Continuous inflow of new faces in TV industry is making life tough for older actors who carry baggage of their past shows. Practically every show has at least one newcomer making his/her television debut. Now older actors are increasingly finding it difficult to get important roles in serials.
For most of them, one of the common and effective ways of getting work is networking with casting directors. But some actors have found a new way. They are banking on their so-called fans' support on social networking sites to get work in serials.
Recently, Tanuj Garg who heads Balaji's film division was flooded with messages to cast Harshad Chopra and Aditi Gupta (of Kis Des Mein Hai Mera Dil fame) in Balaji serials. Tanuj had to clarify to the actors' fans that he doesn't look after Balaji serials.
Sony's business head Sneha Rajani says she got lots of similar messages for Hiten Tejwani and his wife Gauri.
"It's a big nuisance and it annoys me no end," fumes Sneha who ignores such requests. While she wonders whether they are real fans or chamchas acting on behalf of actors, Sneha says such requests don't really work. "Casting is not done on the basis of buzz on social networking sites.
That's not our benchmark for popularity because mass entertainment channels don't cater to people who use internet sites. Our audience is different and we have our own research and independent team to look into casting requirements," she explains.
While senior TV director and ex-Sony fiction head Sanjay Upadhyay says whether the online buzz is genuine or rigged, he thinks it doesn't benefit actors. "All big production companies have casting directors who are well aware of actors' availability, equity and sincerity. But the channel's brief is final," he adds. Aditi says actors have a huge fan base online.
"They want to see their favourite actors and on screen couples on different channels. I am not an Internet buff but I am aware of the support I get from fans on social networking sites. However, it doesn't help," she admits.
Hiten too admits that online support doesn't help in getting roles but online popularity is an added bonus. "It is an indication of how popular an actor is. So it works in some ways. At least it keeps you in limelight," he says..
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