India, May 21 -- A fter appearing in over 20 television shows, Shalin Bhanot reflects on his journey with pride; even as he ventures into OTT - with Inspector Avinash - and rumours swirl about an upcoming film, the actor remains firmly rooted in where it all began. In an industry that often categorises talent with labels like 'TV actor' or 'film actor', Shalin embraces his identity without hesitation. "People say these things... but I'm very proud to be a TV actor," he says. "If that's what I'm called, I love it. That's my identity - and there's nothing wrong with that." Addressing the tendency of some to distance themselves from television once they transition to films, he adds, "Why shy away from your own identity? It's the reason you've come this far. People forget their strengths and lose sight of who they are. You should never hide where you come from." Having kickstarted his career with the reality show Roadies, the 41-year-old was last seen in Khatron Ke Khiladi in 2024. He also points out the financial security that television offers - a factor often overlooked in such conversations. "Even if you're fat, own it. If someone calls me fat, I'd accept it. There's no shame in it. The same applies to being a TV actor," he explains. "I read somewhere that I was among the highest-paid actors on television - which is amazing. I've worked really hard to reach the hearts and homes of a hundred crore people. No city, not even the world, has as many theatres as there are households where our TV shows are watched. That kind of reach is unmatched."...