Move over mindless nagging, forced humour and tales of re-births! Television viewers in India can now enjoy a fresh dose of seriousness on the small screen. Considering that television is seeing a spate of “mature” shows like Bade Acche Lagte Ho and Kuch Toh Log Kahenge on Sony and Colors’ Na Bole Tum Naa Maine Kuch Kaha, this is a serious approach being pursued by television producers; to turn serious and tackle intellectual topics. It seems the idiot has finally been dropped out of the idiot box. Or has it?
Prashaant Bhatt, fiction head at Colors, says, “It’s high time we started referring to television as the entertainment box, and left the idiot bit out. We have a very huge base of viewers, who are very loyal to us, and it’s important that we give them stories that are entertaining, and at the same time, closer to real-life situations.”
Na Bole... is about a young widower and her two children; it talks about the problems they face, and how they deal with them everyday. Another real-life challenge is presented in the show Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, a heart-warming love story between two people who, besides having an 18-year age gap between them, are completely different in terms of personality and their outlooks on life.
In the past too, we have had shows like Balika Vadhu and Maryada which spoke of serious issues like child marriage and challenged existing social norms, even touching upon topics like homosexuality.
It’s the seriousness of the subject and the mature treatment, says Mohnish Behl, who plays the role of a 42-year-old doctor in Kuch Toh....
“You cannot call it a trend, but yes, there are a few shows like Kuch Toh..., which uses a very dramatic approach of storytelling. These shows present a good romance, and helps the mind think as well. A refreshing break from all mindless twists and turns and exaggerated drama.” Behl, too, has a problem with the term “idiot box,” he says.
“Life is not all about happy things, it’s a roller coaster ride, filled with ups and downs, and these shows present the real aspect of life,” Prashaant adds.