Popular television actor Vivaan Bhathena, once a household name, has opened up about the dramatic highs and lows of his career, revealing a period of intense financial hardship after he walked away from TV at the height of his fame. The actor, recently seen in the period drama '120 Bahadur', credits television for his two houses in Mumbai's upscale Bandra locality, but also recounts a time when he could barely afford food.
The Peak of Fame and a Humbling Exit
Vivaan Bhathena, best known for shows like 'Shararat', was inundated with NRI roles and was among the most recognized faces on Indian television. He maintained a grueling schedule, often shooting for two daily soaps back-to-back, working from 9 am until as late as 2 am. This relentless pace, while financially rewarding, took a significant toll on his health. However, the actor is quick to acknowledge TV's role in securing his future, stating he cleared his entire home loan in just one year thanks to his earnings.
His exit from the medium, however, was far from glamorous. The final straw came during a meeting about a new project where he was offered a 'big brother' role. "The director wasn't there, but the accountant was. When I asked him for the contract, he took it out of the drawer and threw it in front of me," Vivaan recalled on a podcast. This act of humiliation made him realize his perceived lack of value in the industry. In a fit of anger, he tore the contract and threw it back, deciding then and there to quit television, despite his wife's advice to reconsider as he was among the top actors after Ronit Roy.
Five Years of Struggle and Reinvention
Leaving TV led to a severe financial drought that lasted for five years. Vivaan confesses there were times he did not have money to pay for food, and his family was barely making ends meet. To survive, he took up a job as a Video Jockey (VJ), a move far removed from his star status. He emphasizes that while they were not destitute, they lived a borderline existence, a stark contrast to his earlier life.
Despite the struggle, Vivaan holds no bitterness towards television. "Today, I have two houses in Bandra because of television. I love TV," he stated, pushing back against the notion that TV is a 'lesser' medium. He pointed to the success of many contemporaries like Mona Singh and Smriti Irani, with whom he shared screen space in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', as proof of the talent pool in television. He also noted that filmmakers' attitudes have changed, citing how director David Dhawan confessed to him that he previously never cast TV actors but has since revised his stance.
Reflections on Stardom and Moving Forward
Looking at the broader entertainment landscape, Vivaan Bhathena believes the era of the unapproachable 'star' is fading, even in Bollywood. He agrees with Shah Rukh Khan's sentiment about being the 'last star', noting that today there is immense accessibility. He sees Ranbir Kapoor as one of the last actors with the potential to reach that iconic star status. For Vivaan, the line between stars and actors has blurred, with most now focusing on becoming stars rather than embodying that already-established aura from a bygone 'golden period'.
His journey from the pinnacle of TV fame to a fight for basic sustenance, and back to stability, underscores the volatile nature of the entertainment industry. Vivaan's story is one of resilience, pride, and an enduring gratitude for the medium that built his foundation, even as he sought respect and new horizons beyond it.
