Look, who's changing on TV...

What better time to write about the women on the small screen than a day after International Women's day? I am pleasantly surprised to see the prime time woman changing. And most of the times it's for the better though there are a few stereotypes that need to go, pronto. Television is a powerful medium; it influences many a woman, age and social strata no bar. It then becomes important for the serial makers to portray her in the right light. From playing stereotypical roles of an ideal daughter or daughter-in-law, Indian women have evolved into multifaceted and versatile personalities who are financially independent and have a mind of their own, reveal the findings of a study. It was way back in 2000 when Tulsi Virani, a young demure girl but with a mind of her own beckoned couch potatoes into the Virani household and kept them glued to their seats for eight long years. She was traditional, yet she was progressive in her outlook. She knew to follow rules and also to bend them a little. And then in 2008, came Balika Anandi Vadhu who changed the fate and face of saas-bahu soaps. The young bride who was bound by social customs into a child marriage had viewers supporting Anandi in her new life as a beendni at her in-laws house. There were also the bad girls(read vamps) who indulged in extra- marital liaisons and live-in relationships. Whilst some climbed the corporate ladder, some chose to wear the pants at home and call the shots. These were the women who inspired and encouraged women cutting across all socio-economic divides. It is not only this young bride who has given the saas-bahus a run for their money. Reality television that has taken the imagination of the Indian viewer by storm has women at their brazen best. Rakhi Sawant, Kashmera Shah, Sambhavna Seth, Payal Rohatgi and company (note all of them were on Bigg Boss) with their politically incorrect statements and bindaas demeanour (of course plunging necklines and rising hemlines too contributed) had viewers either loving them or hating them but never once ignoring them. They didn't care what the world thought of them and did whatever it took to shock and awe viewers. While on one hand we still have those pati vratas clad in heavy brocade slathered in pancake and there are the others who represent the other India. The latter are seen on the assorted realistic shows with their greased faces, crumpled mismatched saris and a perpetual crease on the brow. Yes, today you find women of all kinds in your drawing rooms. Some you can't identify with, while others could be your next door neighbours. There are the 'real' women (as were seen in shows like Ladies Special) and those who are still portrayed as traditional, conventional women. And I can't sign this off before mentioning the young women who are taking the bold step of getting married on national television in full media glare. How many women of yore would have had the courage/guts/nerve to do so? I know I am stirring up a hornet's nest here but yes, the woman on TV is undergoing a change and how! There is a woman for everyone on TV today; and no, they are not mere means of raking in the ratings but are also getting meatier in their portrayals. Read more...