Rural diaries rule telly - article

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Tags: Bandini, social reform

From chronicling the lavish lives of crorepati urban families who lived in palatial bungalows to focussing on rural stories set in huts and small hamlets, television soap operas have undergone a sea change. The focus today is on stories with social issues like abject poverty, drought, female infanticide, child bride, honour killing et al. Be it Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Laado, Bandini, Bhagyavidhaata, Balika Vadhu or Bairi Piya, regional flavour in the story, backdrop, characters, culture, dialogues and costumes, rules.
A decision more influenced by commerce than "social reform", the growth of satellite television in small centres and remote areas has fuelled this trend. "Research shows that urban people watch less television because of various other entertainment and leisure options available to them. But in semi-urban places, the only major source of entertainment is television. They don't relate to stories of super rich families," says Neelima Bajpai. producer of Laado. "On the other hand, rural subjects help break the clutter because region specific culture, customs, language and clothes give an edge and authenticity to a show," she adds.
"Urban stories have been done to death," feels producer Sunjoy Wadhwa of Balika Vadhu and Tere Mere Sapne fame. "Local lingo and culture lend a fresh flavour," he adds.
Star's senior creative head Vivek Bahl, couldn't agree more. "With realistic settings, the show becomes more believable too. Ajay Bhalwankar who commissioned Agle Janam for Zee before he quit the channel as programming head, says, "Channels have become adventurous too. You need to break new grounds."
But doesn't region-specific stories alienate other viewers? "The emotions portrayed are universal and everybody can relate to them," adds Sujoy.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/supplementary/rural-diaries-rule-telly-931