The phenomenon of out-of-work, and out-of-favour film stars taking to TV began with Shekhar Suman, who went to become one of the highest paid stars on the tube. Kanwaljeet was another successful film star but converted himself into a very happening tele-star.

Even many ``stars'' who made their screen debut in the '90s and fell out of favour have since joined the TV bandwagon. Names that immediately spring to mind are Vivek Mushran, Atul Agnohotri and Bhagyashree. Says Vivek Mushran, ``Nothing meaningful was happening on the big screen, so I started doing serials.'' He first appeared in an episode of Kohra and now has an interesting role in Tanha. He's also bagged a role in Ashiqui (Zee) and Mausam. In fact, Mausam also has Atul Agnihotri in it.

Another star who has found solace on the tube is Bhagyashree, the Maine Pyar Kiya girl. After making a tele-debut with Samjhauta, she can currently be seen in Jaan.

Besides flop film stars, there is another genre of stars making an acting comeback via small screen. Poonam Dhillon, who had given up the archlights after marriage, made her TV debut in Andaz. But after a few episodes, she took a break because she was on the way to motherhood. ``When I decided to resume, I was not interested in Andaz. I was offered Maharana Pratap and since I am fond of historical romances I accepted it,'' says the actress. She, however, is planning to restrict herself to doing two serials at a time.

Echoing her sentiments is another onetime heroine, Anita Raaj, who's returned to acting with Ashiqui and can also be seen in Ladies Only. ``Both the roles are very different and I am enjoying It,'' enthuses Anita. However, roping in stars for a serial is not an easy task. It depends on how much the producer is willing to shell out. Though the rates depend more or less on the popularity of a star. According to a well-known director, artistes like Farida Jalal and Aroona Irani get three times as much as regular TV stars.

Prem Chopra and Rajendra Kumar reportedly commanded over Rs 75,000 per episode three years ago. Shatrughan Sinha got a whopping lakh per episode when he did Devta, according to a popular director. Poonam Dhillon is approximately paid Rs 50,000 per episode, while Anita Raaj charges Rs 35-40,000 according to a producer who doesn't want to be named. Vivek Mushran and Atul Agnihotri come in the bracket of approximately Rs 20-25,000 per episode.

Other stars who have done roles on the telly include Suresh Oberoi, Om Puri, Kiran Kumar, Raza Murad, Shammi Kapoor, Sudesh Berry, Shakti Kapoor and Vinod Khanna. Naseeruddin Shah who had earlier made a mark with Mirza Ghalib is returning to the tube with Aaj phir Jeene Ki Tamanna. He's already done an episode of Cell 3.

But are these stars worth their heavy price? Says Himesh Reshmaiyya: ``The popularity of a serial never depends on the stars, they are an added attraction. My banner is well-respected. Stars themselves are keen to work with me and the prices are worked out mutually.''

Director Ashok Pandit says: ``Just being a star is not enough, He/she should be a good performer. Their commitment to doing TV should be complete.'' But directors like Ravi Rai, who has made successful serials without stars, feel that they are exorbitantly pricey.

The moot point, however, is: Are we seeing the disappearance of the dividing line between films and TV. The answer to that question for the moment is an unequivocal `no'. Film stars are still vary of being seen on TV, although the ones already here admit that they get to do more quality work on TV. Maybe this could be the beginning of a new, significant trend.