Chetan Hansraj Calls Out TV Casting Trends: Are Social Media Stars Diluting Acting Quality?

Veteran actor Chetan Hansraj has raised concerns about the current trends in television casting, criticizing the industry's focus on social media popularity over genuine acting talent. He highlights the disconnect between social media influencers and traditional acting skills, arguing that this shift is harming the quality of television content. Hansraj emphasizes the importance of authenticity in performances, asserting that true acting ability should take precedence over online fame. With a rich history in the industry, he calls for a return to valuing character portrayal and performance quality, regardless of an actor's digital following. Discover more about his insights and the future of television casting.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 8, 2026, 20:06 IST

Chetan Hansraj Critiques Television Casting Trends

Renowned actor Chetan Hansraj has voiced his concerns regarding the evolving priorities in television casting. With a rich history in iconic daily soaps and a reputation as a notable antagonist, Hansraj believes the industry is currently plagued by a significant issue that prioritizes digital fame over genuine acting talent.

Starting his journey as a child actor in the 1980s, Hansraj became well-known for his performances in beloved series like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Kkusum. His extensive portfolio includes high-profile projects such as Jodha Akbar, Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev, and Shiv Shakti - Tap Tyaag Tandav. He argues that the current trend of emphasizing social media follower counts is leading to a deterioration in the quality of television programming.

The Gap Between Social Media Fame and Acting Skills

The Disconnect Between Social Media Influence and Acting Stamina

Hansraj contends that there is a stark contrast between being a social media influencer and a dedicated television actor. He pointed out that while sharing curated photos or brief video snippets can attract online attention, the rigors of a daily television schedule demand a distinct skill set. The actor emphasized that performing for long hours and maintaining consistency in complex scenes requires stamina and commitment that cannot be quantified by follower numbers.

While he recognizes the commercial rationale behind casting influencers—mainly the aim to tap into their established digital audience—Hansraj highlighted a crucial disconnect in viewer behavior. He observed that the demographic most engaged on social media does not necessarily align with traditional television audiences. As a result, he argues that casting decisions based on digital popularity often miss the mark with core viewers who value character depth and performance quality over the online fame of the actors.

Emphasizing Authenticity in Performance

Shifting Focus Toward Performance and Future Projects

The actor insists that audiences, whether tuning in on traditional television or digital platforms, primarily seek authenticity in performances. He believes that the ability to convincingly portray a character is the most crucial trait for any actor, irrespective of their online following. In addition to his extensive career in both fiction and reality television, including stints on Lock Upp and Fear Factor India, as well as roles in films like Bodyguard and Shootout at Wadala, Hansraj has broadened his professional horizons.