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IT’S RAINING COMEBACKS ON TV
Wide variety of content and unbelievable reach make TV the preferred medium for actors to return
The content on Indian television may keep becoming increasingly regressive, but it still remains the most sought after medium for stars to make a comeback. Last year, we saw a number of actors returning to TV. Pallavi Joshi (Peshwa Bajirao), Niki Anneja Walia (Dil Sambhal Jaa Zara), Sheeba Akashdeep (Haasil), Madhoo (Aarambh), Mansi Joshi Roy (Dhai Kilo Prem), Urvashi Dholakia (Chandrakanta) and many others were seen in popular TV shows after a long break.
This year is no different. And it’s not just those who have done TV shows in the past, but even erstwhile Bollywood names, after a long hiatus, are returning on the small screen. Actor Shekhar Suman is back on TV after a decade with sitcom Saat Pheron Ki Hera Pheri. Mukul Dev, too, revealed his look from the show 21 Sarfarosh: Saragarhi 1897. Hum Aapke Hain Koun actor Renuka Shahane, also, will be seen in a special episode in the remake of comedy series Khichdi.
VARIETY OF CONTENT
Actors say that the variety that small screen offers tempts them to give their nod. Renuka Shahne is excited to choose TV as her comeback vehicle. “All my life, I have done much more TV than films. I have done my best work on television. I would love to do more TV but the content must suits my imagination,” she says.
Mukul, who plays the role of an Afghan tribe’s leader in a new TV show, says, “I was impressed by the research and homework the creative team did for my character. It made it simple for me to perform.”
Shekhar Suman says that it had to be the right subject and not necessarily comedy, for him to return. “It had to be content that will make me think that it was the right thing to do.”
Urvashi Dholakia, known for her character Komolika from the show Kasautii Zindagii Kay , says TV is like her second home. “You don’t want to repeat what you’ve already done. When I decided to comeback in a full-fledged role, I realised that I had never done costume drama. That caught me,” she explains.
WIDER REACH
Actors also feel that the wider reach of TV makes it an apt comeback medium. “TV’s reach is unimaginable in the shortest span of time,” says Shekhar. Mukul says that the commercial viability of TV has left everything else behind. “TV content is being shown on various digital platforms and there has been an upgradation,” he says.
COMFORT WITH THE MAKERS
Actors also take into consideration the production house behind a show. Renuka agreed for a special episode of Khichdi only because of the makers. “Aatish [Kapadia], JD [Jamnadas Majethia] and I go back a long way; it’s just that we never got around working with each other. I was happy to work with them because I admire them.” Shekhar says, “I have a certain bond with the people, who are behind the show”. Urvashi adds, “For me, more than money, relationships matter. Even though I have not worked with Ekta [Kapoor; producer] since 2009, she must have given it a good thought before she offered this new show to me.”
All my life, I have done more TV than films. I have done my best work on TV. I’d love to do more of it if the content suits my imagination RENUKA SHAHANE ACTOR
TV is a vast medium. It’s penetration and reach is unimaginable in the shortest span of time SHEKHAR SUMAN ACTOR