Actor Rohin Joshi, who is currently seen as Murli in Ganga Mai Ki Betiyaan, believes the growing popularity of reality television has changed the entertainment landscape, but feels that not every format appeals to him. Talking about the current reality show wave, Rohin says, “The most popular reality shows these days are too voyeuristic and rely on manufactured drama, which isn’t something that I enjoy. But I do find a few competitive reality show formats really interesting. I used to love watching Legends of the Hidden Temple and would love to be a part of an adventure-based game show or reality show someday. In fact, if one leaves out the stunts involving animals, I think Khatron Ke Khiladi would be a fun show to be a part of.”
While reality shows are often considered a shortcut to fame, Rohin feels that their impact on an actor’s career may only last for a limited period. “I don’t know anyone personally who has been a part of a reality show, so I can’t comment on the motive of the participants. But it is very clear that as far as the acting field is concerned, reality shows can help you get in the limelight for a short while, but eventually it’s your quality of work and your connection with the audience which gets you good roles,” he says.
Rohin also believes that the distinction between an actor and a star continues to exist, even though the gap between the two is becoming less defined. “Those lines are getting blurred day by day, but yes, it still exists. I think that a person on their own cannot dictate if they will become a star or not. Being a good actor is very much in the hands of the actors themselves, but becoming a star has a lot to do with luck, media coverage and, in a lot of cases, a push by the industry itself,” he shares.
He further points out that stardom also brings additional responsibilities. “At the same time, stars have a lot of other responsibilities on their shoulders on top of doing justice to the roles they are performing. The financial rewards of being a star also come with a caveat of added work and image building, which a regular working actor doesn’t have to bother about,” Rohin adds.
Speaking about the role of social media in an actor’s career today, Rohin acknowledges that it has opened doors for performers who may otherwise have struggled to get noticed. “It has given a lot of amazing performers a platform to show their talent and not just rely upon studios or channels for the world to see their brilliance. But at the same time, it has also changed the decision-making process for a lot of projects,” he says.
According to Rohin, the growing importance of social media following can sometimes influence casting decisions, particularly in the digital space. “Especially AVOD shows tend to prefer actors with a good following, at times even compromising on the professionalism and calibre of the actor. But this is the current reality of our industry and one has no choice but to accept it and work on it,” he explains.
However, Rohin hopes that social media remains a tool for discovering talent rather than becoming the deciding factor in casting. “Having said that, I do hope that we start realising that a social media profile can be a good way to scout talent, but the eventual decision should always prioritise auditions and the intent of the actor,” he concludes.
