The Indian television industry is facing a challenging shift where follower counts often outweigh acting talent in casting decisions, according to actor Manas Shah, known for his work in Yeh Hai Chahatein. In a candid conversation, Shah highlighted how this trend is impacting the quality and sustainability of content creation.
"There are so many influencers who do not even know the basics of acting, yet they are selected based on their follower count rather than their acting ability. If people are not even looking at their acting skills, then what kind of casting can they really do?" he questioned. Shah pointed out that while pulling crowds has its place, the inability of some to retain audience interest contributes to broader industry struggles.
Reflecting on past breakthroughs, he recalled a time when television actors faced barriers entering films. "There was a time, around 10–12 years ago, when television actors were not getting opportunities in films. But that barrier was broken by people like Sushant Singh Rajput, may God bless his soul; Vidya Balan; and even Shah Rukh Khan. Many people managed to break through in one way or another."
Manas emphasized that the fundamental essence of acting remains consistent across mediums, even as techniques evolve. "I believe that the core of an actor always remains the same. The finishing, polishing, personal experiences, techniques, and the art form itself may differ across mediums. There is a saying that the stage is an actor's medium, television is a writer's medium, and film is a director's medium. But the basic core remains the same across all three: creativity, input, dedication, devotion, and all those qualities."
According to him, typecasting is no longer the primary issue. "Other than that, there is no such thing as typecasting anymore. The problem now is that people do not even want actors; they want someone who can pull a crowd. There is nothing wrong with that, but even if someone brings in a crowd, what will you do if they cannot hold that audience? That is one of the reasons why the industry keeps declining day by day."
He drew a stark comparison between the past and present television landscape. "Earlier, across all channels combined, there used to be 50–60 shows, and so many of them were huge hits. Look at the situation now. How many shows are there, and how many are actually ruling the TRP charts? The benchmark itself has changed. It is very sad to see what has happened."
This decline has motivated Shah to take proactive steps. "That is why I have decided to create content myself. Soon, there will be good projects and surprises coming through my production house. At the very least, I will gain creative satisfaction from it. I will invest my own money if I have to, so I will not have to worry about anyone else. And even if I lose that money, I will still have the satisfaction of knowing that I created something worthwhile."
When discussing future roles, Manas expressed openness to diverse and challenging characters without any fixed preferences. "As an actor, there is nothing specific that I am looking for. Any role is fine. Anything that is challenging, something that you genuinely desire from within, something you can truly feel and absorb into your mind." He welcomed unconventional parts, citing examples like Amitabh Bachchan in Paa and Aamir Khan in 3 Idiots, and stated he would embrace roles such as a villain, comedic character, or even a gay character if they offered depth and experimentation.
Beyond scripted projects, Shah is keen to explore reality television, a space he has not yet ventured into. "Films and OTT projects were available to me before, and they will continue to come in the future as well. But when it comes to reality shows, yes, there has been a huge boom in reality-based content and personalities." He sees this as an opportunity to showcase his authentic self after years of playing fictional characters.
"On a personal level, I have never been someone who attends too many public appearances either. So yes, I would like to explore reality shows and present myself as the real Manas. Whether the public accepts me or not is a different matter, but I would definitely like to show my genuine views, thought processes, and my real self. So yes, reality shows are my priority right now."
Manas Shah's reflections offer a thoughtful critique of the evolving television ecosystem while underscoring his commitment to quality and creative control. His journey from established actor to content creator reflects a broader desire within the industry to reclaim artistic integrity amid commercial pressures. As he prepares new projects and steps into uncharted territory with reality formats, audiences can anticipate a more personal and versatile side of the talented performer.
