Change's the game: New faces on TV screen

Although there are many popular actors on television who enjoy a big fan following, more and more producers are now opting to cast newcomers in lead roles. Newbies on their part say that while it’s a big break, it’s also a big responsibility and that they are trying to keep up.

Although there are many popular actors on ­television who enjoy a big fan following, more and more ­producers are now opting to cast newcomers in lead roles. Reason? They don’t charge a high fee, are ­flexible and bring a fresh flavour to the tube.

Newbies-are-ruling-the-television

Radhika Madan who plays the lead role in the show Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, Nikita Dutta who features in Dream Girl-Ek Ladki Deewani Si and Sanaya Pithawalla in Warrior High, are some of the newbies who have taken the ­television industry by storm.

Producer Sudhir Sharma, who has launched many newcomers such as Smriti Kalra in 12/24 Karol Bagh and Aakanksha Singh in Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, says, “Newcomers are like clay...they need grooming, but since they are new, their ­remuneration is not that high.” Producer Rajan Shahi who has given a break to actors in his shows such as Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlaata Hai, says, “Established actors already have a set image. Casting a newcomer brings about freshness and ­curiosity in the audience’s mind. There is something for them to look forward to.”

Newbies on their part say that while it’s a big break, it’s also a big ­responsibility and that they are trying to keep up. Nikita, who starred in Bollywood film Lekar Hum Deewana Dil (2014), says that bagging a meaty part in a television show paves the way for interesting ­projects.

“Television is the best launch pad for any newcomer. In the past, we have seen people starting their career with television and then moving to films. This is a good change,” she says. “Getting a role in Ekta ma’am’s (Ekta Kapoor) show is a big responsibility and I constantly try to enhance my skills ­whenever there is any scope for improvement,” shares Radhika.