Cinema VinesActor Rohit Roy has taken a hard line against the television industry, describing it as a “dustbin medium” and saying that the craft has lost its creative edge. In a recent interview on the Kindle Cast YouTube channel, Roy reflected on his career that began on television with shows such as Swabhimaan and Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, before moving into films like Fashion and Shootout at Lokhandawala. He noted that while television is produced in huge volumes, the content often feels repetitive and forgettable, unlike the more enduring nature of cinema.
When asked whether the TV industry has become more professional, Roy replied that it has become “like yesterday’s newspaper” – something people watch and then quickly forget. He added that the sheer amount of content being churned out has left little room for originality. In contrast, he praised films as “for posterity,” suggesting that movies hold a more lasting cultural value.
Roy also criticized the perceived hierarchy between film and television actors. He argued that television performers lack the “carriage” and graceful demeanor that film stars exhibit in public appearances. He pointed out that while everyone puts on a front, the front of a film actor is typically dignified, stylish, and cool, whereas television actors often behave in ways he considers less graceful and even “stupid.” He mentioned, without naming names, that some TV stars dress “skimpily,” using this as an example of the lack of professionalism he sees on the small screen.
Despite his harsh words, Roy’s own career has spanned both mediums. He debuted in the 1994 film Jazbaat and soon after appeared on television in Swabhimaan. He later starred in popular serials such as Kkusum, Kittie Party, Viraasat, and most recently in the Netflix web series Chumbak. His latest film credit is Controll (2025). Outside of acting, Roy holds a master’s degree in journalism and has worked as a field reporter and sub‑editor for The Times of India and Reader’s Digest.
