The small screen is now thinking big. Displaying new maturity, it is opting for a host of out-of-the-box, issue-based themes that are far removed from the stereotypes of saas-bahu soaps, reality shows and talent hunts. It is the dawn of a new vision for Indian television.
Industry veterans think it’s time they stood up for causes that need to be tackled rather than blindly chase TRPs. “After the Asian Games in 1982, TV became an important part of nearly every home. It was further strengthened with shows like Hum Log, a family drama that everyone connected with. Since then, people associated with TV have been trying to produce shows that tug at the heartstrings and are somewhere associated with what we see in our everyday lives. Now that we have a loyal audience, we are experimenting with issues that reflect society,” says Shanti Bhushan, scriptwriter of shows like Rishton Se Badi Pratha (based on honour killings) and Mann ki Awaaz — Pratigya (aimed at the need to respect woman).
Gaurav Banerjee, head, content and strategy, Star Plus, believes it is important to take TV beyond drama. “Real life issues need exposure and there’s no better medium than TV for this,” he says. In keeping with this belief, a gamut of storylines, characters and plots now focus on issues concerning the common man.
Sexual Harrassment
In Kaali Ek Agnipariksha, Rachna wants to become a badminton star, but her dreams are shattered when she is molested by a man old enough to be her father, and her life gets centred around fighting for justice. The serial bears a strong resemblance to the Ruchika Girhotra and S.P.S. Rathore case. However, Star Plus states that their sole aim is to empower women. “We have tried to expose viewers to the trials and tribulations of Indian women who are increasingly being subjected to sexual harassment,” says Gaurav Banerjee, adding that he hopes to inspire the audience to share their stories.
And that is what we, as the audience, need now when crime is increasing and posing a serious threat to our lives, feels Delhi-based lawyer Rashmi Vaidyalingam. “If a show can highlight the problems of society, it’s a welcome change. But regressive material can’t bring about a positive change. A show should also impart knowledge about how to tackle certain situations,” she says.
Honour Killings
The story of two lovers who lose their lives to the warped facet of “family honour” has been woven into a narrative that tells a story and sends out a strong message. Rishton Se Badi…Pratha highlights the issue of honour killings. Shanti Bhushan, the scriptwriter of the show, says that after a spate of honour killings in recent times, it was important for a medium with a wide reach to raise its voice. He thinks that even Krishna-bhakt Meera was a victim of honour killing. “Her in-laws could not tolerate her love for Krishna as it was affecting the reputation of their family, so she was poisoned,” he says, adding that the issue has existed in our society for a long time. “Since the issue is very grim, we have tried to introduce a plot that will keep the audience entertained as that is how you can reach out to them,” he says, adding that TV is trying to evolve, but one must admit that entertainment is the primary motive of watching TV.
Reservation Policy
It’s been two decades since the Mandal Commission agitation of 1990s stirred students across the nation. But reservation in education still remains a hot topic of debate. Armano Ka Balidan Arakshan is the story of two families whose lives changed after the reservation policy — one lost a son in the agitation and the other got a District Magistrate. “We are not condemning the policy set up by the Mandal Commission, rather we are trying to put forward both sides of the story,” says Saurabh Tewari, head, programming, Imagine TV.
Pawan Sharma, director, Khoj Foundation, an NGO working for the upliftment of underprivileged kids, says that such shows set a good example. Talking about the show Kashi, in which villagers fought for the education of an underprivileged girl, Pawan says it was an inspiring story for many. “But the flipside is that very few underprivileged people have an access to TV, so even if the shows send across a strong message, it doesn’t reach many,” he adds.
Dwarfism
The image of a heroine is someone charming, beautiful and a fine actress too. But breaking away from those expectations is Baba Aiso Var Dhundo, which depicts the story of a girl suffering from dwarfism. Juhi Aslam, a dwarf in real life who went through rejection and ridicule, plays the lead. Rakesh Paswan, the writer and director of the show, says it was not easy for him to depict the issue. “After I witnessed a dwarf going through humiliation while I was attending a wedding, the idea struck me. Instead of portraying a larger-than-life character, I felt it was important to highlight real life difficulties. If not many, at least a few in the country would relate to this theme,” says Paswan, adding that after working for so long in the industry, TRPs are the least of his concerns.
Weighty Issues
A show that focuses on the emotional problems faced by those who’re overweight is Mahi Way, and it’s proved so popular that its second season will soon be on air. It’s the story of a girl-next-door who is overweight and afraid she will die a virgin, but her fear doesn’t stop her from enjoying life.
Psychologist Sameer Malhotra thinks that such shows send a strong message to those who are not happy with their lives, physique or body structure. “As it is a story of an unconventional heroine who is comfortable even when she is not picture perfect, it is an inspiration for many like her. It shows that if TV has several over-the-top reality series, then it’s also trying to emerge as a sensitive medium by not portraying a fat or a short girl as a caricature,” he says.
Feminism
A trend was set by the much watched Balika Vadhu two years back when it raised concerns about child marriage, widow remarriage and the rights of women. A lot of serials followed suit and now a range of women-centric issues have been covered — from female foeticide (Na Aaana Is Des Lado) to fighting for one’s right (Pratigya). Going on air soon is Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharmyudh, which talks about domestic violence.
Industry veteran and actor Neena Gupta feels Indian television has come a long way. “There was a time when people were apprehensive of taking up certain issues as they feared a backlash. But now, there’s a new courage among the makers and actors,” she says, adding that we still need to project many issues that have been left untouched. “We have a long way to go.”
Alternate Sex
Many in the industry think focusing solely on societal issues won’t help much in the evolution of TV content. “We need shows that portray different characters and difficulties. Programmes which speak about the transgender community are a sign that we are growing up,” says a writer on request of anonymity, talking about the show Rakt Sambandh which has a closet eunuch as the protagonist. Dhruv Bhandari, the actor portraying the lead character, agrees. “I was a bit apprehensive in the beginning, but then my character has given me an edge over others and TV a new theme,” he says.
Youth Issues
Films have long embraced youth-centric issues, but now even the small screen is opening up to it. Balika Vadhu recently introduced a plot where the male protagonist is ragged in college. Many youngsters feel that they have got another medium highlighting their concerns. Purnendu Shekhar, the writer of the show, who has created a niche in the industry with shows like Balika Vadhu, Saat Phere and Astitva, says, “I’m trying my best to introduce plots which are helpful and meaningful. In the recent plot Jagiya, the male protagonist, is a victim of ragging and succumbs to depression. Unlike most serials in which the protagonist always emerges a winner, I made my hero lose in order to send a message about the psychological hurt of such victims.”
Though Purnendu agrees that a lot has changed on TV in the last two years, he doesn’t think the medium has transformed. “We still have people who are scared to experiment and we have shows that are only chasing TRPs. Writers and producers still face interference from channels to change the storyline to get more viewership. We need more courage to make the small screen a big medium,” he concludes.