Prateik Chaudhary on TV-to-film transition: luck, sincerity, and a ₹3,500 first paycheck
Synopsis
Prateik Chaudhary has laid out what he believes separates TV actors who cross over to films and OTT from those who don't — and it isn't just talent. Luck, sincerity, conduct, and a first paycheck of ₹3,500 a day are all part of his candid take on an industry conversation most actors avoid having in public.
Key Takeaways
Prateik Chaudhary says luck, hard work, sincerity, and audience connection all shape a TV actor's crossover to films or OTT.
He noted that multiple platforms — including Instagram and YouTube — now serve as discovery routes, removing the need to compete on a single stage.
Chaudhary stressed that conduct and intentions are career differentiators: 'If you have good intentions, I think no one can beat you.' He recalled his first professional paycheck of ₹3,500 per day , saying it remains meaningful to him even today.
He is known for roles in Paramavatar Shri Krishna (2017) and Sindoor Ki Keemat (2023).
Actor Prateik Chaudhary says the path from television to films or OTT platforms is not defined by a single formula — it hinges on a combination of luck, work ethic, sincerity, and the ability to forge a genuine connection with audiences. The actor, best known for his roles in Paramavatar Shri Krishna (2017) and Sindoor Ki Keemat (2023), shared his perspective on what shapes a TV actor's crossover journey in the current entertainment landscape.
No Single Pathway to Success
Chaudhary stressed that the routes to discovery in today's industry are more varied than ever before. 'I think it depends on your luck. If you are lucky, people may pick you up from Instagram and give you a film. They may discover you through YouTube. There is no single platform where you have to compete with everyone,' he said.
He added that television, while a significant launchpad, does not guarantee stardom on its own. 'Sometimes, it is not necessary that every actor becomes successful or that you become a star through television,' he noted — a candid acknowledgement that many TV actors quietly navigate without public discussion.
Attitude and Intentions as Career Differentiators
Beyond luck and hard work, Chaudhary emphasised that an actor's conduct and intentions are equally decisive. 'I think it depends on your luck, how hard-working you are, how sincere you are towards your work and how you are as a human being. How you treat people and how you connect with the audience also matter,' he said.
He underlined that integrity in professional conduct can be a lasting differentiator. 'If you have good intentions, I think no one can beat you. In the end, your intentions and actions matter,' Chaudhary added.
The ₹3,500 First Paycheck That Still Resonates
Reflecting on his early career, Chaudhary recalled that his first professional paycheck stood at ₹3,500 per day — an amount he said felt significant then and still does. Notably, he said the decision to enter the entertainment industry was never primarily about the money.
'Honestly, because we love our work so much, it is not always about how much you earn in the beginning. Earlier, no one used to look at the money. Everyone wanted to showcase their work to people. That's why we came into this line,' he said.
What This Means for a Generation of TV Actors
Chaudhary's remarks surface a broader conversation within Indian entertainment: as OTT platforms and social media rewrite the rules of discovery, TV actors no longer face a single, linear gatekeeping system. The rise of Instagram casting and YouTube-driven visibility has democratised access — but also intensified competition across formats. His advice implicitly acknowledges that in this environment, character and consistency matter as much as craft. For a large cohort of television performers aspiring to cross over, that is both a liberating and demanding reality.
Point of View
He points to social media as an equaliser, which is true but incomplete: Instagram and YouTube visibility still skews toward those with prior exposure or marketing support. The ₹3,500 paycheck anecdote humanises a career arc that often gets glossed over in retrospective interviews, and it raises a structural question the industry rarely confronts: how many skilled TV performers exit the system before the algorithm ever finds them?
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Prateik Chaudhary say about TV actors moving to films and OTT?
Prateik Chaudhary says the transition depends on a mix of luck, hard work, sincerity, and the ability to connect with audiences. He also noted that social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube now offer alternative discovery routes beyond traditional casting.
Which TV shows is Prateik Chaudhary known for?
Prateik Chaudhary is best known for his roles in Paramavatar Shri Krishna (2017) and Sindoor Ki Keemat (2023), both television productions.
What was Prateik Chaudhary's first paycheck?
Chaudhary recalled his first professional paycheck as ₹3,500 per day, an amount he said felt significant at the time and still resonates with him today. He added that the decision to enter the industry was driven by a love for acting rather than financial motivation.
Does Prateik Chaudhary believe television guarantees stardom?
No. Chaudhary was candid that appearing on television does not automatically lead to success or star status. He said every actor's journey is different and that good intentions and conduct play an equally important role.
How has social media changed opportunities for TV actors in India?
According to Chaudhary, social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have broadened the discovery ecosystem, allowing actors to be noticed outside the traditional film and TV casting circuit. He believes this removes the pressure of competing on a single platform.
