Kanwar Dhillon on missing actor credits in TV shows: 'It feels unfair'
Synopsis
Kanwar Dhillon, lead of Star Plus’s Udne Ki Aasha, has called out a quiet but persistent industry norm: actors being left out of television credit rolls entirely. His argument — that this is about respect, not just recognition — puts a spotlight on a structural gap that affects how audiences connect with the people bringing their favourite characters to life.
Key Takeaways
Kanwar Dhillon publicly questioned why actors are excluded from credit rolls on Indian TV shows, calling it ‘unfair.’ He stressed the issue is about respect first, noting that recognition through social media does not substitute for formal on-screen credit.
Dhillon argued that actors, like directors, producers, and writers, are a backbone of any show and deserve equal acknowledgement.
He highlighted that audiences not active on social media — a large segment — rely on credit rolls to identify actors by name.
Dhillon currently stars as Sachin Deshmukh in Udne Ki Aasha on Star Plus , alongside Neha Harsora .
Actor Kanwar Dhillon has sparked a fresh conversation in the Indian television industry by calling out a long-standing practice — the omission of actors' names from credit rolls on TV shows. Speaking on 18 August, the Star Plus lead said the issue goes beyond recognition and is fundamentally about respect for the craft.
What Kanwar Dhillon Said
“I have been thinking about this for a very long time. I have discussed it with many of my colleagues, my father Deep Dhillon, and other people from the industry, and I could never really understand why this change happened,” the actor said. “When I watch a show and see the credit roll, the absence of actors’ names really pinches me. I felt it was something I should speak about because I genuinely believe actors deserve that credit.”
Dhillon was careful to frame the argument as inclusive rather than competitive. “It is not about taking away anyone else’s credit and giving it to actors. Every department works hard and deserves recognition. But actors are equally an important part of the show. Just like a director, producer, writer, cinematographer or editor is a backbone of a show, so are the primary actors,” he added.
The Effort Behind the Camera
The actor pointed to the sheer volume of work that goes into a daily television serial. “An actor spends hours and hours shooting every day and works extremely hard to make a character relevant and create a place for that character in people’s hearts. Once that happens, not even being given credit in the credit list feels unfair. If other departments are being credited for their contribution, actors should also be given that same space,” he said.
This is not an isolated grievance. Indian television’s production pace — with some shows shooting upwards of 300 episodes a year — places extraordinary demands on lead actors, who are often on set for 12 to 16 hours daily. The absence of formal on-screen credits has been a quiet but persistent point of contention within the industry.
Credits as a Bridge to the Audience
Dhillon also raised a point that touches on audience access and media literacy. He recalled learning the names of television actors as a child by reading credit rolls, and argued that a significant portion of viewers — particularly those not on social media — still depend on that information. “Even today, there is a large section of people who do not turn to social media pages to find out who an actor is. They know you by your character name because that is how they see you on television every day,” he explained.
The observation is notable at a time when the industry often assumes digital presence substitutes for traditional credits. For audiences in smaller towns and among older demographics, on-screen credits remain a primary means of identification.
Respect Over Recognition
“For me, it is first about respect and then recognition. Recognition is very easily available today through social media, but this is about doing what is right. Actors work day in and day out to make a show successful, make their characters relevant and connect with the audience. Giving them their due credit is a basic form of respect for that contribution,” Dhillon concluded.
Dhillon currently plays the lead role of Sachin Deshmukh in the Star Plus family drama Udne Ki Aasha, opposite actress Neha Harsora. His remarks are likely to resonate across a fraternity that has long navigated the tension between high visibility on screen and limited formal acknowledgement behind it.
Point of View
And no one has been held accountable for it. Social media reach is a poor substitute; it rewards those already famous and leaves character actors and supporting cast invisible. If broadcasters and production houses are serious about talent welfare — a conversation that has grown louder post the OTT boom — restoring actor credits is the lowest-cost, highest-dignity step they could take.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kanwar Dhillon’s concern about TV credit rolls?
Kanwar Dhillon has raised the issue of actors being left out of credit rolls on Indian television shows, arguing that this is a matter of basic respect for their contribution. He believes actors deserve the same formal acknowledgement as directors, writers, and other crew members.
Why does Kanwar Dhillon say credits matter beyond social media recognition?
Dhillon points out that a large section of the TV audience — particularly those not active on social media — depends on credit rolls to learn the names of actors. He argues that social media recognition is not a replacement for formal on-screen credit, which carries a different kind of institutional respect.
Which show is Kanwar Dhillon currently starring in?
Kanwar Dhillon currently plays the lead role of Sachin Deshmukh in the Star Plus family drama Udne Ki Aasha, alongside actress Neha Harsora.
Has this issue been raised by others in the Indian TV industry?
Dhillon mentioned that he has discussed the matter with colleagues and his father, veteran actor Deep Dhillon, suggesting the concern is shared more broadly within the industry, though it has rarely been aired publicly at this level.
What change is Kanwar Dhillon calling for?
He is calling for actors — particularly primary cast members — to be included in the credit rolls of television shows, in the same way that directors, producers, writers, and technical crew are currently credited. He is not asking for other departments to lose their credits.
