TV At National Awards: What It Means For Actors And Industry, Rupali Ganguly And Other Celebs React | EXCL

Television

actress Rupali Ganguly was among the first few celebrities who raised the topic about National Award not being there for television actors. In a recent media interview, actor Ravi Kishan, too, voiced his opinion on this matter. After TV producer Binaifer Kohli called for television category at the National Film Awards, Ravi expressed that he would formally take it forward. He intends to formally write to the ministry about the same. If a category for TV is added to the National Film Awards, how will it benefit the television actors and industry in general? To know the same, Zoom exclusively reached out to actress Rupali Ganguly, Gaurav Chopra, Apurva Agnihotri, Rohan Mehra and Chetan Hansraj. And here's what they opined!

Rupali Ganguly vouches for TV category at National Film Awards

In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Rupali mentioned, "You have National Award for content creators, you have National Award for, of course, actors, film actors all through. And it is very sad that the industry which functions 24x7, which was the first to start working after COVID and which was also functioning in a bio-bubble during COVID, the film actors had the privilege of not shooting their films or delaying their films, but the television industry has been a constant regular."

The Anupamaa actress further expressed how it pained her when she was a jury member at the first content creator awards. "And I just wished, standing on stage with (PM Narendra) Modi ji for an hour and a half, of course, he's such a persona and it would have been insolent on my part if I would have said something there. But I really felt that why don't we have a national award or a national recognition or a government recognition for television fraternity? It would be very heartening."Rupali shared that National Awards for TV industry would be 'encouraging' and a 'big boost' for the entire TV industry. "We'll get a platform to be receiving an honour from the government. It would mean a lot to us. And I'm glad that Ravi is taking this forward. Main ek saal se chilla rahi hu National Awards hone chahiye television actors ke liye. Bohot maayne rakta hai Ravi is taking this forward. (It) feels good."

Chetan Hansraj: High time TV got this recognition

Chetan Hansraj, who's been a part of television show such as Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Kkavyanjali and more, feels it's high time that TV actors and shows got the National Award recognition. "Actually, it's high time that TV shows and TV actors got the recognition because we entertain people every day. People are entertained by us day in and day out. Movies and all are once in a while, once in a year. So it's been quite unfair that all these years, TV shows, TV actors have been neglected in this front," he expressed.

The actor also noted and lauded Ravi's move, "Actually, the service we are doing, keeping everybody entertained is far greater than movie actors can ever do. But I guess the clout of movies is so big that TV has been shunned away. But high time! A great thing done by Ravi Kishan (for) getting this to the foray."

Rohan Mehra, Apurva Agnihotri on how TV category will benefit industry

Moving on, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai actor Rohan Mehra highlighted how a television category at the National Film Awards would benefit the television actors and industry. "A TV category at the National Film Awards would give long-overdue recognition to television actors and creators. It would validate the medium’s impact, motivate better storytelling and elevate the status of the TV industry to a national level alongside cinema."

When Apurva Agnihotri was asked about his thoughts, the Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin actor shared, "I think overall standard of content will improve. TV, right now, is way behind OTT and web. Hopefully the writers, actors and producers will get more time to create good quality content and shows."

Gaurav Chopra on National Award for television industry

And when Zoom reached out to Uttaran actor Gaurav Chopra, the actor stated that the addition of TV category at the National Film Award would be a 'landmark event'. The actor highlighted that the National Award is the 'highest degree of appreciation' an actor can get in India because it's extremely 'coveted' and 'respected'."Normally, it is so respected that we don't even consider commercial success sometimes. The film and performances that these awards are worthy of, don't have to be commercial successes. They can be critically acclaimed and appreciated. And that by itself for any actor would be a dream come true. And why is it a dream come true? It's a dream come true because what else does an actor really crave for other than the respect of the audience? I do know that in the times that we live, there are many people who crave for the fame and the glamour. But I am talking about my kind of actors. And, well, we would crave for this and find this to be a landmark event in our lives," said Gaurav.

Gaurav Chopra on how it will impact TV industry

Continuing the conversation, Gaurav revealed how this development will leave a great impact. "So, if something like this was to happen, it would be a wonderful development. It would also increase the standard of the work anywhere and everywhere where there is good competition and there is something very respectable to win or try for. Eventually, the quality improves. For one year, you will see somebody win it and that will inspire the people next year. So, you also have to understand that an actor only portrays a character that other people write, that other people conceive and imagine. It's a story, it's a role, it's a situation. And only if all of that is award-worthy can the performance be award-worthy."Summing up his thoughts, the actor highlighted how this development will not only improve standards of performances on television, but also the 'standards of the writing and conceiving'. The actor believes it will be fantastic for the audience as they will get witness much better and deeper writing, conceiving, execution and performances for them to enjoy.