TOI Article

Television, a medium which primarily targets women audience is now coming up with storylines that showcase social issues, particularly after the strong impact that the recent Delhi gang rape incident has made. Recent tracks in Parvarrish... Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi, Kaali... Ek Punar Avatar, Qubool Hai, Amrit Manthan, Har Yug Mein Ayega Ek Arjun,Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon, et al have taken creative inspiration from real life incidents of honour killings, child trafficking, domestic violence and rape. 

Amrit Manthan had a track where the protagonist stands up against crimes against women; in Madhubala.. Ek Ishq Ek Junoon is a victim of domestic violence who ran away to prevent female infanticide of her newborn shoots her devilish husband; Kaali.. Ek Punar Avatar is loosely based on the Nitish Katara honour killing case; Qubool Hai also had an entire track on honour killing; in Parvarrish... Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi, Kaali... a teenager saves herself from a possible molestation and kidnap.

Call it a bid to introducing more relatable content or creating more awareness, TV shows are inspired from real life incidents in a big way. Prashant Bhatt, weekday programming head of a renowned General Entertainment Channel (GEC) says, "Social issues have always inspired television. Reel always takes inspiration from real life."

Banking just on real life incidents is not enough, say many. Producer Saurabh Tewary says, "TV soaps are moving away from the regular saas bahu dramas and with shows catering to women between 15-35 years ,the narrative has to be one that the audience can identify with. One must marry entertainment with the incidents so that there is synergy and the idea is in sync with the storyline."

Channel heads/producers and actors feel TV shows also need to do their bit in social reforms. "Audiences connect with stories on women empowerment," says Tewary. Concurs Bhatt, "If a show manages to bring in some positive changes in one life, the purpose is served. TV is not about setting fashion trends only."

Drawing inspiration from real life incidents, says Ajit Thakur, head and general manager of a GEC, is "another way of storytelling and content needs to reflect real life because that's more relatable." Actor Adaa Khan too seconds the move, "Everyone relates to the real life incidents.TV soaps are basically reflecting what is happening in the society. It is also our responsibility to emphasis on the need for change in the society."

As to whether reality finds a taker in the audience only time (and TRPs) will tell. Till then let the drama build up on the small screen.

Violence against women
The burning issue of female infanticide was the base point from where the subsequent tracks of Madhubala Ek Ishq Ek Junoon started off. Other shows that are currently talking about domestic violence et al, include Phir Subah Hogi, Junoon Aisi..., and Balika Vadhu

Honour killings
Barely months after Aamir Khan brought to light the Khap Panchayat's brutal honour killings in a Rajasthan village in Satyamev Jayate, TV soaps are using it for dramatic effect. Shows likeQubool Hai, Har Yug Mein Ayega Ek Arjun, Adaalat etc. have addressed the issue.

Real to reel
Loosely based on the Nitish Katara honour killing case, Kaali ..Ek Punar Avatar was given a prestigious 8 pm slot with Mangal Kenkre as the female protagonist fighting for justice . Other shows that have aped real to reel situations are Parvarrish Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi, Amrit Manthan and Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke (recent episodes in these shows took off from the Delhi gang rape case).

 

I agree with you ...Madhubala's reactions seemed too watered down to me for some reason. I expected

1) Her to defend RK passionately in front of Trishna. She should have said something like "Mujhe sochne ki jaroorat nahi ha mujhe pata hai RK ne aisa kyon kiya hoga" or "Didu...tumhari galti ki wajah se RK ki jaan jaa sakti thi...uska zimmedaar kaun hota"

2)When she sees RK drinking, she should have thrown a tantrum instead she calmly wanted to talk.

3) This was the oddest piece, she seemed to display no guilt at all that she was somehow the reason for getting RK hurt or that RK could have died while trying to save her. She thanks him...instead she should have been feeling guilty for putting his life at risk or crying over what she would have done if something happenned to him.

 

While RK seems to have self-doubt sometimes, Madhu rarely seems to have the same. With all the drama that she has created in RK's life, never does once she feel that RK might have been better off without her.

 

 

Agree on Trishna.. She is one irritated selfish brat and getting away too easily.. I was hoping Madhu bajoa her nicely when she said it was all RK's plan to bring back balraaj in their lives..I was surprised why Madhu stayed quiet..