Television actor Kanwar Dhillon has raised an important issue about TV show credit rolls. He believes actors, especially those playing key characters, deserve proper credit for their work.
For Dhillon, the matter is not about ego or extra attention. Instead, it is about giving actors the respect they deserve after spending long hours bringing characters to life.
Kanwar Dhillon Says Actors Deserve Credit
Dhillon says this issue has been on his mind for years. Moreover, he has discussed it with colleagues and several people from the industry, including his father, Deep Dhillon.
“I have been thinking about this for a very long time,” he says. He adds that seeing actors missing from credit rolls has always bothered him.
According to Dhillon, the problem becomes more noticeable when other departments receive acknowledgment while the performers at the centre of the story are left out.
It’s About More Than Recognition
However, Dhillon is quick to clarify his point. He is not asking television shows to reduce credit for writers, directors, cinematographers, producers or editors.
Instead, he believes every department deserves appreciation. At the same time, actors should receive the same basic acknowledgment.
“Every department works hard and deserves recognition,” he explains. “But actors are equally important to a show.”
After all, actors are responsible for turning written characters into people audiences can connect with. Therefore, their contribution should also be visible.
Long Hours Go Into Every Character
Television acting requires serious commitment. Actors often spend long hours on set every day.
Moreover, they can remain associated with one character for months or even years. During that time, they work continuously to make the role believable and memorable.
Dhillon believes that effort should not become invisible simply because the character becomes more popular than the person playing it.
An actor works to make audiences care. Consequently, when that performer is missing from the credits, it can feel unfair.
Kanwar Dhillon Wants His Identity to Come First
Dhillon also raises another important point about identity. He wants viewers to know him by his real name before his character name.
At present, he plays Sachin Deshmukh. However, he says Sachin is only one role in his career.
“I am Kanwar Dhillon, and that is my identity,” he says. “I play a character called Sachin Deshmukh. But Sachin is not my identity as a whole.”
This distinction matters. Actors take on different roles throughout their careers. Therefore, their identity should not become permanently attached to just one character.
Why TV Credits Still Matter Today
Social media has changed the entertainment industry. Today, viewers can easily search for an actor on Instagram, YouTube or other platforms.
However, Dhillon believes traditional TV credits still have value.
He remembers growing up and discovering actors’ names through television credit rolls. At the time, there were no social media platforms to provide instant information.
Even today, many viewers do not actively follow celebrities online. Instead, they simply watch television and remember actors through their characters.
As a result, credits can still help audiences connect a character with the performer behind it.
Dhillon Suggests a Simple Solution
Interestingly, Dhillon is not demanding elaborate credits for every actor. He understands that television shows can have large casts.
Instead, he wants the lead actors and key performers to receive a visible place in the credit roll.
“I am not saying that if there are 20 actors, all 20 names have to be shown,” he explains.
Still, he believes the solution is simple. If a show can spare a few seconds to acknowledge other departments, it can also spare a few seconds for its principal cast.
Social Media Fame Is Not the Same
Dhillon also makes an important distinction between recognition and respect.
Today, an actor can become popular through a viral video or social media post. However, online visibility cannot replace professional acknowledgment.
For Dhillon, formal credit is about recognising the work itself.
After all, actors spend countless hours on set before viewers see the final episode. They contribute to the emotional connection audiences develop with a show.
Therefore, their names deserve to be part of that final acknowledgment.
The Message Is Simple: Respect
Ultimately, Dhillon’s argument is straightforward. Television is a team effort.
Writers, directors, producers, editors, cinematographers and other technicians all play important roles. At the same time, actors are the ones audiences see bringing those stories and characters to life.
“For me, it is first about respect and then recognition,” Dhillon says.
His message, therefore, is not about chasing fame. Instead, it is about fairness.
A simple credit can acknowledge hours of work, dedication and talent. And for actors who help make a show successful, that small gesture can mean a lot.
Do you think lead TV actors should always receive proper credit in show credit rolls? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more entertainment updates.
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