Kitu Gidwani Critiques Modern Indian Television
Kitu Gidwani, a notable figure in Indian television, recently voiced her concerns about the current state of the medium in a conversation with Oka Boka TV. She lamented the decline in quality and the overwhelming focus on saas-bahu dramas, which dominate the ratings. Kitu pointed out that in earlier days, shows featured strong female characters like Rajni and Shanti, who played pivotal roles in the narratives. Today, however, she feels there is a lack of such central characters driving the stories.
Reflecting on the evolution of storytelling, Kitu explained that earlier television mirrored the societal changes women were experiencing. It was a time when issues around work, marriage, and independence were being actively negotiated. The characters were representations of real struggles, whereas contemporary television seems to have lost this essence. Kitu expressed her dismay over what she perceives as a shift towards business over creativity in the industry.
“It is a whole different universe today,” she remarked, emphasizing that she no longer engages with modern television due to its poor quality. Kitu noted that audiences seem to enjoy the drama between saas and bahu, but she personally detests this trend. She reminisced about how someone once told her that it has become merely a business, suggesting that one should just close their eyes and go along with it.
Kitu’s own journey in the industry reflects the significant changes that have taken place over the years. She became a household name with her role in Trishna (1985), a landmark moment in Indian television. Her career expanded to include diverse roles in films like Priyanka Chopra's Fashion and Alia Bhatt's Student of the Year, but her proudest moment came from her acclaimed performance in the international film Dance of the Wind (1997).
In recent years, Kitu has been selective about her roles, focusing on those that offer depth rather than mere visibility. Her return to television was marked by her role in Hum Rahe Na Rahe Hum (2023), where she portrayed a traditional matriarch, showcasing her ability to adapt to changing narratives. Kitu Gidwani remains a powerful voice in the industry, advocating for more substantial and meaningful stories in Indian television.
