Cinema VinesActor Rohit Roy has stirred controversy by describing television as a “dustbin medium,” arguing that the medium lacks the longevity and creativity he associates with cinema. In a recent interview on the Kindle Cast YouTube channel, Roy said, “Television is a dustbin medium. You watch it today, it’s like yesterday’s newspaper. Tomorrow, you forget about it.” He added that the sheer volume of repetitive content produced for TV leaves little room for originality.
Roy also critiqued the perceived hierarchy between film and television actors, claiming that “television actors don’t have the carriage that film actors have.” He pointed to the public appearances of film stars as “graceful, dignified, stylish, cool” and contrasted this with what he sees as the less polished behavior of TV performers at events. When asked whether he internalized this hierarchy, he reiterated that cinema is “for posterity,” reinforcing his view that television is a disposable medium.
In response to Roy’s remarks, casting director Mukesh Chhabra took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend television talent. Chhabra, known for his work on films such as Dhurandhar, Jawan, and Dangal, wrote, “Most of the actors we have found are from television, and I truly believe television actors are amazing. They have an incredible memory, they work every single day, they are extremely professional, they adapt quickly, and they know how to handle the demands of the job.” He praised their discipline, dedication, and commitment, adding, “I love all actors, but I think I have a little extra love for TV actors.”
Roy’s comments come after a long career that began on popular television serials such as Kkusum, Kittie Party, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, and Viraasat. While his remarks have attracted criticism from industry peers, Chhabra’s public support highlights a growing divide in how film and television actors are perceived within Bollywood’s creative circles.
