Actor Karan Tacker, recently seen in Tanvi: The Great, has spent over 16 years navigating the unpredictable world of entertainment. While his journey began with success on television, carving a space in Bollywood and the OTT landscape proved to be far more challenging.
In a candid conversation with Variety India, Tacker opened up about the deep-rooted bias television actors continue to face when transitioning into mainstream films and digital projects. Despite spending nearly five and a half years working in the OTT space, he admitted that acceptance did not come easily.
He revealed that many decision-makers in the industry remain reluctant to cast actors from television in lead roles. According to Tacker, this perception significantly slowed his progress. Projects like Special Ops, Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, and Bhay faced considerable resistance when his name was considered for key roles.
Tacker credited filmmaker Neeraj Pandey for believing in his potential during moments when others hesitated. He acknowledged that without Pandey’s support, breaking into OTT may have taken even longer.
Reflecting on his persistence, Tacker said that the presence of individuals who trusted his abilities helped him stay patient during difficult phases. However, he noted that the pace of his career growth was undeniably affected by the industry’s preconceived notions about television actors.
Discussing whether this mindset can change, Tacker expressed cautious optimism. He believes the shift must begin at a foundational level. According to him, the industry’s tendency to repeatedly cast the same handful of actors across films, OTT platforms, and brand campaigns limits opportunities for fresh talent.
He pointed out that audiences themselves often crave novelty but are repeatedly presented with familiar faces. Until systemic changes occur — including broader media support for emerging talent — actors from television backgrounds may continue to struggle for equal footing.
Tacker’s experience highlights a larger issue within the entertainment ecosystem: the invisible hierarchy between television and film actors. While the digital boom has opened new doors, breaking long-standing stereotypes remains an uphill battle.
Even so, Tacker remains hopeful that evolving audience preferences and gradual industry reforms will eventually create a more inclusive space for performers across mediums.
