With Kapil Sharma apparently in a quandary about quitting TV for cinema, we look at the consequences of other celebs who dared to make the jump

Ever since word got out that Kapil Sharma is apparently looking to wind up his successful show, Comedy Nights with Kapil, speculation is rife that the channel is all set to air another comedy show from the makers of Comedy Circus. Kapil Sharma
Though Kapil has said that he will return with a new format, ending the show at its peak is undoubtedly a huge risk. It is being said that the stand-up comedian, who has signed a three-film deal with Yash Raj Films, is under pressure from the film production company to quit his TV show. He isn't the only name in tinseltown to set high goals.

Hitlist looks at artistes who dared to change their career path when they were at their peak as they aimed higher...

Rajeev Khandelwal
Claim to fame: He was Sujal in Kahiin Toh Hoga.
Taking chances: Rajeev stole the limelight with Ekta Kapoor's show, but he left it after three years to pursue a career in Bollywood.


Despite being a popular soap star, Rajeev Khandelwal quit television to devote all his time to acting in films

He made his big screen debut with the critically acclaimed film, Aamir. `Films are as competitive or exciting as television and in both the mediums, the idea is to entertain people. Quitting TV and doing films was not about aiming high; it was a natural progression. I am doing what I want to do,` he says.

Our take: This actor just needs the right kind of roles to make it big.

Smriti Irani

Claim to fame: She played Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Taking chances: After her stint as Tulsi, Smriti formed her own production house and did a couple of shows. When things didn't work out, she decided to delve into the murky world of politics and even contested the Lok Sabha elections this year against Rahul Gandhi. While she lost to the Gandhi scion, she's now the Human Resource Development minister in Narendra Modi's government.

Our take: Even though she reportedly said that she is a part-time politician, we think she is now better suited to be a full-time one.

Pulkit Samrat

Claim to fame: He was Lakshya in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Taking chances: After leaving the show, he debuted with the flop film, Bittoo Boss. Salman Khan, who considers his fiancee Shweta Rohira as his sister, is said to have taken him under his wings. The actor has bagged quite a few films and endorsement deals. `God's been kind; I have been climbing the ladder one step at a time. The industry welcomed me warmly and so did the audience,` he says.

Our take: With Pulkit Samrat being seen in every other commercial, it won't be long before the actor becomes a household name.

Ram Kapoor

Claim to fame: He was Jay Walia in Kasam Se and currently plays Ram Kapoor in Bade Acche Lagte Hai.
Taking chances: He has been working with Ekta for many years and his recent film appearances have won him good feedback. He will apparently quit his hit show Bade Acche... in order to concentrate on films.

Our take: This brilliant actor is big on TV but will he get the right roles in films for his kind of talent?

Pratyusha Banerjee

Claim to fame: She shot to fame as Anandi in Balika Vadhu.
Taking chances: Pratyusha apparently left the show for a Bollywood film; it is said that she was going to star in the next installment of Jism, but this did not happen. She appeared in Bigg Boss's seventh season and is yet to take on a new assignment.

Our take: From what we saw in Bigg Boss, looks like this temperamental actress may have to wait a while before her big break comes along.

Sonu Nigam

Claim to fame: He hosted the talent show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa.
Taking chances: Sonu got good response as a host and was flooded with playback-singing offers. But he turned his attention to acting and starred in films like Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani and Love In Nepal, which fared badly. With his singing career now doing well, he is again ready to face the camera.

Our take: His singing talent would thank him if he stuck to things related to music.

Sushant Singh Rajput

Claim to fame: He played Manav in Pavitra Rishta.
Taking chances: He did a filmmaking course in New York after exiting a popular daily show. He returned to the country and was signed on for Abhishek Kapoor's Kai Po Che! which earned him good reviews. He now has many big banner films in his kitty and has signed endorsement deals too.

Our take: This actor has made the right transition and has chosen some right films too.

Himesh Reshammiya

Claim to fame: His music for the Salman Khan film, Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya.
Taking chances: After making a name as a successful composer, Himesh made his singing debut in Ashiq Banaya Aapne. He then turned actor with Aap Kaa Surroor, after which he composed and sang only for his own films. But with his film, Karzzzz, bombing at the BO, he took a break. Himesh has now returned to acting, singing and making music.

Our take: Don't sing, don't act. Just keep giving us those wonderful compositions.