chance to make our character look genuine. With such transformations, the audience gets to connect with the character. It is a good development in television.