http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/tv/news-interviews/A-lot-has-changed-on-TV-in-25-years-Anita-Kanwal/articleshow/31608235.cms
Anita Kanwal has been a part of the television industry for over 25 years. And the actress feels that the perspective of looking at women has undergone a transformation. Back then, when saas-bahu sagas were ruling the small screen, sari-clad, submissive bahus were the norm. However, over the years, they have made way for traditional yet confident, more-in-control-of-their-lives kind of women.
Says the actress, "Television started with shows like Shanti, Udaan and Banegi Apni Baat, which tried to enlighten the Indian woman. They highlighted the vigour and no-nonsense attitude of the new Indian woman who fights for her rights. They showed the urban society and the issues these women were dealing with and the hurdles they overcame. But with TV's reach widening to include villages and small towns, the focus shifted to the problems of the women there...who are still battling kitchen politics."
However, the actress, who played Mrs Seth in Banegi Apni Baat, says there are a few shows which project strong and confident women. She explains, "These shows " Balika Vadhu and Desh Ki Beti Nandini, to name a few " broke the norms and showed wonderful mothers-in-law. A show like Balika Vadhu condemned child marriage and encouraged widow remarriage. We have protagonists standing up for their rights in the face of opposition from their entire family. The girls are seen fighting against chauvinistic families where women are treated badly. I loved the Women's Day episode of Baani " Ishq Da Kalma, where the men were shown doing chores to please the women. Then there is a show where the dadi is shown accepting a divorcee as her grandson's wife. This is a huge statement."
Having said that, the actress feels there's still a long way to go. "We need to highlight the issues daughters face in our society. I strongly feel daughters should enjoy equal rights as sons. Though there is a ruling in its favour, in our country, it is taken for granted that sons are the natural heirs. More shows on such topics will enlighten the masses," she concludes.
