Behind the glittering facade of fame, many actors face unseen battles. In a recent candid revelation, actor Vivaan Bhathena shared his tumultuous journey of facing severe financial hardship and creative burnout after walking away from successful television roles at the peak of his career.
The Breaking Point: Leaving TV Amidst Stereotypes and Burnout
In an exclusive podcast interview with Digital Commentary, Bhathena chronicled the exhausting phase that led to his exit from television. He revealed that he was consistently offered the same type of character, which took a toll on his creativity. "I used to get all NRI roles," he stated, highlighting the industry's tendency to stereotype him.
The actor explained that the mental and physical strain became unbearable, especially when he was juggling two daily soap operas simultaneously. "It took an incredible toll on my health. But I needed that. I had to settle myself in life. I was married. I had domestic responsibilities," Bhathena recalled. This period of relentless work eventually led to boredom and creative exhaustion, prompting his decision to quit after seven to eight years in the TV industry.
A Hidden Struggle: Financial Crisis and Managing Basic Needs
The most shocking part of Bhathena's story was the severe financial struggle that followed his departure from TV. Contrary to his on-screen image of a affluent Non-Resident Indian, the actor was grappling with real-world poverty. "Nobody would believe I didn't even have the money to pay for food," he confessed during the conversation.
He described a period where making ends meet was a daily challenge. "We used to put it together somehow. I wouldn't say we were very poor, but we were literally just borderline making it happen," Bhathena said, shedding light on the stark contrast between his on-screen persona and off-screen reality. To fulfill basic needs, he even took up a role as a VJ, a move he later understood was driven more by necessity and creative drain than impulse.
The Turnaround: Success in Films and a Secure Future
Today, Vivaan Bhathena's story is one of resilience and success. His perseverance through tough times eventually paid off. The actor proudly stated that the earnings from his television career enabled him to purchase two luxurious apartments in Bandra, Mumbai.
His film career also flourished with notable roles. He recently starred alongside Farhan Akhtar in the film '120 Bahadur'. Bhathena's filmography includes popular movies such as 'Judwaa 2' and 'Karthik Calling Karthik', marking a successful transition from the small screen to Bollywood. His journey from financial instability to securing a stable life stands as a testament to his determination in the unpredictable world of entertainment.
