This is an archive article published on June 30, 2024
Surbhi Jyoti says TV actors are the most hardworking: ‘Every actor should do a TV show, it’s like a paid workshop’
In an exclusive interview, Surbhi Jyoti reacts on delayed payment issue that TV actors have been facing; she also addresses the notion of them working for 14-15 hours in a day.
Actress Surbhi Jyotiis amongst the most loved actors on TV and while she has ventured into the OTT space as well as films, Surbhi has been very content with her medium. Recently, in an interview with Indianexpress.com Surbhi Jyoti and Zayn Ibad Khan spoke about their take on TV actors facing issues on sets. Surbhi also shared how she feels that doing a TV show is like a paid workshop for any actor. The actress who recently starred in Disney Plus Hotstar’s show Gunaah even spoke about playing strong characters on screen.
Both Surbhi and Zayn believe that TV as a medium prepares you for all other platforms, they even addressed this notion about a TV actor working for 14-15 hours a day. Talking about the same, Surbhi shared, “When I started doing TV there was a very disciplined atmosphere. Qubool Hai was my very first show, we did not shoot for more than 12 hours, right now also I shoot for 12 hours. For me there has been no change, I have done a film also, so I have worked on all platforms and there is absolutely no difference. Probably I got the best of TV, but for me, my practice was the theater I have done in Punjab. There was no hiccup for me because I had probably done what I always wanted to do, which is act in front of a camera.”
Contrary to Surbhi, Zayn did agree that daily soap actors, especially leads do have to put in extra hours at times, he said, “There have been times where I have had to shoot for more than 12 to 14 hours, so this notion is correct, mostly TV actors are bound to work for these many hours, 14 hours you have to be on set. TV actors are the most hard-working people on the planet. If you have done a TV show, everything will be a smooth ride for you.”
Adding to Zayn’s point, Surbhi also says, “I feel every actor should do a TV show once in their career, it is a paid workshop. There are times when you just get the script an hour before the shot, and you have to learn them, it’s a good thing that you get that practice, in OTT and films you get a bound script so it is easy to shoot.”
Reacting to the issues that some actors have been facing of late where they suffer bad work environments, and even don’t get paid at times, Surbhi said, “It is very bad if that happens, it is not a sin to be professional. If you expect a certain professionalism from an actor, you need to be equally professional too.”
Being someone who has played some strong characters on screen, be it Zoya in Qubool Haior even her role in Naagin 3, Surbhi in a way changed the narrative about women on Indian TV. Giving her thoughts on the same, Surbhi explains, “There are so many talented people in our industry, I want to work with all of them. For me it’s not like if I am doing a TV show, I am less professional. I cannot change my attitude based on the platform. Zoya got popular because she was very different from typical TV bahus, she was a fresh air for everybody. I don’t mind working on a project where there are good actors and I have a smaller role, because then I will have that chance to prove that give me any role and I will be honest with it.”
In her latest show Gunaah, Surbhi plays the role of Taara.
Nawaz Javed Kochra is a seasoned entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the forefront of cultural reporting. With a focus on the television and Over-The-Top (OTT) landscapes, he has established himself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment sector.
Experience & Career
Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, providing him with a rigorous academic and ethical foundation. In his 11-year career, he has navigated through several of India's leading media houses, building a portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media:
The Indian Express: Currently leads coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interview segments.
Former Roles: He began his career at the iconic Stardust Magazine and later held key positions at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media.
Expertise & Focus Areas
Nawaz’s beat is characterized by a blend of exclusive access and trend analysis. His core areas of expertise include:
Reality Television: Specialized coverage of major franchises like Bigg Boss, providing behind-the-scenes insights and winner profiles.
OTT Ecosystem: Tracking the shift from traditional cable to digital streaming platforms, with a focus on web series and digital premieres.
Celebrity Profiles & Interviews: Nawaz is celebrated for his ability to foster candid conversations with industry stalwarts, from music composers like Amaal Mallik to other TV legends.
Investigative Entertainment News: Reporting on sensitive industry developments, including legal disputes and personal stories of resilience within the acting community.
Authoritativeness & Trust
With a reputation built on years of networking and credible reporting, Nawaz Kochra is a "known face" in the Mumbai media circuit. His work at The Indian Express adheres to the publication's "Journalism of Courage" standard, ensuring that even entertainment reporting is approached with accuracy, sensitivity, and transparency. His educational background and extensive tenure across diverse media platforms provide him with the authoritative perspective required to analyze the rapid evolution of Indian show business. ... Read More
Surbhi Jyoti on working on TV shows and OTT (Photo: Surbhi Jyoti / Instagram)