Actor Rohit Roy, who has had a taste of the big as well as small screen, says TV shows have given a new experience to film actors, and the medium also gives a huge amount of money.
The actor-anchor, who started his career itself with the telly via "Swabhimaan" and has hosted dance reality show "Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 3", has now featured in an episode of crime-based show "Encounter" as inspector Milind Mandlik.
Staring 2000, a lot of Bollywood celebrities followed megastar Amitabh Bachchan's footsteps into TV when he became the host of "Kaun Banega Crorepati" (KBC). Names as big as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty, Madhuri Dixit, Karan Johar, Karisma Kapoor, Akshay Kumar and even Anil Kapoor have had a brush with TV after attaining success in filmdom.
Asked about the trend, Rohit told IANS: "TV shows is a thrilling experience for the film actors. It has given a new experience to film actors, who work for late hours in the shows. Things have changed and the reach of television is vast. Plus, there is a huge amount of money involved in TV shows."
"'KBC' has been going on for over 10 years. People have loved and appreciated the show. Other shows like 'Bigg Boss', 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' and 'Indian Idol' are all hit. TV has huge power since everyone (audience) is glued to it," added Rohit.
The reason Rohit chose to work in "Encounter", which airs on Sony Entertainment Television, is because he had not played a policeman earlier.
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"I've primarily never played a policeman earlier. My role in 'Shootout At Lokhandwala' (2007), directed by Apoorva Lakhia was sort of similar. I want to explore different roles as I'm inclined towards what challenges me as an actor. I also want to change my boy-next-door image," Rohit said in a telephonic interview from Mumbai.
The actor believes TV shows should have different categories because the medium's reach is vast.
"Every leading channel has to have all types of TV soaps. Television has changed. Daily soaps are important because they are addictive for the audience. There is a requirement for comedy shows in the prime time since a lot of people love watching comedy after a tiring day.
"Weekly programmes are also required on television for the same reason," said the actor.
Watching Amitabh Bachchan act in movies inspired the 45-year-old to start off a career in TV and films.
"The reason I started working im films and TV shows is because of Amitabh Bachchan. He has inspired me so much," said Rohit, adding that if he ever gets an opportunity, he would want to work with filmmaker Imtiaz Ali.
"He is a great filmmaker," he said.
Is Rohit open to reality shows like "Bigg Boss"?
"I don't have the right temperament to stay away from my family. I never say never. But I do not wish go for any reality TV show that keeps me away from my family," he said.
Rohit has also done his bit behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with a short film "Rice Plate", and says he is directing another movie, which is yet untitled.
"I am working on a film which will be out on the floors by the end of this year," said Rohit.