Having followers on social media won’t translate into work, says Ekta Saraiya

Ekta Saraiya, who is currently in the show Kyunki Saas Bhi Bahu Beti Hoti Hai, quit Anupamaa a few months ago. She says a lot of people thought she was making a mistake by leaving a successful show, but the actress says that she doesn’t let people’s views affect her. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion. There were multiple tracks in Anupamaa at that time and I didn’t have much to do. The show gave me fame, but I also needed to grow, so I opted out,” she says.

Today, social media following is considered important for actors because they are often cast on the basis of the followers they have. Ekta feels strongly about this and says, “That shouldn’t be the case. People should understand that having followers on social media won’t translate into work. At the end of the day, it is your talent and hard work that will help you sustain in the industry. Even all those people who check social media are aware when someone is faking something or being unnecessarily flashy.”

Ekta, who has been part of TV shows like Hamari Devrani and Kya Hua Tera Vaada, hopes to do films, too. But she knows it’s not easy. “Daily soaps are a lot of hard work because there are deadlines to meet. I can never understand why some people look down upon TV actors. TV is my bread and butter and I am proud to be called a TV actor. From Amitabh Bachchan to Salman Khan, big stars are doing TV. I believe television will never lose viewership even if there is stiff competition from OTT.”