With TV shows like Kahiin Toh Hoga and Kkavyanjali and almost two decades in the TV industry, actor Eijaz Khan believes that the content on TV has changed marginally. While the young audience enjoys shows that present strong characters, Khan feels that the producers “aren’t the flag bearers of change in society and morality”.

He says, “Some content has become been more regressive and some has evolved beautifully. The younger generation gives their love and validation to shows that are built on strong characters they can look up to. Producers will make shows that work, but the onus is on audiences.”

Like his contemporaries, Khan says that actors often face prejudices while shifting to another medium. “You face challenges at every step in your life. When I was on TV, people said that I’m a dancer and I can’t act. When I wanted to do films, I got a three-film offer. Dharmesh Darshan ji (filmmaker) wanted to launch me. At that time, a big producer told him that I’m a TV actor and they shouldn’t be touched with a barge pole. Later, I did some films — some released and some didn’t,” he elaborates.

However, he admits that casting an actor is a call taken by filmmakers based on their commercial standing. “I understand the producer’s perspective, too. They used to feel that when people see TV actors for free, why would they spend money to watch them in a film?” he ends.