What’s in a name? Well, a lot, as per Shashank Vyas, who is currently doing Roop – Mard Ka Naya Swaroop on Colors. This good-looking actor, who first gained prominence as Jagya in Balika Vadhu, is questioning the TV industry’s logic of not flashing the names of actors in the title montages.
“If you watch any show, you will only see the names of the technical and creative team. This is not done, for every actor slogs away in 12-hour shifts for name, fame and money; so where is the recognition? While this might not affect known names like me or others who have been around for years, but what about the plight of newer actors? What will happen to them if their shows disappear after three or four months? Any ways, an actor’s shelf life is very less today; so they will go unsung!
I can only show you the way. If you don’t want the mutual benefits, which this will accrue, so be it
Interestingly, this was not the norm till some years back. I know the counter argument will be that TV actors are anyways more known by their characters’ names than their real names. But same is even in films; Shah Rukh Khan became known only as Raj of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Yet, does he not get billing?”
Shashank, who wrote about this on social media, is aware of potential pitfalls. “Few friends even warned me against possible repercussions, but I don’t think there should be any, for this query is not against the industry but just a cry for equality.”
So how do you plan to go about it? “To be honest, I really don’t have the time beyond gym and shoot to press the issue. It was my job to bring awareness. Hope others too hop on; only then can a movement start. Already, a few actors have expressed their support. Here I must really thank my fans for standing by me whole-heartedly.”
But do you think our industry, which has never been known for unity, will fall in line, given that some might not like to antagonize the powers that be? “I can only show you the way. If you don’t want the mutual benefits, which this will accrue, so be it. One man can’t be expected to fight for all?” he ends.
Well said, Shashank.