Chahatt Khanna Backs Rohit Roy’s TV Criticism, Says ‘TV Is Standing Nowhere’

Actress Chahatt Khanna has backed actor Rohit Roy’s recent criticism of television, saying she agrees with his views about the medium’s current limitations in terms of concepts, creativity and storytelling.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Chahatt clarified that she had not watched Rohit’s entire interview and therefore did not want to comment directly on his specific remarks. However, she said she broadly agreed with his assessment of the quality and creative scope of television compared with films and OTT platforms.

“I don't know about that statement because I haven't seen the entire interview. But, yes, the quality of work. See, I am from TV and I respect TV medium the most. Because TV makes us actors very strong,” she said.

The actress pointed to the demanding working conditions in television, where actors often shoot for long hours and have to deliver consistently under tight schedules.

“We shoot for 12-15 hours just like that. But that is not the case in films. But in films, creativity is of a different type. In OTT, creativity and detailing is of a different type,” she said.

Chahatt said the gap becomes particularly noticeable when television is assessed on the basis of concepts and creative storytelling.

“But when you talk about concept and when you talk about creativity, I think it has been said from that aspect. So, definitely, if you look at the story and creativity, TV is standing nowhere, right?” she said.

At the same time, the actress acknowledged that television continues to have an enormous mass audience, and argued that much of its content is shaped by what viewers are willing to watch.

“But definitely, it targets the masses. So, the audience wants what the TV is targeting. And that's why they are showing that. It's absolutely business, I believe,” she added.

‘If you are a creative actor, then definitely you won't be able to relate to TV’

Chahatt, who has appeared in several popular television shows, also spoke about her own difficulty in connecting with some of the concepts currently being offered to actors.

“Yes, if you are a creative actor, then definitely you won't be able to relate to TV, which even I don't do. Like, I can't relate to TV shows, the offers I get like Naagin etc, I can't relate to them,” she said.

However, she admitted that being able to connect with such projects could have opened up more professional opportunities for her.

“But I think if I could relate to them, then it would have been a better opportunity for me. But what I can relate to, I can relate to. So, I think it's each to its own,” Chahatt added.

Rohit Roy’s remarks had recently triggered a debate over the changing position of television in the Indian entertainment industry. The actor, who himself became a familiar face through television shows such as Swabhimaan and Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, described TV as a “dustbin medium” and criticised what he saw as repetitive content and a lack of creativity.

Rohit also drew comparisons between television and the film industry in terms of how actors present themselves in public, arguing that film stars generally display greater style, class, grace and dignity.

Chahatt’s comments add another perspective to the debate, particularly because of her own long association with television. While acknowledging the medium’s ability to build an actor’s discipline and reach millions of viewers, she suggested that its dependence on mass-market formulas can leave limited room for performers looking for more experimental or creatively challenging work.