Actor Rohit Roy, who has built a career spanning both the television and film industries, recently made headlines for his candid and critical assessment of the small screen medium. In a recent interview, Roy did not hold back, labeling television a "dustbin medium" and openly questioning the level of creativity and the public conduct of actors within the TV fraternity.
On Television's Creative Landscape
During an appearance on the Kindle Cast YouTube channel, Roy was asked whether the television industry, in its quest for professionalism, had sacrificed its artistic integrity. The actor expressed his long-held view, stating, "television is a dustbin medium." He elaborated on this perspective, suggesting that TV content is quickly consumed and forgotten, much like a day-old newspaper. Roy highlighted a perceived lack of originality, noting, "with the amount of content being created and the same kind of content being created, there’s hardly any creativity."
He drew a comparison to his own career, recalling how shows like Swabhimaan endure in public memory, while many other television projects he contributed to have faded from audience recollection.
Comparing Actor Demeanor: Film vs. TV
Roy also addressed the often-discussed hierarchy between Bollywood and television. He asserted that "television actors don’t have the carriage that film actors have." He pointed to the public appearances of cinema stars, describing their demeanor as "graceful, dignified, stylish, cool." While acknowledging that all public figures present a certain front, he maintained that film actors manage to do so with greater poise.
Expanding on his observations, Roy challenged viewers to "See a gathering of television actors and look at the way they behave. You’ll get your answer." He advocated for actors to conduct themselves with "a certain amount of grace, dignity," criticizing what he perceived as attention-seeking behavior and inappropriate attire. "You can’t do hoo-haa and make stupid comments because you know the paps are there. Look at the kind of clothing, too," he remarked.
Cinema's Enduring Legacy
Despite suggestions that he might be internalizing the perceived hierarchy between the two mediums, the actor, known for his role in shows like Kkusum, firmly reiterated his stance. He insisted that "cinema is for posterity," reinforcing his view of television as a transient, "dustbin medium." To illustrate the distinction, Roy drew an analogy to cricket, comparing playing for a state in the Ranji Trophy to representing India on the national team, implying a clear difference in prestige and longevity.
Background
Rohit Roy has maintained a prominent presence across both Indian television and film for several decades. His career includes significant roles in popular TV series and appearances in numerous Bollywood films, giving him a unique vantage point from which to comment on the two industries.
