There should be no demarcation between TV actors and film actors: Seema Biswas

She made a name for herself with strong roles, in films like Bandit Queen (1994), Khamoshi (1996) and Company (2002). Now, as Seema Biswas gets ready for her TV debut, we chat with the actor about her upcoming work.

She made a name for herself with strong roles, in films like Bandit Queen (1994), Khamoshi (1996) and Company (2002).

Seema-Biswas

Now, as Seema Biswas gets ready for her TV debut, we chat with the actor about her upcoming work.

Why did you choose to do television now?
I got offers for TV shows in the past, but I wasn’t able to allot enough time for them. I like travelling and theatre, along with acting in films, which makes doing TV simultaneously tough. The director of this show, Arvind Babbal, is a friend and he’s talented. He’s worked passionately on this concept. He has given me a substantial role in this interesting story. He didn’t make me shoot 18-20 hours; he managed my time wisely.

What do you think of film actors taking up acting roles on TV?
It’s great. Internationally, this is not novel, but in India, it is. A film screen is big, but the same viewers watch TV too. We can change their mindset and give them food for thought or just provide time-pass entertainment. For me, acting is my life and I don’t have issues with any medium. Where you act shouldn’t matter.

What do you think of the general quality of TV shows?
TV provides a lot of talent for the industry, and employment for millions as well. Actors from small towns get a chance to act on TV more often than in films. There are many brilliant performers, especially in shows like Buniyaad and Malgudi Days. There should be no demarcation between film and TV actors. We should look at the performance; that should be the bottom line.

What have you been doing, apart from working on this show?
I’ve shot an American film called Sold on the trafficking of women and an Australian film, Force Of Death. I did two plays based on Rabindranath Tagore’s short stories and have few Hindi films which will release soon.