Mukesh Chhabra defends TV actors after Rohit Roy's 'dustbin medium' remark
Synopsis
Mukesh Chhabra — the casting mind behind 'Jawan', 'Dangal', and 'Dhurandhar' — stepped into the Rohit Roy row with a pointed X post praising TV actors' discipline and memory. His quiet rebuttal carries weight: as the man who finds Bollywood's stars, his assertion that most of them come from television makes Roy's 'dustbin medium' label harder to sustain.
Key Takeaways
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra praised television actors in an X post on 13 September , calling them 'amazing' for their discipline and adaptability.
The post came in response to actor Rohit Roy 's description of television as a 'dustbin medium' on the Kindle Cast YouTube channel .
Chhabra noted that 'most of the actors we have found are from television' , lending industry authority to his defence.
Rohit Roy acknowledged his remarks could seem 'ungrateful', but stood by his view that Indian TV lacks creativity due to repetitive content.
Chhabra's credits include 'Jawan' , 'Dangal' , 'Dhurandhar' , and the late Sushant Singh Rajput 's film 'Dil Bechara' .
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra has publicly come out in support of television actors following widespread backlash against actor Rohit Roy, who described television as a 'dustbin medium' in a recent interview. Chhabra's post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, 13 September praised TV actors for their professionalism, memory, and adaptability — without naming Roy or his remarks directly.
What Chhabra Said
Taking to his X timeline, Chhabra wrote: 'Most of the actors we have found are from television, and I truly believe television actors are amazing. They have an incredible memory, they work every single day, they are extremely professional, they adapt quickly, and they know how to handle the demands of the job.'
He added: 'The discipline, dedication, and commitment they bring to their work is something I deeply admire. I love all actors, but I think I have a little extra love for TV actors. Just a thought. Sunday feelings.'
Chhabra is widely regarded as one of India's foremost casting directors, having worked on blockbusters including 'Dhurandhar', 'Jawan', and 'Dangal'. He also directed 'Dil Bechara', the debut feature of the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput — himself a television alumnus who crossed over to Bollywood.
The Rohit Roy Controversy
The controversy traces back to actor Rohit Roy's appearance on the Kindle Cast YouTube channel, where he was asked whether the television industry had grown more professional but less devoted to its craft. His response sparked immediate backlash.
'Television is a dustbin medium. You watch it today, it's like yesterday's newspaper. Tomorrow, you forget about it. So, in India, unfortunately, with the amount of content being created and the same kind of content being created, there's hardly any creativity,' Roy had said. He acknowledged the remarks could come across as 'ungrateful', given his own background in the medium.
Why the Debate Matters
The exchange has reignited a long-running conversation within the Indian entertainment industry about the perceived hierarchy between film, streaming, and television. Critics argue that television actors — many of whom work six or seven days a week, shooting multiple episodes daily — demonstrate a rigour rarely matched in film production cycles.
Notably, several of India's biggest film stars, including those cast in the biggest Bollywood productions of recent years, began their careers on television. Chhabra's point about sourcing talent from television reinforces what industry insiders have long observed: the small screen remains a formidable training ground.
Industry Reaction and What's Next
Chhabra's post drew significant engagement online, with many television actors and fans expressing support. Whether Rohit Roy responds to the renewed attention on his remarks remains to be seen. The debate is unlikely to fade quickly, touching as it does on questions of creative merit, audience loyalty, and the evolving landscape of Indian content consumption.
Point of View
Versatile, and bankable than their film counterparts care to admit.
NationPress
13 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Rohit Roy say about television that caused backlash?
Rohit Roy called television a 'dustbin medium' during an appearance on the Kindle Cast YouTube channel, saying its content is forgettable and likened it to yesterday's newspaper. He also said Indian TV lacks creativity due to the volume of repetitive content being produced.
How did Mukesh Chhabra respond to the Rohit Roy controversy?
Casting director Mukesh Chhabra posted on X on 13 September praising television actors as 'amazing', citing their memory, professionalism, and commitment. He did not name Rohit Roy directly but the post was widely read as a rebuttal.
Who is Mukesh Chhabra and why does his opinion carry weight?
Mukesh Chhabra is one of India's most prominent casting directors, known for films including 'Jawan', 'Dangal', and 'Dhurandhar'. He also directed 'Dil Bechara'. His assertion that most of the actors he has cast come from television makes his defence of the medium professionally significant.
Why is the television versus film debate significant in India's entertainment industry?
The debate reflects a long-standing hierarchy within Indian entertainment, where film and OTT are often seen as more prestigious than television. It matters because many of Bollywood's top stars built their craft on TV sets, and casting professionals like Chhabra actively scout the medium for talent.
What did Mukesh Chhabra's X post say exactly?
Chhabra wrote that television actors 'have an incredible memory, they work every single day, they are extremely professional, they adapt quickly'. He added that the 'discipline, dedication, and commitment they bring to their work is something I deeply admire', and said he has 'a little extra love for TV actors'.
