16th March, Mumbai: Female characters on TV have evolved considerably. Stories have become realistic, so are the parts. Entrepreneur turned filmmaker and actor Nikhil Nanda, who will be seen in Criminal Minds, opines about this change.
“Television has always been a very strong medium in India and whatever we see on television definitely influences the way people think in general. So it is very important to portray women in the right manner in all our mediums, whether it’s tv, films or OTT,” he says.
Female characters are progressive too. “There has been a change and things are evolving but the change has been slow in the last two decades. Post 2021, the change has become faster and stronger and there has been a very focused approach in terms of making sure that women get their share and are projected in the right light. One of the key things that I would like to share about the new Tanishq ad is that they have beautifully shown women not just as super women but also as human,” he adds.
Infinite shows such as Anupama, Bhabhi Ji.. have created history and set role models like that of Shanti, Swabhimaan, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, Kkusum Heena.
“Anupama and Bhabiji… have been a cult in their own ways. There are many pluses and minuses in the way they have projected women. But, overall, I would say that they have ensured that we have been able to show the strong characteristics of a woman whether she comes from a village or a city. That actually helps in ensuring that we are able to impress all the strata of the society,” he shares.