Hina Khan on TV actors’ struggle to find a foothold in film industry: We aren't even considered for big designers to wear on the red carpet

After playing a demure Akshara on TV for eight years, 'Bigg Boss' happened to Hina Khan. The reality show gave us a glimpse of the real Hina Khan. Apart from being straightforward and a strong-headed woman, her style quotient, too, came to the fore. Once again she ruled the TV screens as the new Komolika, giving her own touch to the character. One saw a new Hina, who walked the red carpet at Cannes — a rare opportunity for TV actors. In a candid chat with Bombay Times, the actress, who made her B-town debut, spoke about her journey, how challenging it is for TV actors to break into the world of cinema, and what has prompted her to play the new Naagin on the small screen and more. (By: Roshni Olivera)

I was focussing more on films and digital shows, and it was all going well. I even had two releases (on OTT platforms) during the lockdown, while talks are on for other projects. But then, Ekta Kapoor came into my life and dropped the bomb! She is not someone who will ask you whether you want to play this role, she just tells you (laughs!). On a serious note, we share a great rapport and I am doing a web show for her, too. When she mentioned 'Naagin' to me, I told her that I didn’t want to do television, but she said that it’s just for one season, and I could do it for some time. (Pic: Instagram)

Forget about work, television actors are not even considered when it comes to donning an outfit for a big designer. For me, things have changed because I went to Cannes (in 2019), and I am in touch with a lot of top designers. But usse pehle aisa nahin hota tha. Even to walk the red carpet there, I went through a struggle. Some feel TV actors utne professional nahin hote hain, but I don’t think they should be judged that way. If I had got big opportunities, even I would have done something magical by now, and would have been holding a Filmfare Award in my hand.

As a viewer, I don’t watch much TV, because honestly, the content does not interest me. Unfortunately, what we have on television is regressive, it’s not empowering. It’s sad when women are insulted and treated badly, and such shows are watched and also liked by people. We had some good content over 20 years ago, some good comedies and shows like Buniyaad, but those won’t work today. So, I don’t know where we are headed. (Pic: Instagram)

'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' was my first show, where I played Akshara for eight years. She gets married, and initially, has to cover her head with a pallu and do a lot of things in her sasural. But, gradually, things change for her. So, somewhere, we were promoting the fact that women should not be caged. In many ways, it was empowering. (Pic: Instagram)

My real side came out. No one is flawless and I am happy that when I came out of the Bigg Boss house, people could relate to me. My fashion sense was appreciated, and viewers were surprised by it, because they had seen me in a particular get-up for years. That really changed the game for me. (Pic: Instagram)

Even people who didn’t like me at that time, apologised later. It’s a reality show and a well-edited one. They have no personal dushmani with anyone; whoever sells in whichever light, they keep on showing that. Not that I haven’t made mistakes, everyone has. It’s just about what they want to present to the audience. And, eventually, once you are out, your real side is seen.

There is a lot more to explore. I have big dreams and I am working towards them, too. I try taking up a variety of projects, so that people see me in a different light as an actor. I have been pretty lucky, and I’m glad that I am doing good work in different mediums. But sometimes, I feel that if I get more opportunities, it will help people notice what I am capable of as an actor. (Pic: Instagram)