Young TV actors need to learn how to handle success: Anita Raj

Bollywood actor Anita Raj, who has done shows on the small screen too, talks about how young actors need to learn how to “handle success”; adds that outlandish content on television is acceptable as long as it doesn’t “hurt people’s religious sentiments”.

Anita Raj, who acted in several films in the ’80s, switched to television a few years back. The actor says she wasn’t hesitant to make the transition “as the viewership of television is much more than that of films.”

Anita Raj says when recognition comes easily, it is important to have a good head on your shoulders.

“People may forget a serial, but they will never forget their favourite character,” she says.

Talking about the younger lot of television actors, Anita feels that success comes “very easily” to most people on the small screen today. “Because of television, actors from all parts of the country are getting work. Also, many people have the option to showcase their talent on various dance and singing reality shows. We should be grateful to television for that,” she adds.

Read: Anita Raj’s character in 254 is inspired by Sonia Gandhi

Anita, however, feels that many young TV actors need to learn how to “handle success”. “When recognition comes easily, it is important to have a good head on your shoulders. It’s important to be humble and compassionate,” she says.

As far as the content on Indian television is concerned, Anita is optimistic. She says, “That’s what is giving everyone high TRPs. At the end of the day, the producers and the channels look for that.” She adds, “There are people from remote areas of India who believe in this kind of stuff (supernatural elements). If you give the audience what they want, and as long as you are not hurting their religious sentiments, it’s okay.”

Read: Hits and misses on Indian television