‘A change is required on TV’

People have often pointed out how the overdose of saas-bahu sagas on the small screen must come to an end. Actor Arjun Bijlani feels such shows are here to stay because there is an audience that is still interested in such dramas. “I don’t want to categorise shows as good or bad. I also agree that change is required on TV. But one must not forget that since this is a mass medium, it is expected to churn out what the audience wants to watch. Viewers enjoy family dramas,” he says.

The actor, however, acknowledges that TV is also coming up with interesting shows. “The change is happening, but it will take time for the audience to accept new content,” says Arjun.

The actor, who currently portrays a grey character in his ongoing show, says he is enjoying playing the role. “I have a strong lover boy image, but Deep isn’t the regular good guy that you see on screen. The character has grey shades. I have never tried playing such a character in my career,” adds Arjun, whose last two shows were Naagin and Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil.

Although Naagin was a popular show, Pardes Mein Hain Mera Dil failed to make the mark and was taken off air. According to Arjun, the show was doing well, so the ratings weren’t the reasons it ended. “There are various other factors. Also, even if the ratings were decent, it might be that they were expecting much more from Pardes,” says the actor.

Arjun Bijlani