Dheeraj Dhoopar accuses OTT platforms of chasing only film stars, says he shouldn't be slotted as a TV artiste

Dheeraj Dhoopar has opened up about facing prejudice in the entertainment industry because he’s slotted as a TV actor. He opened up about trying to find work in OTT and films and revealed that casting directors turn a blind eye to actors as soon as they learn about their background in TV despite appreciating their talent.

Known for shows like Kundali Bhagya and Sasural Simar Ka Dheeraj while talking to ETimes accused OTT platforms of chasing only film stars and said he hasn’t got a call from a single good streaming platform despite his efforts.

He told the publication, “I am trying my luck in films and OTT, but I haven’t got a single call from a good OTT platform. Why does a maker on an OTT platform only approach a film star? I agree that actors across other mediums are very talented and hard-working. But we, too, have proved our mettle time and again. Then why don’t we get equal opportunities and respect like our Bollywood counterparts?”

Dheeraj said he doesn’t wish to be slotted as a TV actor and wants to work across platforms. He said, “I am a part of the entertainment industry and I shouldn’t be slotted as a TV artiste. If I become a part of OTT shows or films, I won’t be addressed by the medium I am acting on, right? I will still be called an actor, and that is what I am striving for. People say that the lines are blurring. But why was there a demarcation in the first place?”

He has been doing Kundali Bhagya since 2017 and is now also seen on Bhagya Laxmi that started in August on Star Plus.