While many believe that female characters on Hindi television have seen significant improvements in recent years, Hrishikesh Pandey, who is currently portraying Inspector Sachin in CID Season 2, feels that the portrayal of women on screen still has a long way to go. He emphasizes that the content being presented should reflect reality more accurately, making it easier for the audience to connect with.
He says, “I believe TV needs to change the way it portrays women. The current content being shown often doesn’t align with real life. I think it’s essential to be more authentic and grounded in reality.
The audience today is more discerning, especially with the rise of OTT platforms. The competition is fierce, and that’s why we need to step up our game. I understand that television is a TRP-driven industry, but we must also be responsible for the content we create. As creators, we have a responsibility to ensure that the stories we tell have value. We cannot just produce random shows that don’t teach anything or, worse, promote negative stereotypes that can affect the future generation. We must focus on creating content that is not only entertaining but also meaningful and relatable.”
He continues, “Women today are not helpless or passive characters. They are independent, capable, and strong enough to chart their own paths. They no longer need to be rescued or guided by others. They have the power to live life on their terms, pursue their dreams, and make their own choices. So, why should that empowerment not be reflected on-screen as well? It’s time to portray women as the multifaceted, determined individuals they truly are. The portrayal should encourage and inspire viewers, showing that women can lead, make decisions, and live with agency.”
When asked about his personal role models, Hrishikesh responds with deep admiration for his mother. He says, “I look up to my mother, without a doubt. She’s someone who has never compromised when it comes to my well-being and the well-being of the family. Throughout her life, she has upheld her self-respect, worked hard to ensure that we had a good upbringing, and instilled strong values and ethics in me. My mother has made countless sacrifices and adjustments, always putting the needs of the family first, and yet she’s never wavered in her own sense of dignity and strength. Her resilience and dedication have always been a source of inspiration to me, and I owe so much of who I am to her.”
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