TV Stars Expose the Industry's Dark Side: A Glimpse Behind the Glamour
The television industry, often perceived as a world of glitz and glamour, conceals a harsh and troubling reality. Behind the bright lights and camera flashes, actors grapple with deep-seated systemic issues that undermine their dignity and livelihoods. From predatory casting demands to severe financial instability, the so-called "shining" world of television has a dark underbelly that is now being exposed by those who live it. These first-hand accounts from prominent TV stars reveal the struggles of being an artist in an environment that frequently prioritizes ego over human dignity and fair labor practices.
Erica Fernandes: Confronting Predatory Behavior
Erica Fernandes, widely recognized for her role in 'Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi', shared a harrowing encounter with a casting coordinator. She disclosed that a production house pressured her to meet while she was emotionally vulnerable, sensing predatory intent. Erica recalled how the coordinator drove her toward a private location and inquired about her comfort with "bare-body scenes." Playing along to expose his plan, she eventually confronted him inside the car. Speaking to ETimes, Erica stated, "I held him by the neck and told him that I knew what he was trying to do." She issued a stern warning, saying, "If he had shot the encounter, I would have made things difficult for him." This incident highlights the risks actors face in an industry where power dynamics can lead to exploitation.
Ankit Siwach: The Invisible Wall for TV Actors
Ankit Siwach, known for 'Manmohini', spoke out in 2025 about gatekeeping within the entertainment industry. He pointed out a drastic shift in behavior from Bollywood insiders toward television actors attempting to transition into films. "They change their behavior drastically when television actors enter the film industry," he told ETimes. This bias, Ankit explained, creates an invisible wall for talented professionals, proving that success in one medium does not guarantee respect in another. The struggle for acceptance remains a significant hurdle, underscoring the elitism that pervades the entertainment sector.
Upasana Singh: Financial Hardships of Common Artists
Upasana Singh, best known for 'The Kapil Sharma Show', revealed the stark financial struggles faced by many artists in an interview with ANI. As a CINTAA official, she highlighted how some actors earn as little as "₹1,200 a year" and often work only a few days each month. She added that even from these meager payments, "25 percent is deducted," and salaries are frequently delayed by up to 120 days. "Sometimes, they don't even have money for medical expenses," she noted. Upasana stressed that while "the common man thinks it's a glamorous life," the reality is often heartbreaking—a reality she now actively works to change through her advocacy.
Vishal Aditya Singh: The Hollow Reality of Television
Actor Vishal Aditya Singh of 'Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala' described the television industry as "bahut khokla" (very hollow). He compared the treatment of TV actors to that of laborers, revealing how production teams often force actors to wait for up to 15 hours. In an interview with ETimes, Vishal spoke about the mindset behind such treatment: "I have heard conversations where they have stated that 'bitha ke rakho isko'." He also highlighted the loneliness behind the glamour, warning that "the price to pay is always too much" when shortcuts are taken. According to him, "saamne insaan alag hota hai aur peeth peechhe alag," emphasizing the duplicity actors face in their professional lives.
Sonal Vengurlekar: Unpaid Dues and Financial Crisis
Sonal Vengurlekar of 'Yeh Hai Chahatein' exposed the industry's failure to pay artists on time. In 2020, she faced a severe financial crisis after production houses refused to clear her dues amounting to lakhs. She revealed that some producers even blocked her number to avoid payment. Sonal famously shared that she had to rely on her make-up artist for financial support. Calling out the "industry's failure to pay on time," her story highlighted the lack of financial security for actors, showing that even popular performers struggle to receive their hard-earned money. This case underscores the urgent need for better financial protections in the television sector.
Systemic Issues and the Call for Change
The collective testimonies of these TV stars paint a grim picture of an industry rife with exploitation and inequality. Key issues include:
- Predatory Casting Practices: Actors like Erica Fernandes face unsafe situations during auditions and meetings.
- Financial Instability: From delayed payments to minuscule earnings, as highlighted by Upasana Singh and Sonal Vengurlekar.
- Bias and Gatekeeping: Ankit Siwach's experience shows the barriers TV actors face when moving to films.
- Poor Working Conditions: Vishal Aditya Singh's account of long waiting hours and hollow treatment reflects a lack of respect for actors' time and dignity.
These revelations call for systemic reforms to ensure fair treatment, timely payments, and a safer working environment for all artists. As the industry continues to grow, it must address these dark aspects to truly shine with integrity and respect.
