Fahmaan Khan, Namik Paul, Ankit Gupta On Job Insecurity, Anxiety and Hustle In The TV Industry (EXCLUSIVE)

While TV still remains the most popular medium in semi-urban and rural India, there is no denying that it is facing huge competition from other sources of entertainment like OTT shows and microdramas. Budgets of channels have decreased and producers too are operating at way lesser profits than five years ago. Most of the TV stars are in the age group of 25 to 35, a period when people work towards achieving financial independence and security. However, there is no guarantee that a show will run for even four to six months in the current scenario. Variety India spoke to a few actors who are hugely popular but honest enough to admit that this industry is indeed a volatile space. Here is how they deal with anxiety and prepare for the future in such a scenario. 

Fahmaan Khan who has been a part of shows like “Imlie,” “Mere Dad Ki Dulhan,” “Krishna Mohini” believes people sign up for this anxiety when they decide to become actors. While he had a very successful run with “Imlie,” the other shows did not see that kind of longevity. He tells us, “You have to learn to live with it. There is no guarantee on how long a show will run. I believe that every project comes with its own destiny. As an actor, you always feel you’re creating something beautiful but you know it’s unpredictable too. It hurts a lot when a show ends abruptly. It is good to have a back-up or a side hustle to see you through such times. I would say that whatever you do, make sure your capital is safe.” 

“Anupamaa” and “Kundali Bhagya” actor Paras Kalnawat has been lucky to have a show every year. Counting himself as “blessed”, he tells us, “Thankfully, I have never been out of work. I took a long break after “Kundali Bhagya,” and it was intentional. Well, I would say that when I am at home I work on myself, my physique and craft to stay occupied. I do not think about what shows my friends/colleagues have signed and so on. I hired a financial advisor from the time I began working to manage my savings and investments. This is very important. I am also planning to launch my own venture soon as an entrepreneur. A side hustle or small business is a must.” 

"Naagin 7" actor Namik Paul has a solid academic background having studied mass media in the US. After some successful shows, he too faced a lull in his career. “I never thought of having a second source of income. It can be a bit concerning. However, it was not like I was not getting offers per se. When I would get anxious, I did tell myself that I am committed to being an actor. I worked harder on myself. Maybe two years down the line, I will focus on setting up my own business. But right now, acting is my focus. I feel if I now venture into business my mind will be diverted,” he opines. 

Actors who are above 35 find it tougher to get good roles with deserving remuneration. Ankit Gupta who has been working in the TV industry for more than a decade has seen all these highs and lows. He asserts, “It is harder to find good work as you get older as people want actors who come as a lesser fee. I have faced this insecurity after one of my shows ended abruptly. I had given up a lot of work for that project and it was heart-breaking. Thankfully, I have a loving family who never lets me lose hope. I would advise every young actor to save wisely and work towards building a side hustle. I realised this a little too late.”