TV shows can’t make 100 crore in two weeks: Tia Bajpai

She shot to fame as a music reality show participant and eventually went on to do a daily soap, Ghar Ki Laxmi...Betiyaan. In 2011, Tia Bajpai made her debut in Bollywood in Vikram Bhatt’s Haunted 3D. Since then she’s also done 1920: Evil Returns.
So, how does she see her journey in the entertainment industry? “It has been fruitful. Every child has a dream. I always dreamt of being a singer. My love for singing brought me to Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. Acting chose me. After my reality show, I did my television serial. It has been an organic growth in that way,” says Tia.
So what difference does she see between the television industry and films? “I think there is not much difference. Of course, money is a big factor in television. A television show does not make 100 crore in one week/two weeks. But television has much wider audience, it goes beyond cities. I started my career on television and I will definitely do television in future too. It’s not easy to work in the television industry as it involves long hours of shooting.”
“Films work in a very sorted way and there’s a bound script to go by. In television everything depends upon audiences, everything is TVT driven. Films are more grander,” she says.
What does she think about reality shows considering these have become a major part of television industry now? “I feel very happy about the success of most reality shows. Talent hunting is a very commendable job. Some reality shows are not good, but life is a mixed bag. I come from a middle class family from Lucknow. To get perfect grooming is not an easy job. I was just 17 when I first came to Mumbai. My parents were very supportive and I feel I was young then to adapt so it was easy.”
Does she think it’s a tough to make one’s mark in the film industry without having a godfather? “It’s not easy to make your mark without godfathers, but it’s not impossible. A star kid might get a break easily. The audiences have to like you for your zing factor. The changes in the film industry in recent years have brought about welcome changes. People from other cities are given a fair opportunity to prove themselves,” she says.
Does she still practise music? “Yes, I still do my riyaaz. I have learnt Hindustani classical music. I see myself both as an actor and singer.” How does she relax when she’s not working? “I am learning piano and enjoy working out. I also love cooking.”