Jatin Negi: TV actors are still judged for the medium they come from

Transitioning from television to films is often seen as an uphill battle, and actor Jatin Negi knows that struggle well. Having been part of films such as The Body (2019), Bell Bottom (2021), and Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi (2025), along with television shows like Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai and Sumit Sambhal Lega, he admits that breaking into cinema was far from easy due to the stigma attached to TV actors.

Opening up about how difficult it is to get a breakthrough in films, he says, “It is a marathon, not a sprint. The biggest hurdle was the bias against TV actors. As an outsider, you already have no connections, and on top of that, there is this belief that TV actors cannot handle the subtlety required for cinema. The real struggle was not just getting roles but even getting auditions for meaningful parts. There were phases when I genuinely questioned whether the dream was worth the emotional and financial toll. What kept me going was my love for acting and the decision to take things one step at a time. Acceptance came slowly, from directors and writers who were willing to look beyond the medium and focus on the craft.”

He also reflects on the frustration of stalled projects, particularly 17 Ko Shaadi Hai, which did not reach completion. “It was heartbreaking. You invest months emotionally and creatively, and then everything just stops. That experience taught me one hard truth. In this industry, a project is not real until it is released. It made me more cautious about evaluating producers, financial backing and clarity of vision before signing anything,” he says.

An early opportunity to work on Bell Bottom alongside Akshay Kumar left a lasting impression on him, particularly in terms of professional discipline. “Watching Akshay sir was a lesson in discipline. His punctuality, preparation, and respect for time are unmatched. Talent matters, but it is discipline and consistency that builds longevity,” he says.

At this stage of his career, he says he is more drawn to unconventional work than guaranteed visibility. “I am more excited by disruptive films like Ajey. I want roles that push my boundaries rather than just offer screen presence. I’m in advanced talks for a lead role in a major OTT series, which feels like a validating sign of how digital platforms are opening doors for actors who prioritise performance over perception.”