Tête-à-tête with TV stars : Alok Nath

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Tête-à-tête with TV stars

Anoop Soni

Do shows like ‘Rakhi ka Insaaf’ and ‘Bigg Boss’ reflect the impact of television on Indian audiences or is the other way round?

As far as reality shows are concerned, each has its own impact. However, there are some shows that have no constructive impact on the viewers. They are just meant for voyeurism. Shows like these are similar to gossiping inside the four walls of the house, the only difference being that your moves and sayings are under constant observation.

Is Indian TV still considered as a stepping stone to Bollywood?

No, not at all. TV has its own identity and is equally popular as film these days.

Any show are you looking forward to on TV?

I ain’t looking forward to any show as yet.

Any show or film that you would like to be a part of?

I missed a chance to play a very interesting character of a lawyer in ‘Siddhant’ owing to date problems. That was something that I really think I should have done.

Smita Bansal

Do shows like ‘Rakhi ka Insaaf’ and ‘Bigg Boss’ reflect the impact of television on Indian audiences or is the other way round?

Honestly, I have no comments on shows like ‘Rakhi Ka Insaaf’ or ‘Bigg Boss’. I don’t watch them either. Whatever I have heard of the shows and whatever little promos I have watched, reality shows of these kinds aren’t certainly what I would ever look forward to. I do like talent based shows like ‘Jhalak Dikhla Ja’ or ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ and knowledge based shows like KBC that are really good programmes. They garner good TRPs even if they don’t have sleazy gossips. Scripting will not help a show. Talent and knowledge will.

Is Indian TV still considered as a stepping stone to Bollywood?

No. I don’t think so. TV has created a unique space for itself and we TV actors are very happy in our own space. On the contrary, Bollywood stars bank heavily on TV either for film promotions or publicity. TV is now helping Bollywood.

Any show are you looking forward to on TV?

I have always been in awe of Amitabh Bachchan and his role as the host of KBC. So as always I am looking forward for its next season.

Any show or film that you would like to be a part of?

I am very happy with my character of Sumitra in ‘Balika Vadhu’ and I am glad to be associated with the show that by far the best TV show in air now.

Aamir Ali

Do shows like ‘Rakhi ka Insaaf’ and ‘Bigg Boss’ reflect the impact of television on Indian audiences or is the other way round?

You need different genres to cater to different kinds of audiences. Such shows garner good TRPs. Shows like ‘Rakhi Ka Insaf’ and ‘Bigg Boss’ are eye ball grabbers and people like watching them. They are entertaining and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. These shows do fair business and which is why the channels keep airing them.

Is Indian TV still considered as a stepping stone to Bollywood?

No. Not really. I don’t think TV was ever used as a stepping stone to Bollywood. TV has given a chance to many fresh faces. TV now is as big as Bollywood.

Any show are you looking forward to on TV?

I hardly find time to follow TV as I keep very busy with my shoots. But yes I love watching Mr. Bachchan on KBC and that is something I would certainly like to watch again.

Any show or film that you would like to be a part of?

I would have loved to be a part of Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Agneepath’. The film is terrific and so was Mr. Bachchan’s character.

Sameer Soni

Do shows like ‘Rakhi ka Insaaf’ and ‘Bigg Boss’ reflect the impact of television on Indian audiences or is the other way round?

TV reflects what’s happening in the society. There is a section in the society that likes following such shows. Otherwise these shows wouldn’t exist. And any which way, you have the option of changing the channel if you don’t approve of certain content that is being aired. So, I think TV can not be imposed on anyone.

Is Indian TV still considered as a stepping stone to Bollywood?

No. I don’t think so. TV has its own identity now. TV has given artists and professionals recognition, financial stability so I see no reason why TV should be considered a stepping stone to Bollywood. In fact it has its own space.

Any show are you looking forward to on TV?

Yes. Aamir Khan is someone who always thinks out of the box so it would be interesting to see what kind of TV show he comes up with.

Any show or film that you would like to be a part of?

Well..I am very happy playing Kunal Chopra in ‘Parichay - Nayee Zindagi Key Sapno Ka’.

Alok Nath

Do shows like Rakhi ka Insaaf and Bigg Boss reflect the impact of television on Indian audiences or is the other way round?

I don’t feel that people speak like the way those women speak in day to day life. But it is interesting to see that how in the name of entertainment, people have accepted such shows on TV. Creativity has gone down the drain. But at same time there are a lot of people who like watching quality programmes like ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’. Television has all kinds of shows now.

Is Indian TV still considered as a stepping stone to Bollywood?

Lot of television actors try their luck in Bollywood after a successful stint on TV. Also, many actors who started their careers in films, have found stardom on TV and not cinema. So it works both ways now. Television is now an integral part of our lives. We get to know about the latest happenings via TV. No one has the time to wait for the next day’s newspaper. Interestingly, TV earns more revenue than films these days.

Whose show are you looking forward to on TV?

Honestly after a hard day of work, I don’t have the energy to watch TV at home. Just manage to go through the news channels. It is a powerful medium and I hear that Aamir(Khan) is making his foray into the idiot box. So I shall hope something good comes on TV. Something which is relevant for our society and entertaining for the viewers; I shall look forward to that.

Any show or film that you would like to be a part of?

I can’t think of any.