‘Actors are tested on unpredictability and patience level’
He’s more popular by his screen name Jagya from Balika Vadhu than his real identity, and Shashank Vyas considers this as “great good fortune” that he has achieved through hard work. Currently on a break and reconsidering his work choices, he feels “lack of good content” is making many actors quit TV and move to other platforms.
“There’s a scarcity of good content developers. Many actors aren’t willing to work on TV as they don’t connect with the content,” says Shashank, adding he has become extremely conscious of what not to do on the small screen. For instance, he is clear that he will never be a part of a supernatural show. “Even in my family, nobody is hooked on to any TV shows because there aren’t any good options left. A decade ago, the content was quite intelligent, but it has drastically come down now. Some newness is required on TV,” he adds.
And Shashank himself is more inclined towards the web than TV. “If I’m investing my time and money in something, it has to be entertaining and fruitful. You can’t be seeing illogical things round-theclock, it has to be inspiring, or sending out a message,” he says. Though the actor feels there’s a thrill while working on TV, he points out it’s equally hard to survive in the industry. “It’s fun because you don’t know what you’ll work on tomorrow — will it be a romantic genre or a thriller. However, one is tested on the insecurity, unpredictability and patience level. It’s very important to be mentally strong, sincere and passionate. When you don’t have work, you’ve to be patient and grounded,” he says.