Is television stuck in regressive content? Has it run out of ingenious ideas? While many believe that TV shows are becoming repetitive and often feature similar storylines, Delnaaz
Irani disagrees. She believes that producers are experimenting with fresh concepts and exploring new kinds of storytelling.
Who better than a seasoned actor to reflect on the evolution of Indian television? With a career spanning nearly three decades, Delnaaz Irani has witnessed the industry’s transformation up close. While Hindi television is often criticised for its regressive and repetitive storylines, the actress, currently seen in Mannat – Har Khushi Paane Ki, offers a more optimistic perspective.
Sharing her thoughts in a candid conversation with Downtown Mirror Weekly, Delnaaz Irani said, “I don’t completely agree that television is no longer content-driven,” she says. “There are a lot of makers who want to step out of their comfort zones and don’t want to be in the rat race or do things that have already been done. People are experimenting and creating different kinds of content.”
She acknowledged that certain limitations do exist. Delnaaz Irani, who has been part of many films, including Kal Ho Naa Ho, Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa, and The Archies, as well as TV shows like Jamai Raja, Ek Deewaana Tha, Choti Sarrdaarni, and Kabhi Kabhie Ittefaq Sey, admitted, “Yes, sometimes, it gets a little difficult because we are stuck with the TRP game and deadline issues.
However, I feel that things are changing. Makers are putting in the effort, we have good writers, and we are looking for more talented writers to come on board and offer fresh subjects. There are a lot of people who are exploring, experimenting, and trying to do different things. We have so many shows today.”
Reflecting on how the industry has evolved, Delnaaz Irani added, “There was a time when, if somebody made a particular story, ten other producers would make similar content. But that’s not the case today. We now have all sorts of programming happening on television.”
“I feel better content is on its way. There are definitely changes happening. People are becoming more conscious about what they are creating and offering to the audience. So, I feel everything is moving in the right direction,” Delnaaz Irani concluded.
