TV industry is now dominated by young faces, says Manish Goel

Manish Goel, who was last seen on TV doing a cameo in Sony Entertainment’s Adaalat, has realized one thing. He has realized that things have changed with passing time in the fascinating world of TV. Instead of being hard-headed and snobbish, he has learnt to live with the fact that the TV industry is now dominated by youngsters. “I have learnt to accept it. Earlier, I used to get some four to five offers every month. Now it has gone down to one,” says the good-looking actor who has acted in several shows like Sara Akash, Kasautii Zindagi Kay and Zara Nachke Dikha etc. Offers might be less, but Manish is rational enough to play the watch game and not get hasty and take up any run-of-the-mill role. “I agree than for an actor, being out of sight is being out of mind. But what is worse for any actor is do a show which nobody notices. Today there are hundreds of channels producing umpteen numbers of shows. In such a scenario, it is very important to do very good stuff,” opines Manish. While away from the small screen, Manish is spending some quality time with his two kids and is sweating it out at the gym to get fitter. “I am building my body so that I can be ready for any kind of role as and when it comes my way. I am also using this break to spend quality time with my two kids.” Manish went on to say that when he is shooting, he hardly gets time to interact with his family members. “I even switch off my cell phone and only switch it on during the lunch break and my wife (Poonam Goel) gets really angry,” smiles Manish. Coming back to his career, when asked that shows like Bade Achhe Lagte Hain has put seasoned actors back into the limelight, Manish said, “Well, I had got an offer to play a mature man but the channel /production house felt I did not look mature enough to fit the bill. Conversely, I also could not do one more role wherein I had to play a 21 year old. Channels need to be clear on what they want from me. I am an actor and am ready to do any kind of role.” Furthermore, the actor believes that attending flashy page 3 parties doesn’t help anyone to get work. “I don’t know how people get all the time in the world to attend parties. I prefer to talk about my work rather than being present at some do.” And Manish is someone for whom work comes way ahead of compensation. “I was so kicked about my character in Adaalat that I turned up at the set without talking money with the makers.” Finally, the actor signs off by stating that he would love to host the second season of Mahayatra. “The concept of youngsters competing to take their parents on char dham ki yatra is remarkable. Sadly the 7 pm time slot chosen then was not right. I hope it returns and this time I am sure it will even rock at the same time slot”, ends Manish.