Heeramandi actress Jayati Bhatia appeals to casting directors: We are actors, please don’t cage us (Exclusive)

TV actors face discrimination when it comes to bagging roles in other mediums, and Jayati Bhatia is no exception. The actress may have been working for nearly three decades, but it hasn’t been easy even for her to break the mould. “We are actors. Don’t cage us. India is known for discrimination. But do not box actors. We are actors, it is our job to understand the medium and act accordingly. A lot of people don't call us for auditions because we work on TV. I am an actor and I need to run my house,” she laments.

As the conversation flows, she pleads to “all the casting directors and decision makers” to understand an actor’s plight. “Acting is my profession. I am not here for fun. I came here to act. Wherever I got work and respect, I came and worked. Because I didn't get work in films, and I got good work on television. That is how I earned my bread butter, cheese, and everything. I made my house, got a car and everything from TV,” she adds.

Jayati, who is best known for her character in Sasural Simar Ka, is now in a happy space, having worked in films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani and OTT shows like Dhaakad and Heeramandi. She also continues to act in theatre. “I kept my passion for theatre alive while doing TV. I have continued doing theatre despite other work. Most people who do theatre disappear and then make a comeback after 20 years. But I have constantly been a part of it and it has been a wonderful journey because I have enjoyed my work each day,” she signs off.