Hiten Tejwani calls out ‘TV actor’ tag

In an industry that constantly evolves with new formats and shifting audience preferences, actors often find themselves battling labels and expectations. But for Hiten Tejwani, the focus remains clear - his craft comes first, regardless of the medium. In an exclusive conversation with The Free Press Journal, the actor opened up about being judged for doing television and vertical content, and how he continues to embrace auditions and rejections even after 25 years in the industry.

Hiten chooses to ignore trolling and believes success and work are the best responses. “That’s what I don’t like - I don’t take it to heart. And as you said, the more you entertain them, the more you want to answer them, the more they try to instigate you. It only fuels the fire. So it’s better to let your work speak. I won an award for my vertical content recently and that was my answer to all of them - this is what it is and I’ve achieved this.”

The actor rejects the idea of hierarchy between platforms and validates all forms of content creation. “An artist is an artist. You cannot judge them or say, ‘He’s doing TV, he’s doing vertical content.’ Why not? We’re in an era where there are artists only on Instagram - they’re also artists. They’re making a living, hustling, doing their thing on Instagram, YouTube… there are so many ways. If you’re talented, you have to show your talent - the medium can be anything. There’s no limit. People should see you. Who knows, someone watching you on Instagram might feel you fit the bill and call you for something bigger.”

Hiten also speaks about embracing auditions as part of the process, not a reflection of his talent. “Rejections are always there. I still give auditions. A lot of people get surprised but why not? It’s not about whether I can act or not. They know I can. It’s about whether I fit the character and whether the director is convinced. I completely understand rejection. If I don’t suit the part, that’s fair. My only request is - let me know. That’s the only thing you don’t get back and that hurts.”