TV Actors are just as popular as Bollywood stars on the Indian continent. Some may even argue that the popularity of veteran TV stars even surpasses the fame and success of the new generation of Bollywood actors. This is an era in which people have started to like television shows better than Bollywood films. Now, the actors working in the TV industry earn lakhs per episode and give tough competition to the Bollywood celebs in terms of earning money. This money, fame and success associated with television shows have prompted a few famous TV actors to refuse Bollywood movies like a boss. Popular TV actors and actresses have denied the offers from big media houses to star in Bollywood films. TV stars are content with their prime-time shows nowadays and want to continue excelling at that level instead of starring in Bollywood films which will feature them for just a minute or two.
Here are 8 TV actors who refused Bollywood movies:
1- Drashti Dhami
A popular TV actress who is known for starring in shows like Madhubala and Geet Hui Sabse Parayi Drashti Dhami has become a household name and one of the highest-paid TV actresses. She was offered to work opposite Ajay Devgn as the female lead in the blockbuster film Singham 2, directed by Rohit Shetty. However, Drashti Dhami showed that TV actors are no longer thinking of making it big in the Hindi film industry and politely refused the offer for one of the biggest Bollywood movies.
2- Preetika Rao
Preetika Rao is also among those TV actors who have denied working in Bollywood movies. She is the younger sister of Bollywood actress Amrita Rao. Preetika could have easily starred in Bollywood films if she wanted to. However, she loves working in TV dramas and refused many big-budgeted Bollywood movies in her career. Preetika was offered to play the lead in Aashiqui 2, but she denied the role.
3- Adaa Khan
Adaa Khan is a fierce TV actress who has starred in hit shows like Naagin, Piya Basanti Re, and Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil. She is among the top TV actresses. Adaa is a household name, and her popularity has garnered her several film offers. However, Adaa has politely refused to work in Bollywood movies as she thinks she is not prepared for the big screen.
4- Ankita Lokhande
The former girlfriend of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput was one of the most sought-after TV actresses after her gig in Pavitra Rishta. She refused to work in Bollywood movies to avoid being in close proximity to her ex-boyfriend. Ankita has turned down offers for various Bollywood movies before ultimately signing up for Manikarnika starring Kangana Ranaut.
5- Shaheer Sheikh
Shaheer Sheikh is one of the most popular TV actors who have refused offers from several filmmakers to star in Bollywood movies. He once said, “I have been offered films as well, but it’s better to do good television shows rather than a small role in a film”. Shaheer is known for shows like Kuch Rang Pyaar Ke Aise Bhi and Dev. He has his priorities set and strives to achieve success through television.
6- Kapil Sharma
Kapil Sharma is coming back on the television screens with yet another season of The Kapil Sharma Show. This time the show promises to be much bigger in magnitude. Kapil has acted as the lead in the Bollywood film Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karun. However, many people don’t know that Kapil Sharma had rejected the Bollywood film Bank Chor produced by Yash Raj Films due to his busy schedule.
7- Mrunal Thakur
Before becoming a Bollywood sensation, Mrunal Thakur used to work in television soaps. Her role in Kumkum Bhagya earned her many praises. In fact, Aamir Khan and Aditya Chopra were so impressed by her that they offered her the film Thugs of Hindostan. However, Mrunal rejected the movie as she was not sure about starting a Bollywood career at that time. Currently, four of her Bollywood are scheduled to release in 2022 and 2023. She has broken away from the pack of TV actors who have refused offers for Bollywood movies.
8- Surbhi Chanda
Surbhi Chanda is a well-known name in the TV industry. She played a small role in the Bollywood film Bobby Jasoss before appearing in television shows. Surbhi found success at this level and rejected many Bollywood movies which offered her to play small-time roles. She has said, “I would rather be famous on TV and be recognised for my work than start afresh in Bollywood”.