Actor Rohit Roy has addressed the widespread backlash following his earlier description of television as a “dustbin medium.” The actor, known for his roles in series such as Swabhimaan and Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, recently appeared on the Lehren Retro podcast to clarify his remarks, which had drawn criticism from several fellow television actors in September.
During the discussion, Roy expressed regret over his choice of language, admitting that the term “dustbin” was inappropriate. He noted that even his wife, actor Manasi Joshi Roy, had reprimanded him for using the phrase. Roy emphasised that he never intended to demean the individuals who work within the industry, clarifying that his comments were aimed specifically at the nature of television content production rather than the people involved.
Explaining the context of his original remarks, Roy stated, “What I was trying to say was that we get a script in the morning, we have to rote-learn the dialogues and finish the scenes within the next 10–15 hours at any cost, whether you agree or disagree. I was talking about the content.” He further compared television content to a newspaper, observing that much like a paper that is discarded or repurposed the following day, the medium often lacks longevity. He stated that he could have framed his critique differently, perhaps by comparing the industry to a newspaper or by suggesting that the quality of content needed improvement.
The actor highlighted his own history with the medium, noting that he is a product of the television industry. He stated that without his early work, such as the show Swabhimaan, he would not have achieved his current career standing after three decades. “Why would I insult an industry that has given me my identity?” he asked, reaffirming that he considers himself part of the fraternity and is advocating for better standards within the medium.
Roy addressed the negative reaction from his peers, expressing sadness that some actors took his comments personally. He reiterated that he did not view those working in television as “garbage” or “trash.” Instead, he suggested that creative artists should reflect on whether they are satisfied with the current state of the content they produce. He noted that he felt frustrated by the lack of significant improvement in television content over the years, which led to his initial, albeit poorly worded, critique.
In his reflection, the actor acknowledged that his primary error was the use of the word “dustbin,” which he recognised could easily be misinterpreted at first glance. He maintained that those who take the time to understand the substance of his argument would recognise his intent was to critique systemic issues rather than individual actors. He added that he had reviewed comments from some of the actors who had spoken out against him and found them to be talented, despite the misunderstanding.
The actor concluded by reiterating his connection to television, describing himself as a product of the medium and stating that he is fighting for its improvement. By clarifying these points, Roy sought to put an end to the controversy, urging his colleagues and the public to focus on the underlying message regarding content quality rather than the specific, regretted vocabulary he used previously.
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