The entertainment industry has always been rife with stereotypes. If they want to get a movie or an OTT project, even well-known TV performers have to fight prejudices. Dheeraj Dhoopar, well known for playing the lead in Kundali Bhagya, discusses the industry’s myopic perception of small-screen artists. “It’s a well-known fact that TV actors work really hard,” he says in an interview with BT.
Almost every day, we shoot. Even during the pandemic, when everyone was free to return to work whenever they wanted, people in the television sector went back to work.” When questioned if this is due to over-exposure from daily soaps, he said no.
He responds, “I believe that any performer today is highly exposed, regardless of media,” he says. “What gives you the impression that this is a drawback? More exposure equals more followers, and that’s exactly what I bring to the table. Today, I’m fighting for the respect I deserve.” “I’m trying my luck in films and OTT, but I haven’t gotten a single contact from a good OTT platform,” Dheeraj adds of the OTT industry.
“Why does an OTT platform maker only contact a movie star? I agree that actors in other mediums are extremely talented and dedicated. But, like you, we’ve proven our worth time and time again. Why don’t we have the same opportunities and respect as our Bollywood peers?”