"I couldn't see myself growing there...": Suyyash Rai reveals why he stopped doing TV
Mumbai, June 2
"Kahin pahunchne ke liye, kahin se nikalna bahut zaroori hota hai" -- the iconic dialogue from Ranbir Kapoor's blockbuster film 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani' perfectly reflects actor Suyyash Rai's journey. Despite earning well, he made a decision of leaving TV industry years ago to seek new opportunities that would help him grow both creatively and professionally. Suyyash, who tasted success on TV with daily soap 'Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani' and dating reality show 'Splitsvilla', has put in his best efforts to evolve as an artist over the years. Beyond acting, he honed his creative skills, establishing himself as a full-fledged musician.
Adding another feather to his cap, he recently stepped into the director's chair for the web series 'Seven And A Half Dates', which he helmed alongside his friend and actor Shaleen Malhotra.
While promoting the show, Suyyash reflected on his journey, revealing why he stopped doing TV.
"I gave my first audition of television in 2009 or 2010. A few days ago, someone sent me a TV script. That audition and today's audition, nothing has changed. TV is not growing. But it has its own reasons..they have their own audience. As an actor, the day I decided I didn't want to do television anymore came when I realised I couldn't see myself growing there anymore. I was just working like a machine. I was earning money, but I didn't have the time to spend it," he shared.
However, he also noted that his television years were a significant learning experience.
" A part of me is very thankful to TV that I got a start from there. Whatever I am today is because of TV. I learnt direction during my TV days. A major part of my life has been spent on the TV set, sitting by the director or observing the the DOPs. A major part of the learning for both of us (Suyyash and Shaleen) has come from television," Suyyash admitted. Currently, Suyyash is being lauded for his directorial romantic web series 'Seven And A Half Dates', which stars Surbhi Jyoti and Karan Wahi. The show is currently streaming on YouTube.
With his show performing strongly on the digital platform Novice Records official YouTube channel , Suyyash shared his views on the rise of the digital era.
"If you have a phone, you go out, you shoot whatever you want to and edit it and put it out. You want to call it a film, you want to call it a short film, you want to call it a scene, whatever you want to shoot. Whatever you want to show, you can show it. If it has to work, it will work. That's the world we're in. You don't really need marketing...If it's good, it will find its audience," he emphasised.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I respect his honesty. TV gave him a start but he outgrew it. That's not disrespecting TV, that's just ambition. Many actors keep doing same thing for years out of fear. Suyyash took a risk and it's paying off with 'Seven And A Half Dates'. Shah Rukh Khan also started from TV but moved on, right?
As someone who's watched Indian TV from abroad, I get where he's coming from. The industry hasn't evolved much in terms of storytelling. But I also think he's lucky to have options—webseries, YouTube, directing. Not everyone can take that leap. Proud of him though.
The part about 'earning money but not getting time to spend it'—that's so real for many professionals in India, not just actors. We work like machines too. Good that he realized early and pivoted. Also, the digital democratization he talks about is spot on. Content is king now.
Interesting perspective! But I feel he's a bit harsh on TV. Indian TV has given us iconic shows and stars. The issue is the lack of creative freedom for actors in daily soaps. Suyyash's gratitude for learning direction on TV sets shows he's not dismissing it entirely. Balance is key.
'Whatever you want to show, you can show it'—this is the beauty of digital era in India. No censorship, no TRP pressure, just pure creativity. Suyyash is smart to ride this wave. But TV still has its loyal audience, especially in smaller towns. Both can coexist, no? 🤔