Sudhir Pandey Exposes TV Industry’s Dark Reality

Veteran actor Sudhir Pandey, best known for his memorable performances in Balika Vadhu, Sasural Genda Phool and Amanat, has made explosive claims about the harsh realities of India’s television industry. After spending nearly 50 years in the entertainment business, the senior actor alleged that television artists continue to face exploitation through exhausting work schedules, delayed payments and unequal treatment.

Speaking in an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Pandey said that actors working in television serials are often trapped by unpredictable schedules, making it nearly impossible to take up films or other professional commitments.

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“Once you commit to a television show, you cannot plan anything else. You are never given fixed shooting dates and can be called on any day of the month. Private channels and producers have gradually made the television industry worse,” he said.

Lead Actors Enjoy Power, Supporting Artists Suffer

Pandey highlighted the growing imbalance within the television industry, claiming that lead actors hold significant influence while supporting artists are routinely ignored.

According to him, television channels readily accept the demands of popular lead actors because they attract viewers. However, supporting actors who ask for better remuneration are often sidelined or removed from projects altogether.

“If a lead actor drives ratings, the channel listens to them. But when supporting actors demand better pay, they are simply shown the exit door,” he stated.

14 to 18-Hour Shifts and Payments After 90 Days

The veteran actor also criticised the industry’s working conditions and payment system, calling them unfair and inhumane.

He revealed that although contracts are signed on a per-day basis, artists often receive their remuneration only 90 days after completing the work. He urged the industry to stop exploiting actors and ensure labour laws are implemented properly.

“Artists work for 14 to 18 hours a day, barely get enough sleep, and are expected to return to work the very next morning. This exploitation must stop,” Pandey said.

Calls Award Shows Meaningless

Sudhir Pandey also dismissed television award shows, describing them as nothing more than displays of glamour with little real value.

“I don’t attend award shows because they serve no purpose. It’s all about showmanship and appearances. The industry needs to become more aware and sensitive. I come from a middle-class family, but I’m not an average actor—I consider myself an A-class actor,” he remarked.

A Career Spanning Five Decades

Over the course of his five-decade career, Sudhir Pandey has appeared in several iconic television serials, including Buniyaad, Amanat, Balika Vadhu and Sasural Genda Phool. He has also featured in Bollywood films such as Shaan, Guru, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, and most recently Ginny Weds Sunny 2.

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