Key Highlights

  • Quality over presence: Arjun Bijlani said he values genuine connections more than being seen at every party or event.
  • Work first: He said the industry runs on relationships, but an actor's work must ultimately speak for itself.
  • Both sides: He called himself "a bit of both" introvert and extrovert, a balance he says helps his characters.
  • Switching off: He tries to disconnect from social media when he is with his family.
  • Netflix debut: He recently appeared in Netflix's Chumbak, from the creators of Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Khichdi.

Visibility Is Not the Same as Value

In an industry where appearing at every party and posting constantly can feel like part of the job, Arjun Bijlani is taking a quieter view. In an exclusive quote shared with IANS, the actor said he prefers genuine connections to simply being present everywhere.

"I enjoy meeting people, but I'm not someone who needs to be everywhere. I value genuine connections more than being seen everywhere," the Naagin actor said.

He did not dismiss the importance of networking. "Social gatherings definitely helps. This industry is about people and relationships, but I believe your work ultimately has to speak for you."

"A Bit of Both"

Asked whether he is an introvert or an extrovert, Arjun said he does not fit neatly into either category. "I'm a bit of both. I'm social when I'm comfortable, but I also enjoy my own space. I think that balance helps me bring different shades to my characters."

Social Media: Keep Up, Don't Get Consumed

Arjun is a familiar face on social media, but he believes online visibility alone does not define a career. "You just have to keep up without letting it take over your life. I try to switch off when I'm with my family and enjoy the moment. Social media is definitely important today, but it can't replace talent and good work. You need both visibility and substance," the Ishq Mein Marjawan actor said.

He also said he does not try to build a particular image. "I don't try too hard to create an image. What you see on my social media is quite close to who I am in real life, and that keeps things simple."

Why It Matters: A TV Star's Proof of Concept

Arjun's comments carry extra weight because of where his career is right now. Chumbak marks his debut on Netflix after more than two decades in television. Speaking about the show earlier, he said, "I have been working on TV for 21 years. I feel this was long due," and argued that Indian TV actors deserve a chance on bigger platforms.

In that context, his "work must speak" philosophy is not just a personal preference. For television actors moving to streaming, it is the argument they are trying to prove: that craft built over years on TV can hold its own on a global platform.

The Family Connection

His point about switching off for family also has a personal link to Chumbak. Arjun has said his son Ayaan, a big Stranger Things fan, used to ask him why he did not do a Netflix show. He promised he would one day, and Chumbak was that project.

About Chumbak

Chumbak premiered on Netflix on September 10 after being moved from its earlier August 28 date. It is created by Aatish Kapadia and JD Majethia, the duo behind Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and Khichdi.

The multi-generational comedy is set in a neighbourhood where five families' lives constantly overlap. Arjun and Helly Shah play Mickey and Twinkle Oberoi, a hopelessly romantic couple. The ensemble also includes Neena Gupta, Deven Bhojani, Sumeet Vyas, Manasi Parekh, Sandeepa Dhar, Sumeet Raghavan, Anant V. Joshi, Amyra Dastur, Delnaaz Irani and Atul Kumar.

Beyond Acting

Before Chumbak, Arjun won the reality show Rise and Fall on Amazon MX Player. He also won Khatron Ke Khiladi 11 in 2021 and made a cameo in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani.

Arjun Bijlani's message is simple: show up where it matters, stay real online, and let the work do the talking. With his Netflix debut now streaming, audiences can judge that work for themselves.

With inputs from IANS.