22 November,2025 04:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ankit Gupta
In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, actor Ankit Gupta opened up about his journey in the television industry, calling Udaariyaan the turning point that reshaped his career. Reflecting on his decade-long association with the medium, Ankit spoke candidly about how television has evolved - and how it transformed him personally and professionally.
Speaking about the drastic changes TV has undergone, he shared, "In the last 10 years, television has changed a lot. Earlier, there were not used to be a lot of shows and actors. Now there are a lot of shows, there are reality shows, there are dramas, there are so many things which give a chance to a lot of newcomers, a lot of people who are not even actors."
He pointed out how television has widened its scope, embracing people from all walks of life. "They are on television shows like Bigg Boss, Kaun Banega Crorepati, dancing reality shows, singing reality shows, MasterChef, there's so much on television now, which has changed over this period of time. And now not even actors, just normal people, are also household names just because of television."
With this expansion, competition has intensified. "Along with it, it has also become more competitive. If the audience has become smart, if anything is not according to their taste, they reject it. And shows are taken off air within three months, four months. Earlier it wasn't used to be like this. So the audience has also evolved with time."
For Ankit, television has been more than just a platform; it has been a defining force in his life. "My entire life has changed because of television - whatever I am, whoever I am, it's all because of television. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to become a part of it."
He credits the medium for sharpening his craft and instincts. "It has done so much for me⦠that quick problem-solving which I learned from television. We just have to think on set, impromptu, which television also brought into my life. So I would give all the credit to television."
Ankit's career achieved a new momentum with Udaariyaan, a show that brought him widespread recognition. "After Udaariyaan, people have begun to take me seriously as an actor and have seen a different arc in my career, so yes, it has been a turning point."
To aspiring actors, he offers straightforward advice shaped by experience. "There are no shortcuts. You have to do your share of hard work and never shy away from it. Just keep on doing it, and with time, there will come one project which will change everything for you - as Udaariyaan did for me."
Through all the changes and challenges, Ankit Gupta remains a testament to perseverance - proving that with dedication and the right opportunity, television can indeed change lives.
