Shiny Doshi says audiences must stop encouraging 'helpless girl' stereotypes, feels TV is stuck on outdated heroines
Mumbai, July 8
Actress Shiny Doshi believes Indian television needs to move beyond portraying women as "soft" and "helpless girls" and instead focus on stronger, more contemporary female characters.
Speaking about the changing landscape of television, Shiny said that most of the roles she has been offered over the years have revolved around a similar image of the 'ideal' television heroine.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Shiny said, "Television, I feel that all the shows that have been offered to me and all the shows that I have done so far, they wanted to see a very soft, very positive girl. A girl who is very relatable to the audiences also because an audience of our television likes to see helpless and 'bechari' girls," she said.
The actress added that the portrayal no longer reflects the realities of today's women.
"I feel that now girls are way more stronger. Digitally, the world has advanced so much now. We have so many platforms to watch shows. Now, television especially, I feel, they really need to work on the content that they are making," she shared.
The actress acknowledged that television is ultimately driven by business and viewership, Shiny said audiences also have a role to play in bringing about change.
"I understand when it comes to business, people only want to produce what is being seen, which is what is being sold the most, what people like to see. So, as an audience, we need to take accountability and stop accepting helpless heroine roles" she said.
The actress clarified that while stories of women facing hardships remain relevant, television should broaden its narrative canvas.
"I know it does happen with a lot of women in small villages, it happens with girls. But I believe television is also going through a transformation. Every four or five years, there is a small dip where, content-wise, we grow a little ahead. I feel that's where television is lacking right now."
Calling for fresher storytelling, Shiny concluded, "There are such amazing concepts and such amazing stories still to be told on television."
For the uninitiated, Shiny Doshi is known for her performances in television shows including 'Saraswatichandra', 'Jamai Raja', 'Pandya Store', 'Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant' and 'Laal Ishq'. She was last seen in the reality show 'The 50', where she appeared as a challenger.
— IANS
Reader Comments
She makes a valid point about audience accountability. TRP-driven content is a vicious cycle - we keep watching, they keep making. Maybe if we collectively stop glorifying these tired tropes, TV will actually evolve. But... is Indian TV ready for modern women? I'm skeptical.
Interesting perspective from someone who's actually worked in the industry. But let's be real - while OTT platforms are showing women as CEOs and superheroes, TV stays stuck because it sells to a different audience. Villages and smaller towns still want their daily dose of 'saas-bahu' drama. That's the reality.
She's partly right, but also conveniently forgetting that shows like 'Pandya Store' and 'Saraswatichandra' were exactly about those 'soft' heroines she's criticizing now. 🤔 If you want change, start with the roles you accept. Actions speak louder than interviews, Shiny.
I agree with her completely! It's 2024 and we're still watching the same 'maar-pitaai' and 'mangalsutra' dramas. Why can't TV show a working woman who has her own identity beyond running the kitchen? The problem is both writers and viewers - we need to demand better. 👏
As someone who watches Indian TV with my wife, I see her point but also understand the business side. The 'bechari' formula works because it's safe and predictable. Change will come slowly - perhaps through digital first, then impacting TV. Shiny is brave to speak up though. From Australia, thanks for the perspective!