There are thousands of shows currently being aired on Indian television featuring a few hundred actors. Most shows are imperceptible with lackluster performances, while a handful of them make the cut, thanks to a hand picked cast, who turn in fine honed and sometimes exceptional performances. The credit sure does go to these actors, but the plaudits need be shared equally with the scriptwriter and director, and yes, channels too have a say in the casting.

When channels consider new properties, they weigh them against the Tarps the show will earn, which will reflect in the branding, marketing and advertising exercise. Yes, the script is important, so is the casting, that?s where a particular actor would score over another as per the channel, producer and director?s viewpoint.

Often mediocre acting has let down a script, and the discerning viewer leaves the show. Sometimes the script?s meanders and that?s another reason why viewer ship falls and actors of merit leave the show. Yet, there are some actors who hold their own and attract viewer loyalty because of their performances.

Since casting is paramount, producers and channels have to concur over the lead actors and more. Consider Balladic Telefilms?s newest show: Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar, which revolves round a divorced couple who don?t meet for 15 years, till circumstances bring them together. The lead actors are Balaji?s trusted stalwart Ronit Roy and Pallavi Kulkarni, the latter?s first sighting on TV was in a Balaji show Kya Hadsaa Kya Haqeeqat. The current show marks the actor?s comeback. Barely a month into telecast, it has been marked by a few well scripted and enacted scenes. Despite her sabbatical, Pallavi has already showcased a well controlled outburst, when her daughter Nishi admits to her meeting the estranged father and wanting him to come for her wedding. It takes an actress of caliber to enact an emotional breakdown without getting hysterical and incoherent shrieking in a high pitched voice. Pallavi?s finely modulated outburst was among the few memorable scenes one has scene. She shows how much television has missed her. A mature performance, most certainly.

Pitched opposite her is Ronit Roy. He?s done a chunk of his daily soaps with Balaji Telefilms. One of the most under rated and under utilized acting talent, Ronit Roy?s true recognition to date came with acclaim and awards for playing an oppressive father in the movie Udaan in 2010. Till then Ronit Roy was the face of two famed prime time characters Mihir Virani (Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi) and Rishabh Bajaj (Kasautii Zindagi Thi). Neither role really measured up to his prowess.
Ronit Roy is an actor you have to watch carefully as he weaves in a nuance and expressions in a most candid, but effective way. He is a master of body language, which he alters to adapt to the character. He was a delight to watch as Dharamraj Mahiyavanshi in Bandini. It wasn?t just the get up which was tipped by a luxuriant moustache which he twirled, but his voice modulation and Gujarati was pitch perfect. Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar is a promising watch with not one, but two fine actors.

Laut Aao Trisha has had some stellar moments, thanks to a riveting performance by Rajeshwari Sachdev. Earlier in the serial, her character Lavanya came across as an affable Bua, a well dressed, hardnosed business woman who controlled her family and her extramarital life. Through the narrative, the actress had opportunities to dominate scenes, and each time Rajeshwari Sachdev delivered a well nuanced performance. Now as the culprits are being revealed, Rajeshwari Sachdev is in the process of doing a perfect 360 degree turn. The svelte Lavanya is turning vicious.

Simone Singh has been among acclaim and awards for her tour de force performance in Ek Hassena Thi as Sakshi Goenka. Played with panache, this portrayal will long linger as did Sudha Chandran?s Romola Sikand in Kaahin Kissii Roz. However, Sakshi Goenka will be the benchmark for future dark roles on television. Am reiterating, that Simone Singh was the right fit for the role. What a piece of casting!