Discriminated in Bollywood for being a TV actor, Erica Fernandes speaks up

Mumbai: Kasautii Zindagii Kay lead actress Erica Fernandes is one of the biggest names in the Indian television industry. She recently spoke up about the discrimination she faced in Bollywood for being a TV actress.

Speaking to Pinkvilla, she said that one has to be part of some group and have contacts to get into Bollywood. "Truth being said, they always look down upon TV artists and discrimination happens between Bollywood actors and TV actors." She added that she went through this experience and she is not the only TV actor.

The 29-year-old is all set for the release of her first short film 'The Haunting' which will be released on OTT. "As an actor, it was a challenge for me because this short film is based on a true story. As a child, me and my cousin would always watch horror movies. I really enjoy this genre."

She also praised the South Indian film industry and said Bollywood is just now discovering the films from the southern regions but they have always been a bigger world. "The kind of cinema that is made there is unique, and they don't have to get into showing so many intimate scenes. They focus more on relationships, friendships, and family, this is their main focus apart from the entertainment, high energy, action sequences, and the dance...that is what they focus on."

She added that audiences also connect with TV actors and TV content because they are part of everyone's household. "People create a bond with that actor whereas, if you compare it to a movie, it's only for that duration, then it's gone and people forget it. So, what stays on your mind is the long-duration shows that you watch on TV."

Earlier, Bollywood actress Radhika Madan, who started her career in TV, also said that she was warned against working in more TV shows if she wants to work in movies.