With shows like Sasural Simar Ka, Naagin, Splitsvilla, Taarak Mehta ka ulta chasma, it is sad how Indian television that was once applauded for being progressive has become synonymous with regressive saas-bahu sagas, pointless reality shows, or sexist comedy shows!
One thing that definitely played a critical role in the declining quality of Indian TV shows is Ekta Kapoor’s success with the family shows. These family shows definitely had lead women characters, who were aligned to the society’s regressive ideas of sanskaari beti, bahu and biwi. The purpose of their lives is nothing but handling family politics and that’s it.
With time, the quality of Indian TV shows declined as the shows became more and more regressive.
Back in the 90s, we had progressive TV shows like Hasratein or Tara – that showcased inspiring women characters who were independent and leading life on their own terms.
We even had progressive shows like Astitva, where a career-oriented woman married a man almost a decade younger than her.
And, now we had to see Simar, who turned into a fly and took revenge on the vamp of the family.
Now, we have shows like Naagin – where a woman transforms into a serpent.
Back in the 90s, we had shows like Shanti, where a brave journalist digs up the dark secrets against two powerful men.
It is sad how many TV shows of today show women’s life built around their husbands or their in-laws. But, do you remember how we had Tara – the show that portrayed women and their friendships! Once, we had progressive comedy shows like Dekh Bhai Dekh, Hum Paanch, and the Family No. 1. Now, we have The Kapil Sharma Show that is full of regressive, sexist, and misogynist jokes!
While once we had shows like Banegi Apni Baat or Hip-Hip Hurray for youngsters, now these kinds of progressive shows have been replaced by regressive reality TV shows like Splitsvilla, Big Boss, Roadies, or Dare to Date!
ALSO READ: 5 Powerful Female Characters From Old TV Serials To Remind Us What Junk Current TV Has Become
It is sad how many show makers believe that the viewers don’t appreciate the progressive shows! Some shows like Anupamaa have been a real eye-opener for many makers who believed that the Indian audience detest progressive shows!
Though there is still a long road ahead for Indian TV shows turning progressive, we hope show makers soon realize that the times are changing. With OTTs, people are more open to progressive shows and if TV show makers refuse to change, they would definitely lose the battle.