Pankaj Bhatia: 'TV visibility doesn’t guarantee instant fame'

Pankaj Bhatia, portraying Kamal in Prateek Sharma and Parth Shah’s ‘Pukaar: Dil Se Dil Tak’, produced by LSD Studios, believes that while television increases an actor's visibility, it doesn't guarantee instant popularity. He challenges the notion that actors achieve overnight fame.

"Television certainly provides visibility, but it doesn’t necessarily guarantee instant popularity for actors," Bhatia explains. "While it may seem like actors become popular overnight, the reality is different. Actors work hard, struggle, and often face many rejections before they get noticed. True instant popularity might be perceived from the audience’s perspective, where a character becomes widely recognized quickly.”

Bhatia likens the concept of fame to a seasonal fruit, stating, “Consider a mango that's in season. People enjoy it during that period, but that doesn't mean it remains in demand forever. Similarly, actors must continually adapt and experiment with their roles to maintain relevance.”

Reflecting on his own career, Bhatia notes his diverse roles in various series, such as Bani-Ishq Ka Kalma, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Havan, and Saavi Ki Sawari. "In Pukaar: Dil Se Dil Tak, I’m playing a serious character. Every role is different, and this constant change is important for an actor's growth and popularity. An actor needs to keep experimenting and changing roles to stay relevant and interesting."

Bhatia also highlights the challenges of sustaining success in the competitive performing arts industry. "It's all about who performs well and has the best content, as they will attract the viewership."

“For me, success isn't just a destination but a continuous journey. Each day, striving for improvement and learning from mistakes drives me. When I get a script, I consider past mistakes and think about how the director wants it performed. This daily pursuit of excellence is my true measure of success,” Bhatia concludes.