Perception about TV actors changing: Sharad Kelkar

Sharad Kelkar appreciates the change in perception where people are not categorising actors as TV or movie artists anymore. He is hopeful that the distance between film and TV would end some day.

If Sharad worked in serials like "Saat Phere", "Bairi Piya", "Sinndoor Tere Naam Ka" and "Uttaran", he also had big screen experience with films like "Uttarayan" and "1920: Evil Returns".

"The people's perception is changing. Now they are considering actors as actors only and not categorising them as TV actor or film actor," Sharad said here on Thursday at a special screening of "Shree".

"Shree" marks the Bollywood debut of TV actor Hussain Kuwajerwala, who worked in shows like "Kumkum", "Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi" and "Rishtey". Besides, he also hosted reality shows like "Indian Idol" and "Dance Premier League". Directed by Rajesh Bachchani, "Shree" releases  on Friday. It also features actress Anjali Patil as the female lead.

Just a few months ago, TV actor Sushant Singh Rajput took his 'big screen' leap with "Kai Po Che!", which also saw Amit Sadh making his mark on the big screen. Last year saw popular TV host Ayushmann Khurrana rising on the film firmament with the success of "Vicky Donor". He cemented his palace with "Nautanki Saala".

"It's a great time for all the (TV) actors. They can now switch from here (TV) to there (films)," said Sharad, who currently hosts Colors channel's crime show "Shaitaan - A Criminal Mind". "Today, TV people are working in films and vice versa. So, it is good for the industry," he added. Popular TV host Manish Paul is also set to make his Bollywood debut with Saurabh Varma's "Mickey Virus".

Sharad also said that "now the distance between the TV and films is getting narrow" and he is hopeful that it "may end some day". Meanwhile, Sharad praised Hussain and said: "He (Hussain) is very confident about his work because he has done fantastic work till date. He is very hard working.

"In fact, I have said almost in all my interviews that Hussain is one of TV's most professional and dedicated actors," he said.