Kanwar Dhillon Questions Absence Of Actors From TV Credits
MUMBAI-Actor Kanwar Dhillon has raised questions over the absence of actors’ names from television credit rolls, saying performers who bring characters and stories to life deserve to be acknowledged alongside other departments. For him, the issue is about “respect, not just recognition.”
The actor 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. 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.”
He added, “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.”
“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,” Dhillon said.
Recalling how he grew up watching television, Dhillon said credits were once an important way for audiences to learn the names of actors behind their favorite characters, particularly for viewers who may not use social media.
“Earlier, that was the norm. I remember knowing the names of so many television actors because I saw their names in the credits while watching shows. 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 said.
“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 is currently seen as Sachin Deshmukh in Star Plus’ family drama ‘Udne Ki Aasha’, alongside actress Neha Harsora. (IANS)
