TOI: Actors on how they feel about no mention-Paridhi

There was a time when we watched Smriti Irani opened the doors in the opening track of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi where you were able to read the names of actors on the show along with the show's crew. But in the last 15 years, that has stopped. There are popular characters like Anandi and Jagya, Suraj and Sandhya, Aham and Gopi Bahu, Kagdi, Masa, Baapusa, Manav and Archana Deshmukh, Jethalal and Dayaben Gada, Naitik and Akshara and more such characters who have been entertaining you for quite some now.

But when you see them walking on the streets or accepting awards at award functions, you recognise them only by their character's names. While actors feel that it is not justified that credit lines for actors have stopped on shows, producers have a different story. According to a reliable source, production houses feel let down when inspite of sending an extensive list of their technical team, channels drop those names. Even surnames of popular producers and writers are dropped giving reasons of lack of time. We speak to popular TV actors on this.

Shashank Vyas Known as: Jagya-Jagdish (Balika Vadhu) Shows like Nukkad and Hum Log would have character names given either before or after the show. But that has completely stopped now. Even public functions are about best bahu or best son or best daughter rather than recognising us by our names. But the best part is that people at least recognise me by my character name. It feels good when people call me Jagya, but like the crew, we are also contributing to the show. So, it would be good if sometimes, our names are also mentioned.

Paridhi Sharma Known as: Jodha (Jodha Akbar) I think it is always good that a character gets its due recognition and names are given to characters on a show. An actor shapes a character and not the other way round. Initially, maybe one would be okay about it, but gradually, it becomes pertinent that names are displayed on shows if you want recognition.

Karan Mehra Known as: Naitik (Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai) Abroad, characters are known because of the actors playing them, because they are credited. Here, only the production house and those behind the scenes are mentioned before the show starts. Maybe they are trying to popularise the characters. Our show completed 1250-plus episodes but our names have never been telecast on the show!

Chandni Bhagwanani Known as: Amita (Amita ka Amit) Most of the times, I am known as Amita rather than by my real name. My real identity seems to be getting lost in the process. I know the character has connected with the audiences but along with other team members, if they were to give our names on the show, it would really help. Otherwise, I am forever recognised as 'that girl who works in Amita Ka Amit'.