It's a "wo-men's" world on Indian television

Over the years, the fact has been ascertained that Indian television is primarily the realm of the fairer sex. However, the fun quotient accentuates when a “male” dresses up as a woman and plays an interestingly sketched character in a show. So can we use the word “she-male” in this context?? Okay…let it be… Coming back to the point, cross dressing to achieve a conceptual comic relief seems to be emerging into some kind of a trend in today’s small screen scenario. The idea is not new as yesteryear male actors have successfully managed to entertain viewers using their feminine touch. Currently, there are some who are wowing masses playing a female avatar on screen. Colors’ Comedy Nights With Kapil, which shot off some time back, has the very talented Ali Asgar playing grandmother to Kapil on the show. One look at him and you will be left wondering whether he is a man for real (by physical appearance only!!!). The actor who plays the filmy alcoholic Daadi in the series told us that it’s not every day that one gets to play such a fun and challenging character. “As an actor I am greedy for good roles, and have no inhibitions to take up any character on screen. It was definitely a challenge, but I think Daadi’s character has clicked really well with the viewers and it brings an overall different energy to the show. It also acts as a stress relief for me, as it helps me maintain balance with the other roles I am doing on TV.” Well said, Ali!!! Along with him, there is another man who isn’t shying away from enacting a woman in the upcoming show Mrs Pammi Pyarelal. The ‘man’ we are talking about is Gaurav Gera, who will be seen in this Colors upcoming rom-com as the lead. He has styled himself so well with his perfect costume and nuances, that one cannot help but whistle at her…oops him (just to appreciate). Producer of the above show, Hemal Thakkar (Playtime Creations) says, “The female avatar gives an edge to the story and adds interesting elements. This is an old formula which has been used even internationally over the years. The thought comes across as a good break from regular shows and lends the necessary fun quotient.” Fun…is the word…it seems!!! This concept which manages to tickle the funny bones have seen actors Swappnil, VIP, Kashif, Krishna, Sudesh, Paresh, Rj Mantra and many more turn into women, in various seasons of Sony Entertainment Television’s Comedy Circus. Even the hot star, Karan Singh Grover was seen as a not so appealing woman with biceps in Dill Mill Gayye. But sometimes the boundary may get crossed with vulgarity seeping in. One may pin point Krishna’s acts in Comedy Circus. When we talked to the actor he said laughingly, “I look sexy when I play a woman. I have nice thighs and legs and so I don’t look vulgar at all.” Here Hemal adds, “It does not look vulgar if it is dealt with properly, and I do not think any such character has been made to look vulgar on Indian screen ever. The makers know how to handle them aptly.” Ali also avers, “Using vulgarism or joking with the women mannerism is the easiest way to bring a laugh, but Kapil and our whole team is particular about avoiding such guffaws. Naughtiness is okay, but vulgarity is strictly out.” Yes, this is fun, and the humour quotient does get increased in most cases, but what about serious characters dressed like such. The best that comes to our mind is Rajesh Khera who played Sanam in Aasman Se Aage, as one of the judges on the dance reality show the serial was based on. Rajesh who has been on TV for quite a long time has pleased the audience and critics alike. He spoke to Tellychakkar.com about why an actor will ever want to change his gender on screen for a role. “First and foremost, we as actors should be prepared to make fun of ourselves on screen. There should be no shyness; and no space for apprehension in work. And I am confident enough that I will do justice to any role, so I am all game for it.” (Commendable confidence for sure!!!) “An actor should do stuff out of the box. That way he gets noticed, or else it’s the same on TV these days. Acting as a woman is not that difficult as it seems, as 60 per cent of the job is done through costumes and hairstyle, while the rest of the lachaks and aadayein is for you to do,” he further adds. This change from a man to a woman may or may not excite some, but it surely leaves a mark in your mind. And as Rajesh mentions, that is the core ambition of a performer; to get noticed. Women rules on Indian TV…aise bhi…waise bhi!!!