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.”

“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.