Iqbal Khan to Gauahar Khan; these Bollywood actors left films and made it big on TV

Stepping into the glamorous world of lights, camera and action is the dream of many. While there are segregations everywhere, the entertainment industry also has many bifurcations like television, films, web shows, short films, advertisements and so on. There are actors, whose ultimate dream is to be seen on the 70 mm. However, not many really succeed in it and fate takes them elsewhere, which proves to be more productive for them. Actors like Ronit Roy, Anita Hassanandani, Vatsal Sheth, Ashish Chowdhry, they all started from films but eventually carved a niche for themselves in the television sector. Let's take a look at more such names: (Photo: Instagram)

Iqbal Khan started his journey in showbiz with films Kuch Dil Ne Kaha. Later, he did movies like Fun2shh and Bullet. However, it was the role of Angad Khanna in Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai that changed the fate of the actor for good. Since then it has been no looking back for Iqbal. In an earlier interview with The Times Of India, Iqbal had said, "After both my films flopped, sustenance had become difficult. I didn’t really care at that moment about the kind of work that came my way. But, by God’s grace, I got 'Kaisa Yeh Pyaar Hai'." Post his debut show, Iqbal won the hearts of millions with his performances in shows like Kahiin To Hoga, Kavyanjali, and Waaris. He was last seen in Dil Se Dil Tak. (Photo: Instagram)

Ronit Roy started his career with the film Jaan Tere Naam (1992). The film was a romantic one and its songs ruled the chartbusters. However, it wasn't a smooth sail for the actor until Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. He played the role of Mihir and Ronit is still remembered for his character of Mr. Rishabh Bajaj in Ekta Kapoor's show Kasautii Zindagii Kay. However, in today's date and time, Ronit is ruling everywhere, be it films, shows or web shows. (Photo: Instagram)

Gauahar Khan started with the film Aan: Men At Work (2004). She went on to do a few roles here and there but nothing materialised. She then prioritised TV and did shows like Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 3, The Khan Sisters, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 5, and emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss 7. (Photo: Instagram)

Vatsal Sheth, who was last seen in the television show Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, had started with the film Taarzan - The Wonder Car. He was also seen as a child artist in the television show Just Mohabbat. After delivering a few flop films, he was seen as the lead actor in the serial Ek Hasina Thi. The show did well and Vatsal kept on doing some quality work. Vatsal is often seem partying with the whos who from the television circuit. (Photo: Instagram)

After doing a few Ekta Kapoor films such as Krishna Cottage, Kucch Toh Hai, Anita realised that the medium isn't really helping her. Anita started her television career with Hare Kanch Ki Choodiyan and earned a name for herself after doing Ekta's show Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii. Since then Anita has done variety of work and is currently seen as an antagonist in the television show, Naagin 4. (Photo: Instagram)

Ashish Chowdhry did several films in Bollywood but couldn't settle his feet on the big screens. Things took a drastic turn after Asish took up the role of Detective Dev Anand Burman in the show Dev. Later, he did Beyhadh and is currently seen as MJ in Beyhadh 2 with Jennifer Winget and Shivin Narang. (Photo: Instagram)

Shamita Shetty won hearts through her stint as Ishika in the film Mohabbatein (2000). She went on to do many films but Shamita became a household name after doing reality shows like Bigg Boss 3, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 8 and Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 9. (Photo: Instagram)

Apurva Agnihotri's debut film Pardes became the talk of the town but it did no wonders for him. After doing some more films and trying his luck in Bollywood, he switched focus to television. He became a household name post Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin. Then he was seen in shows like Biddai, and Radha Ki Betiyaan Kuch Kar Dikhayengi. The actor was also seen with Sonali Bendre in Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Yeh and with Jennifer Winget-Harshad Chopda's much-loved show, Bepannah. (Photo: Instagram)

Shekhar Suman established a name for himself in the TV industry by doing shows such as Movers & Shakers to being a judge on comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, the actor has come a long way. With shows like Dekh Bhai Dekh, Hera Pheri and Simple Shekhar, the actor has established his name in the TV industry. After a not so successful career in Bollywood, the actor moved to television and never looked back. (Photo: Instagram)

Tanishaa Mukerji, sister of Bollywood actress Kajol, did not really survive tough competition in the film industry. Tanishaa's debut film Sssshhh... created no ripples and her other few films tanked at the box office too. She became a known face and created an identity of her own after doing the controversial reality show Bigg Boss 7, Fear Factor: Khatron ke Khiladi 7 and a few comedy shows. (Photo: Instagram)

Remember the film, Tum Bin? Raqesh Bapat was in it and the debut was quite promising but did not lead to the road to fandom or success. He then shifted to TV with the show Saat Phere - Saloni Ka Safar. The show clicked with the audience and Raqesh decided to stick to the medium. Raqesh was also seen in Tu Aashiqui, Maryada and Qubool Hai. (Photo: Instagram)