Many television actors are making their foray into Bollywood this year and the list includes names such as Siddharth Shukla (Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya), Jay Bhanushali (Hate Story 2) and Karan Singh Grover (Alone). And while it's great that these youngsters are getting a chance to wow audiences with their big screen histrionics, it seems that Bollywood filmmakers have turned a blind eye to several TV actresses who have it in them to become film stars.
Hitlist looks at a few such names that deserve to be on the big screen...
Mouni Roy
TV show: She's currently part of Jhalak Dikhhala Jaa and played Parvati in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev.
Quote unquote: `I think being a television star has made us all quite expressive. We are used to lugging around heavy clothes and jewellery on a daily basis.
Mouni Roy, best known as Parvati in 'Devon Ke Dev Mahadev', feels that TV has helped her develop a good body language and memorise lines faster.
TV has also helped me develop a good body language and memorise lines faster. To add to it, I photograph well. I don't have a dream role as such but I would love to do a musical and also be part of a typical masala Hindi film.`
Pratyusha Banjerjee
TV show: She played Anandi in Balika Vadhu and participated in Bigg Boss season 7.
Quote unquote: `My image of a girl-next-door works in my favour. I am quite comfortable doing television roles and I think all these things (landing roles in Bollywood) are luck-driven. There are a lot of glamorous women on the small screen but I think Bollywood has its own glamorous brigade. This is probably why you don't see too many TV actresses moving on to films. I am a movie buff and I'd love to play any film role that comes my way. But the one character I really loved and would die to play is Paro from Devdas.`
Drashti Dhami
TV show: She is currently hosting Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and is part of the show, Madhubala.
Quote unquote: There was a strong buzz that the actress would be a part of Singham Returns but this did not happen. Recently, on the sets of the show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, she told filmmaker Karan Johar that she is very much open to film offers. The actress says, `I think my hair and my eyes are my most striking features. I have always received complements for both. My dream role would be Geet from Jab We Met and Kangana Ranaut's role from Queen."
Shibani Dandekar
TV show: She hosted Extraa Innings, a show that aired during the Indian Premier League (IPL) and took part in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa's season 5.
Quote unquote: `On television, you actually get to live a particular character for six months, so there is always scope for improvisation and you evolve with the role. But in films, you don't get that chance. Doing television also helps one become more patient and understand a character well. I would love to play the role Kangana Ranaut essayed in Queen - what an amazing character it was; she didn't play a glam doll and yet did a fabulous job. As far as television roles are concerned, I really like Sara Tancredi from Prison Break.`
Krstyle D'Souza
TV show: She plays Sakshi in Ekk Nayi Pehchaan.
Quote unquote: `I am a trendsetter just like all other TV actresses. Because of hectic schedules, I don't get enough time to work out regularly but I finish long dialogues in no time and complete my shots in 15 minutes. Most television stars are good actors and we are a goodlooking lot as well. I don't have a dream role but I will put in my 100 percent in whatever role I bag. Of course, I will accept the role only if it suits me and I am comfortable doing it.`
Barkha Bisht
TV show: She played Pinky in the show, Parrvarish, and she also did a cameo in the hit film, Ramleela.
Quote unquote: While the actress remained unavailable for comment, Diya Singh, producer of Parrvarish, says, `I am sure Barkha can do justice to any role on the big screen. She has a lot of potential to make it big as she has the spunk, the attitude and the looks. I don't see why women cannot cross over from television to films when, in fact, they have the talent to wow filmgoers. TV, for one, trains you to act well.`