There is a failed actor behind every succ

With the rapid growth in the TV industry, the job opportunities are on the rise. But there is also a lot of insecurity attached to the profession. Call it nepotism, backdoor politics, casting couch or various other issues prevalent in the industry, but aspirants find acting one of the toughest arenas to venture into. That's why many young guns that entered the television industry to make their name in acting ended up becoming writers which is an easier job.

"Competition in acting is still very much strong when it comes to lead roles. I never wanted to survive by doing small roles. I had come here to make a name for myself, which I think I achieved through writing," comments Dheeraj Sarna, writer of many hit shows like, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kutumb, etc. Before making his journey from Jaipur to Mumbai, Dheeraj had acted in many plays and initially had planned to become a full fledged actor.

Similar is the story of another famous writer Anirudh Pathak who has scripted shows like Piya Ka Ghar, Kasam Se, Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, etc. Anirudh too is a theatre artist turning into a television writer. "I realised that writers are given more attention than struggling actors. In my hometown Bihar, I had even directed many plays, which obviously helped me to hone my writing skills," says Anirudh.

Then there are likes of Mahesh Pandey, who, after a failed acting career, turned to writing with the Balaji soap Kahanii Ghar Ghar Kii and now is a successful producer for Bhojpuri films. Joining him is another Balaji protge Prashant Bhatt who was relatively successful as an actor before writing happened. "I never thought that I would ever get into writing. I was shooting for Balaji's serial Itihaas, when Ekta (Kapoor) encouraged me and made me script her new show. I like to expand my horizons and there I was writing her next show Bandhan followed by Caption House and many more," comments Prashant who is presently associated as a Creative Head for shows like Sindoor – tere naam ka and Vaidehi.

Similar was the transition for Pernendu Shekhar, writer of Saat Phere. He had started out as a journalist and had come to Mumbai to become an actor. "I got into journalism in Jaipur and was associated with various newspapers. When I came to Mumbai, journalism gave me a platform to meet different producers and directors. But then I realised that when they met me as a journalist, they never took my acting seriously and vice versa. Then I had a couple of friends like Durga Jasraj who pushed me into writing.

Imtihaan was the first show I wrote," says the veteran. Pernandu Shekhar has also showcased his talent in films like Maine Pyaar Kiya and Purush, etc. He says, "I am happy with writing as it's much more creative. It's the writers who make the average actors look good by providing them with good scripts."
On the other hand there are writers who are still desperate to showcase their talent as actors.

Prashant Bhatt is seen in many shows. Dheeraj Sarna too has acted in the shows which he has written like Hum Paanch and Kutumb. Anirudh was seen as an actor in Piya Ka Ghar. Mahesh Pandey had produced and acted in his very own Bhojpuri film. But now that they have tasted success as writers, the lure of acting has taken a backseat. The tide has turned in their favour.