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Idiot box? No more!
M ove over cringeworthy saas-bahu sagas. The content on the tube is now reflecting diverse perspectives and promoting a progressive point of view.
Take for instance Shakti — Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki, which is a story of a transgender Soumya and her struggles. Likewise, Meri Hanikarak Biwi is attempting to spread awareness about male contraception surgery called vasectomy; the story of Dil Se Dil Tak deals with surrogacy; Troll Police deals with cyber bullying while TV show Aap Ke Aa Jane Se is a love story of a 24-year-old man and a 42-yearold woman.
“TV’s reach is bigger than films. Its voice is the strongest, as it has presence in both, urban and rural areas. It can pass on a social message in an entertaining manner,” says writer-actor Preeti Mamgain, who has penned Aap Ke Aa Jane Se. Actor Rubina Dilaik, who essays the role of Soumya, agrees. “We need to openly talk about certain things,” she says. Producer Sumeet Mittal, of the producer duo Shashi Mittal and Sumeet Mittal, agrees. “It is our responsibility to break taboos and make progressive content to help society,” he says.
The ratings of these soaps prove that the audience are happy to watch content which is not run-of-the-mill. Those involved in the show are also happy and confident. Rubina, who was “apprehensive” of accepting the role of a transgender which was neither “glamorous” nor “ordinary”, and had been turned down by many actors before her, says, “I decided to take the risk... Now when I look back, I feel proud of my decision.” Actor Karan Suchak, who portrays the protagonist, Akhilesh, who opts for vasectomy in Meri Hanikarak Biwi, was also initially hesitant of accepting his role. However, he is now happy with the response the show is getting.
Besides bringing the stories of the marginalised to the mainstream, many shows also give employment to those living on the margins. “One of my co-stars (a transgender) was excited about buying her first car; another one told me that her neighbours now respect her. Their dream of a respectful and financially independent life is coming true,” says Rubina. Clearly, the idiot box is not idiotic anymore. More meaningful stories are finding their way to the small screen, such as the upcoming show about triple talaq — Ishq Subhan Allah.