Actress Kavita Kaushik, known for her portrayal of Sub-Inspector Chandramukhi Chautala in the comedy show FIR, recently revealed in an interview about her decision to quit the television industry, citing retrograde content as one of the reasons. She said, “The content on television is also very retrograde and that is why I don’t want to be a part of it. There was a time when television was progressive and we had different kinds of shows. There was variety and entertainment for everyone. But now, the kind of content we show is really bad for the young generation. The kind of regression we show in our reality shows and dramas makes people hate each other. I have been a part of that too and I am very sorry.”

Following his announcement, we spoke to several players in the television industry to discuss the dearth of progressive content on television and whether Kaushik’s decision signals the need for change. Here’s what they had to say:

Sumbul Touqeer Khan

I think television should showcase more progressive content. I have come across some outdated stories. When that happens, I try to discuss it with the team and see if we can improve them and make them more impactful. Sometimes I think of the story as an audience and not as an actor playing the character to gain better insight into the content. I also think that the industry is slowly changing. There are efforts to bring new and better stories. But it takes time for everyone to accept and embrace these changes. Writers should focus on real-life issues and diverse stories. More creativity and boldness in storytelling will help. I think times are changing and people are more interested in real life than real life. It is definitely time for the industry to think about making big changes in the kind of content we create.

Arjun Bijlani

There are progressive and regressive shows on television. Sometimes there are certain tracks which are regressive but not the whole story. Times have changed and depending on the time even the making of the television shows and the stories need to change. But what is happening with television is that the budgets are not huge and hence the producers have no option but to make shows on smaller budgets. And after all, it is a profitable business too. Hence, people will follow the business module more than the creative module. Having said that, the main change has to come from the creators. When that change comes, things will fall into place. Also, it is a fundamental change that has to happen in the minds of the people for there to actually be a change. It all starts with or will. Until there is a will, the change will not happen.

Rusad Rana

The lack of progressive content on television is quite evident and is something that concerns many of us in the industry. Over the years, I have come across regressive storylines. When I am faced with such situations, I try to handle them by providing feedback to writers and directors, and choosing roles that align with my values ​​and the kind of impact I want to have through my work. There is definitely some resistance to change within the industry, largely due to the tried and tested formulas that guarantee TRPs. However, for the television industry to become more progressive and inclusive, there must be a willingness to experiment with new and diverse stories. Producers and networks must invest in stories that reflect contemporary issues and the diversity of our society. Also, there must be a greater emphasis on character development and nuanced storytelling that goes beyond stereotypes. Kavita Kaushik’s decision to leave the industry due to content being one of the issues underlines the need for a drastic change in the way stories are told on television. This should serve as a catalyst for the industry to re-evaluate its approach and prioritise quality and progressive storytelling. It is a clear message that both audiences and creators are ready for a shift towards more meaningful and inclusive content.

Adaa Khan

The lack of progressive content on television is a challenge faced by many actors. In my career, I have come across regressive stories and I handle them by voicing my concerns to the creative team. To move towards more progressive and inclusive content, the television industry needs to diversify the types of stories being told. There needs to be a focus on inclusion, representation and tackling contemporary issues. Encouraging new writers and giving them a platform to share their unique perspectives can also bring about much-needed change. Kavita Kaushik’s decision highlights the need for drastic changes in storytelling. This act of standing up for one’s beliefs should prompt the industry to reflect on its current practices and adopt more progressive and varied narratives. It is a clear sign that there is a demand for better, more inclusive and innovative content.

Charrul Mallik

People say that television should change, that it should do this, that it should show us that. The audience watches television to pass the time and if a programme works, it gets ads, which means a lot of business. What matters is what connects with the audience and what they want to watch. If you ask me, I would say that there should be content on current issues that make people aware and convey meaningful messages. However, most people just want to watch drama, drama and more drama. The market works on demand and supply. It will only change when there is no more demand for the same old content. People need to broaden their perspectives, think and understand.

Gulfam Khan Hussain

Creators are skeptical about trying out new content. They think, “let’s offer what works.” My logic is simple: if you come up with something original with enough drama, there’s a chance you’ll spark a revolution. Simply put, you have to create progressive content. It’s not like we haven’t seen progressive content being accepted before. So it’s about time television makes some progressive content too. I have met a few people in the past who have left the industry due to feeling dissatisfied as performers. What creators have to realize is that content today is stagnating and regressive to the point where people are discarding shows. Too many shows have closed down in a very short time and maybe this is a wake-up call. It’s about time we bring about a change by embracing new narratives and ideas and supporting content that challenges stereotypes.

(All photos: Instagram)