Hiten Tejwani, a well-known face in the television industry since the early 2000s, has been part of numerous successful shows. His roles in popular serials like Ghar Ek Mandir, Kutumb, and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi made him a household name. Over the years, he worked extensively with Balaji Telefilms and participated in several reality shows alongside his wife, Gauri Tejwani.
In a recent conversation, Hiten revealed that making a significant income in television is very much possible. He shared that actors who work consistently can earn around one crore rupees annually. Explaining the breakdown, he mentioned, “If we calculate by say minimum Rs 7 lakhs for 30 days of shoot, then that makes it Rs 84 lakhs in a year and then there are some ads inside or any performances that one is doing like some dance perforce then they will pay you a little extra. So it can go up to Rs 1 crore.”
The discussion about television earnings has been a hot topic for a while. Earlier, Vikrant Massey had also spoken about his financial success in television before transitioning to films. Recalling his experience, he mentioned, “I bought my first home at 24, I was earning 35 lakh per month.” Coming from a modest background, he felt a sense of accomplishment in providing a better life for his family. However, despite financial stability, he struggled with inner dissatisfaction. He eventually left television, prioritizing creative fulfillment over monetary gains. He admitted, “I quit at that stage because good work felt more important. All my savings were exhausted and Sheetal (his wife) would lend me money to attend auditions.”
The television industry is known for its demanding schedules, and many actors have spoken about the intense workload. Both Hiten and Gauri have acknowledged the exhausting nature of daily soap shoots. Gauri, who played pivotal roles in shows like Kutumb, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and Naam Gum Jayegaa, once shared her perspective on the stark difference between television and film work. She described, “When you do a television show, even if you do one show for a long time, and then you do a movie, it’s like cake walk. It’s like you are on a holiday.”
Radhika Madan, another television actor-turned-film star, also highlighted the grueling nature of TV shoots. She recalled instances where actors were required to work non-stop for 40 to 50 hours, pushing themselves beyond limits.
While television offers financial security and fame, the pressure of constant work often takes a toll on actors. Despite the challenges, many continue to thrive in the industry, balancing passion and financial success in their journey.