23 May 2009, 0000 hrs IST, SARAH SALVADORE , TNN
They were the darlings of the small screen and ruled the hearts of millions. After being the kings and queens of primetime for years, they quit TV for something more exciting.
But now they are back! After prolonged absence, the small screen hotties and bahus are back. Actors like Eijaz Khan, Aamir Ali, Smriti Irani, Mona Singh, Karan Wahi and Cezanne Khan are making a comeback to television. With Indian television going from strength to strength, it's not a surprise that these popular actors have decided to take a U-turn.
Thinking Big
Over the years, one has seen a host of TV hotties making a beeline for films after their popularity on the small screen soars. But with the exception of Shah Rukh Khan and Rajeev Khandelwal, not many have been able to crack the code.
"The problem with TV actors is that they are overexposed," feels actor Rohit Roy who quit TV for the lure of the big screen. "When you are doing films, you can't afford to be seen on the small screen everyday. The audience will not pay to watch you in a film, if they get to see you five days a week." In spite of that, many actors today still harbour big screen dreams. After doing popular shows like Kavyanjali and Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa, actor Eijaz Khan shifted his focus to films. With movies like Meerabai Not Out (and Bhanvra's fate uncertain) failing to set the box office on fire, the actor is back from where he started. "I never really said goodbye to television," says Eijaz. "I got some good offers from films and I needed to take time off to complete them. That's why I didn't take up offers from TV," he confesses. Eijaz is now back with two shows on TV — Nishan (Shhh... Phir Koi Hai) and Bhaskar Bharti.
The 'F' factor
Indian television is notorious for its rigorous work schedule. With soaps going on for seven to eight years, fatigue takes it toll on most actors. So, after a show wraps up, most actors decide to take it nice and easy. "I was working nonstop for the past seven to eight years so I guess this break was well deserved," says actor Cezanne Khan who is making his comeback with the show Seeta Aur Geeta. Actor Aamir Ali too agrees with Cezanne, "It's not easy to work for Indian television. One has to work nonstop. So, when I got a break, I though it was best to make most of the time." But apart from the fatigue factor, it's also the lack of proper offers that make these actors sit at home for months. "I had not taken a break on purpose, it was a break by default," confesses Cezanne, adding, "I got many offers during this time but nothing really excited or appealed to me. For me, the role is more important than anything else. When the producers approached me for a role which was enacted by none other than the legendary Sanjeev Kumar I just could not say no to it." Aamir too walks the 'good offer' line. "I decided to stay home till I got a great role. Though I'm not allowed to speak on it yet, I'm convinced that the audience will love my new show," quips Aamir.
Image makeover
And with ace director Shekhar Kapur too all set to make a comeback on TV after a good 20 years (in India's got Talent), only time will tell if it's a step in the right direction.
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