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Actor Arjun Bijlani, widely recognized for his work in hit television shows like Left Right Left, Miley Jab Hum Tum, Meri Aashiqui Tum Se Hi, Naagin, and Ishq Mein Marjawan, has voiced his concerns over the declining budgets of TV productions. He believes that while India is witnessing significant growth across various industries, the financial investment in television content is not keeping pace, ultimately impacting the quality of storytelling and production values.
Arjun Bijlani on TV as a business
“India is growing. Everything around us is progressing, but television budgets are actually getting smaller. This forces producers to work within constrained resources, leaving them with no choice but to cut costs. At the end of the day, TV is a business, and financial practicality often takes precedence over creative vision—no one wants to invest from their own pocket,” he explains.
The actor stresses that if television is to maintain its stronghold as a leading medium of entertainment, better financial backing is essential. He firmly believes that quality storytelling comes at a price, and reducing budgets stifles creativity. “If you want high-quality storytelling on television, the investment needs to reflect that. When you throw peanuts, you get monkeys,” he says candidly, highlighting how a lack of funds directly impacts the caliber of talent and production capabilities.
Arjun also points out that this is not an issue that can be resolved by a single entity—it requires a shift at multiple levels, including within the makers and decision-makers of the industry. “The change needs to come from every aspect of the industry, including the makers. Once that happens, everything else will naturally fall into place,” he asserts.
As television continues to evolve in an era dominated by digital platforms, Arjun believes that only by investing in better resources can TV retain its competitive edge and continue producing content that captivates audiences.