Actress Indira Krishnan has criticised actor Rohit Roy’s controversial remark about television, calling his use of the word “dustbin” for the small-screen medium and its actors “terrible” and saying television has provided opportunities and recognition to generations of performers.
Responding to Rohit’s comments, Indira told IANS, “The word ‘dustbin’ is terrible to use for a veteran actor who himself comes from this medium. Television has given many skilled actors work and a stage to perform so well.”
Indira, who has appeared in television shows including Krishnaben Khakhrawala, Krishnadasi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Saavi Ki Savaari, Dhruv Tara – Samay Sadi Se Pare and Durga – Atoot Prem Kahani, said television had also served as a launchpad for several filmmakers who later moved to cinema.
“There are many popular directors who are doing films after directing some brilliant shows on television. Well, to each his own. This medium is my plate of food as well as my respect. So that’s his view and he can stick to it,” she said.
Taking a sharper dig at Rohit, Indira added, “Or should I say, it’s a democratic view. Sometimes people who are forgotten use such stunts to stay relevant, so I guess this is one of those.”
Defending television, she said the medium remained the biggest in terms of its reach and its ability to maintain a daily connection between actors and audiences.
“Television has been, is, and will always be the biggest medium. It reaches every household and gives actors a daily connection with the audience that no other medium can. To demean it after being a part of it for years is disappointing. We should respect the medium that has made us,” she said.
Indira has also worked in films including Tere Naam and Animal and will next be seen in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, in which she plays Kaushalya, the mother of Lord Rama.
She made her acting debut with the 1995 Odia film Suna Panjuri, opposite Sidhant Mohapatra. The film became a musical hit that year. She later appeared in Trishakti, Aaj Ka Ravan, Tathastu, Chatur Singh Two Star and Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. She also featured in the Marathi film Janiva, directed by her husband Rajesh Ranshinage.