Eisha Singh: TV actors are equally talented, times have changed
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Eisha Singh has spoken candidly about the evolving perception of television performers in India, asserting that audiences today judge artists by their talent rather than the platform they work on. The 'Bigg Boss 18' contestant made the remarks during a recent conversation in Mumbai.
On the Changing Perception of TV Actors
When asked whether television actors continue to face underestimation compared to their film counterparts, Singh was direct. 'I think times have changed. Today, people value talent more than platforms. I have worked in television, OTT, films, music videos, and even YouTube content. For me, art matters more than the medium,' she said.
Her view reflects a broader shift in the Indian entertainment industry, where streaming platforms have blurred the traditional hierarchy between television and cinema, giving TV-trained performers far greater visibility than a decade ago.
Pride in Television Roots
Singh was equally emphatic about crediting her television career for her growth. 'Of course, there are still notions where people label someone as "just a TV actor," but I remain deeply connected to my roots. Whatever success I have achieved today is because of television. TV actors are extremely hardworking because we learn how to deliver consistently under pressure. I believe we are equally talented. Everyone deserves opportunities because talent exists everywhere,' she added.
The sentiment resonates with a generation of actors — from Divyanka Tripathi to Mohit Raina — who built formidable fan bases on television before transitioning to OTT and films, suggesting that the medium-to-medium journey has become a recognised career arc rather than an exception.
Films and OTT as Natural Progression
Singh confirmed she views cinema and streaming as a logical next step for television performers. 'I have already worked on OTT projects, and Obsess is my second film. Every actor dreams of doing meaningful work in cinema, and I am happy that I am getting opportunities to explore different mediums,' she said.
The film Obsess marks her continued push into theatrical releases, underlining that her multi-platform strategy — spanning television, OTT, and cinema — is deliberate rather than opportunistic.
Early Career Struggles
Reflecting on her beginnings, Singh disclosed that the initial years were far from smooth. She revealed she once walked off her first show and returned to her hometown of Bhopal — a detail that underscores the psychological toll the industry can exact on newcomers.
'The initial phase was definitely difficult. I even left my first show and went back to Bhopal at one point. But I believe God had different plans for me, and that is why I am standing here today,' she said.
As the lines between television, OTT, and cinema continue to dissolve, Singh's trajectory may well become a template for the next wave of Indian performers navigating an increasingly platform-agnostic industry.