Bollywood more open to TV actors now

Small screen star Eijaz Khan, known for his roles in shows like 'Kavyanjali' and 'Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka', is all geared up for his first major Hindi film role in the forthcoming 'Meerabai Not Out'. He says Bollywood directors no longer mind casting TV actors in pivotal roles.

"Today filmmakers don't hesitate experimenting and making films on diverse topics and themes with TV actors portraying central characters," Eijaz told IANS on phone from Mumbai.

In 'Meerabai Not Out', Eijaz plays a boy-next-door who is married to Mandira Bedi, a cricket fanatic in the film. It also stars former Indian Test skipper Anil Kumble.

The film is being produced by Pritish Nandy Communications (PNC) and directed by Chandrakant Kulkarni.

"PNC approached me for the role of Mandira Bedi's husband after seeing my work on television. 'Meerabai Not Out' is a sweet and situational story where I essay the role of Dr. Arjun Awasthi," the actor said.

Although his Bollywood stint includes forgettable roles in 'Kuch Na Kaho', 'Just Married' and 'Zameen' to name a few, Eijaz is pretty happy with the kind of roles he has in his kitty.

He is also doing Dharmesh Darshan's production debut 'Bhavra' with Shweta Salve, Sangeeta Ghosh and Manav Gohil, who are all TV actors.

In the film, Eijaz plays an extremely ambitious guy who can stoop to any level to achieve his goals. The movie has already created a flutter in film circles with its bold approach and his scenes with bikini-clad heroines.

"If a particular scene is not aesthetically shot, then that's a problem. If the role demands something and if it is handled well and not made to look vulgar, then people will not have a problem.

"Audiences see us in different roles on TV, so I don't think they will have problems accepting us in a different role on the silver screen," he said.

Eijaz, who has eluded television for almost two years now, will also be seen in PNC's 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang'.

The actor said he is open to doing all kinds of films and won't shy away from any genre.

"I want to learn and do a variety of roles. I'm not one of those who'll say that I don't want to run around trees or I want to do only art films.

"I want to experiment with all kinds of cinema. If people are willing to work with me and like my work, then I'm ready to work with them," Eijaz said.