Transformation is nothing new for actors. They do it in reel life almost every time they face the camera. However, a number of actors undergo a transformation even in their real life after joining the industry. Examples are aplenty in the film industry, be it Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar or even the Big B. Over the years and decades, they have not only matured in terms of the roles they select to act in, but also the way they look, the way they carry themselves and even the way they speak. A large part of their success can be attributed to this transformation.

The television industry also has its share of actors and actresses who have metamorphosed into mature and better actors and carved a niche for themselves in the industry. Tellychakkar selected the top six transformations of the television industry in the recent past.

then	now

Ronit Roy:
Jaan Tere Naam was a big hit in the nineties. But Ronit Roy – the hero of the film – was not. Despite having such a good break in the film industry he could not do much for the next few years and delivered one flop after the other, consistently. Sensing a better opportunity in the small screen, Ronit changed track and joined the television industry with Kammal. Over the next few years, not only did he create a solid foundation for himself in the television industry but also delivered one hit after the other, consistently. Production houses queued up outside his office to get him agree to their shows because having Ronit Roy in a serial meant sure success. And before anyone knew, he had become the highest paid actor in the television industry. Almost all the characters he played – Rishabh Bajaj in Kasauti, Mihir in Kyunki and recently Dharamraj in Bandini – have achieved iconic status.

Hussain Kuwajerwala:
Seeing the smart and handsome actor today, it is difficult to believe he was the one who played the chubby Chirag in Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi or Arjun in Krishna Arjun. The actor who came into the radar with Chirag’s role shot to fame when he started playing Sumit in Kumkum. But it was only after a leap and the reincarnation in the show that his popularity soared with his new and improved look. The new hairstyle, contact lens and a flab-free body announced his arrival as a hero in the television industry. Today, almost a decade and several serials and reality shows down the line, Hussain defines ‘style’ in Indian television.

Aman Verma:
He is an actor who has not only transformed himself into a tele-superstar, but also withstood many a storm, including the casting couch controversy. He started off as a Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan clone in films, but realised shortly that making it big in television would be easier and thus changed track. And not only was he successful as an anchor, he has also made a big name for himself in hosting reality shows like Indian Idol and Zee Cinestars. Right from the days of Pachpan Khambe Lal Deewarein—his first serial on DD—Aman had the zest to make it to the top. If you remember the skinny guy who had an infatuation for Mita Vashisht in the serial, it is difficult to relate him to the handsome and suave actor we have seen last in Sujata.

Urvashi Dholakia:
Today it is difficult to imagine that Urvashi Dholakia was the same actress who played the innocent and so-sweet girlfriend of Sanju (Vishal Singh) from Dekh Bhai Dekh! Her acting skills, backless cholis and dare-all attitude have helped her transform herself from a one-show wonder to a multi-show superstar. Today, not only has she carved a niche for herself in the industry, but also created a new genre in negative roles. So much that most vamp roles in the new serials are modelled on Komolika – the character Urvashi played in Kasauti…

Sumeet Raghavan:
A youngster who always wanted to make his mark as an actor started his career with a DD serial – Faster Fane – way back in 1985. Unsuccessful, he moved on to dubbing to stay with the industry and also started doing television commercials. He started with Hadh Kar Di but Sumeet finally tasted success with the immensely popular Sarabhai versus Sarabhai. His character Dr Sahil Sarabhai became his second name and today he is synonymous to refined humour and subdued acting. The victory in Shava Shava for his crooning skills added a new feather to his cap and made Sumeet Raghavan one of the most sought-after faces in the Indian television industry. Someone who is suave, handsome, choosy and prefers quality over quantity.

Mona Singh:
From a wannabe model doing print ads for Asian Paints, to a superstar in Jassi, it has been a very interesting journey for Mona Singh. In fact when Jassi was launched, it was a big challenge for Mona to maintain the secrecy associated with her looks and even her identity. But she dealt that with a lot of élan and panache and emerged victorious. Her journey to success did not stop at that, she went to win the first season of Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa and also Ek Khiladi Ek Hasina thereby proving her caliber in dancing and winning reality shows. An actress who won the battle against her natural tendency to put on weight, Mona is now busy with Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots.