Indian Television has seen a sea of change both as a medium and as an Industry.
As a medium it has widened its reach and potential which has resulted that as an Industry it has become stronger and contributing commercially.
While its reach and influence has become stronger, the content has proportionally weakened.
Television, when it started with 1 channel and perhaps 2-3 shows, had quality that stands relevant even today after decades.
Credit perhaps goes to the fact that they were limited series spanning about 250 odd episodes. These shows stood true to the central theme, had author-backed roles (however small they were), impactful performances and inspite of the limited technology and resources made for innovation in ALL technical and behind the scene works. Perhaps this is why the shows have a high recall value and have successful re-runs.
Name any show starting with Hum Log, Shanti, Alpaviram, Astitva, Saans, Sea Hawks, Saara Akash, Family No.1, Hip Hip hurray, Dekh Bhai Dekh, Shaktimaan, Byomkesh Bakshi, 100, Surabhi, Ek Ladki Anjaani Si, Sarabhai v/s Sarabhai and the list is filled with gems (call me a TV addict😉) where such delicate subjects were handled with such care and maturity. Where the makers had faith in the maturity of the audiences to accept quality content. The shows depicted what is the right thing to do and did not glorify or justify incorrect actions. May be that was why the audiences liked them that they showed them what was rightful and gave a hope that at the end of it, everything will turn out right (whether it is a happy ending or not).
Cut to the present, the observations of Television are far from satisfactory.
1.) Stereotypes:
When we say "Break the loop" this should also mean break age-old stereotypes. The world has become small but we are still caught-up in stereotypes that were built ages ago and today, do Not stand any ground.
I was watching the other day that a South Indian was praying to "Lord Shri Ganesha" and referring as "Hey Venkateshwara". I mean seriously? After so many decades is this the limited outlook we have about our own country? This is not limited to South of India but pan-India whether it is stereotyping Punjabis, Bengalis, Gujarathis, Tamilians. We do not even know of our own country, do we? A little effort in research and embracing the varied colours of our nation will only make us more humble and proud both at the same time.
2.) Characterisation:
A.) The Central Character is an all good and all innocent Woman on whom the sky befalls and although in the beginning she is shown as a strong, today's woman, bows down to every injustice, bears evey torture and is almost always alone in her search and struggle. ALL the other supporting characters have little to nothing to contribute to the storyline.
B.) Where are the strong male characters?
C.) The stories usually talk about people rolling in crores or in dire situations, who people can hardly relate to. They are never shown working and earning for a living.
3.) Social Issues:
A.) When did we start justifying infidelity, when did we start trivialising a sacred institution of marriage? How can we accept stories where first one deceives with a life and then justifies the action as sacrifice?
B.) We are blatantly showing that influence and power works everywhere and there is barely any value for life.
C.) Every influential, rich person has easy access to goons without the fear of law or consequences.
D.) Superstition, malpractices across cultures have been irresponsibly depicted and justified.
4.) News on TV:
The 24/7 News format and the need for Breaking News has made morality a casuality.
Citizens need to know News only the truth in peace and only assurance of being there in turbulent times. They need the trust that the news channels, presenters will always be true to their morals and to their Country. Nothing else.
As an avid Television viewer for many years on varied themes and topics, these views are expressed only with a hope to see better content bringing in a positive change.
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