"I am a TV actor, fought for it for 30 years": Rohit Roy addresses backlash on his "dustbin medium" remark for TV
Actor Rohit Roy clarifies his "dustbin medium" comment, stating his critique was aimed at low-quality content, not the people in the industry.
Actor Rohit Roy has stepped forward to clarify his recent controversial remarks regarding the television industry, aiming to quell the backlash from fellow actors and fans. Addressing the controversy head-on, the Kaabil actor explained that his "dustbin medium" comment was never intended as a personal attack on industry professionals, but rather a stinging critique of the declining quality of content currently being produced for television.
Clarifying the 'Dustbin' Comment
The controversy erupted after a clip of Roy's interview went viral, leading several younger actors to take offense. Roy clarified that his use of the term "dustbin medium" was a metaphor for the current state of production, where content is often churned out without regard for quality under the assumption that the audience will consume it regardless.
"What really foxes me is that without seeing the entire interview, just by looking at the clickbait headline, a few of these younger actors have reacted, gotten personal with me," Roy stated. He emphasized that his critique was directed at the "crap" being produced—content that, in his view, deserves to be thrown in the bin because it lacks substance.
A Lifelong Commitment to Television
Roy was quick to remind his critics of his long-standing relationship with the medium. Despite having worked in major films and played significant characters, he remains deeply connected to the small screen.
- Decades of Struggle: Roy noted that he has fought for the recognition of television for 30 years.
- Support for Talent: He highlighted that many talented TV artists have successfully transitioned to cinema, proving the depth of talent within the medium.
- The OTT Shift: Roy admitted his shift toward streaming platforms is driven by the superior quality of storytelling found on OTT platforms compared to traditional TV.
"Understand the Feeling Behind the Words"
In a move that surprised many, Roy revealed that he personally reached out to an individual who launched a personal attack against him on Instagram. His goal was not to argue, but to explain the context of his words and encourage a deeper understanding of his sentiment.
"I didn't respond to them because they're also actors. They have a right to speak since it's democracy. But if you want to be a dissident, at least understand what that human being is saying," Roy remarked. He urged the industry to stop producing repetitive, low-quality shows and instead strive for the creative excellence that Indian television is capable of achieving.
Roy concluded by stressing that his ultimate goal is to see better, more creative content emerge from the medium he has dedicated three decades of his life to. He warned that if the industry continues to produce uninspired content under the guise of "what people watch," it is fighting a losing battle against the evolving tastes of the audience.