On the eve of World Television Day, Neha Harsora reflects on how TV shaped her childhood, her habits, and her dreams.
Her nostalgic memories highlight the emotional bond viewers share with the medium even in a digital-first era.
As the world prepares to celebrate World Television Day tomorrow, actress Neha Harsora walks down memory lane, cherishing the medium that shaped her childhood, her habits, and now her journey as a leading face on television.
For Neha, television was never just a device, it was a part of her growing-up years and a daily ritual she shared with her mother. “My earliest memory of watching TV goes back to my school days,” she recalls, adding, “Every evening when I came home, my mom would already be watching daily soaps, Star Plus, Colors TV, everything. From 6:30–7 p.m. onward, there was a proper line-up: Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Uttaran, Bigg Boss, Sasuraal Simar Ka, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Na Aana Is Des Laado, Balika Vadhu. I’ve watched so many shows because of my mom, and I genuinely enjoyed them.”
She adds that the curiosity factor has always kept Indian audiences glued to their screens. She says, “That ‘ab kya hoga?’ feeling was everything. It kept us hooked. Those were such sweet old memories. Since episodes didn’t air on weekends earlier, we actually used to wait for Mondays. It was a completely different era.”
Neha believes the rise of OTT platforms has transformed viewing habits in the best way. She shares, “OTT made things so easy. Women today work, manage homes, handle so much, it’s not always possible to sit and watch a show at the telecast time. Now you can watch whenever you want. Pause whenever, resume whenever. It’s beautiful how flexible it’s become.”
She also highlights how digital platforms reveal the true reach of television content. She says, “Sometimes TRPs don’t reflect the real picture. But online viewership is massive. Daily soaps have such a huge digital audience. With social media and the digital boom, awareness and connectivity have increased so much. Promotions reach people instantly.”
Reminiscing about the shows that shaped her teen years, Neha says, “During our time, so many shows came on MTV and other channels. Game shows, reality shows, everything was so different. Times have changed, and I think many changes are good. People get more time for themselves now, to watch what they want at their own pace.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Neha feels grateful. “Television has been a companion in my life for as long as I can remember. To now lead a show like Udne Ki Aasha under Rahul Kumar Tewary and Rolling Tales Production really feels like a full-circle moment.”
