Indian television explores unconventional relationships
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It's not just liplocks
that's making waves on the tube. TV shows are getting bolder by going
beyond the man-woman relationship
SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS
Maryaada...Lekin Kab Tak? was the first show on Indian television to
explore a gay relationship, with Dakssh Ajit Singh and Karan Singh
portraying the role of a gay couple.TV show Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, too, had
touched upon the subject.Now, Ayaz Ahmed is playing a homosexual in
Kaisi Yeh Yaariyaan.
ROMANCING THE GHOULS
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani and Fanaah, said to be inspired by The Twilight series and The Vampire Diaries respectively, showcased romance blossoming between a human and a vampire.
TRANSGENDER AND GIRL
In Ek Boond Ishq, Hunar Hali's character Nandini was shown getting married to a transgender played by Vishwajeet Pradhan. This was probably the second time an unsuspecting girl was shown getting married to a transgender on Indian television. Earlier, in Rakt Sambandh, Sandhya (Sriti Jha) had tied the knot with Yuvraj, who was later revealed to be a transgender.
INCEST
Laut Aao Trisha touches upon a lot of sensitive and controversial issues like incest, group sex and more.
MAY-SEPTEMBER RELATIONSHIP
TV show Webbed aired an episode revolving around a teacher who was involved in a physical relationship with her student. Television shows, which deal it easy with the subject of unconven tional relationships, don't have . There is always a chance of it backfiring. GECs are usually worried about the numbers and viewers' feedback. Vikas Gupta, programming head of a channel, says, “Not all broadcasters lap up such concepts. But thankfully , there are enough people who realise the importance of showing such relationships on the tube, especially since television is evolving and so is society .“
ART IMITATES LIFE
While these subjects may still hold shock value, they are actually a reflection of what is prevalent in society. As Nalini Negi, who plays the title role in Laut Aao Trisha that deals with incest and group sex, says, “Unconventional relationships exist in our society . I have heard of two cousins tying the knot in Hyderabad. What we portray on the show is reality and not a work of fiction.“
Adds Rishina Kandhari, who essayed the role of a homosexual in Yudh, “Fortunately , we have become progressive. Earlier too, there were just as many females or males who were attracted to the same sex, but they could never muster the courage to admit it due to social perceptions and stigmas.“
DEALING WITH THE SUBJECT SENSITIVELY
Vikas believes that one has to be extremely sensitive while broaching such issues, as it can have an adverse effect otherwise. “The first time is always a tough one, but it's a process.We need to tell these stories extremely sensitively. They need to blend in and not stand out. There is a huge moral responsibility when you attempt a topic like this. Fortunately, due to the internet and the cast's regular visits to dif ferent cities, the response is positive and fast,“ he says.
Dakssh Ajit Singh, who was the first actor to play a homosexual on Indian television in Maryaada... Lekin Kab Tak?, too feels that makers should not toy with serious subjects like same-sex relationships just for numbers and show them in poor light. “Many times, the creative team lacks clarity and the right vision while exploring such relationships. If you have taken up a cause, you should do full justice to it and not change it to grab more eyeballs.“
A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT
There's no denying that showcasing such relationships is a bold move. But it can safely be said that it's a positive development. After all, television is one of the most powerful mediums and plays an important role in changing the perspective of the society .
ROMANCING THE GHOULS
Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani and Fanaah, said to be inspired by The Twilight series and The Vampire Diaries respectively, showcased romance blossoming between a human and a vampire.
TRANSGENDER AND GIRL
In Ek Boond Ishq, Hunar Hali's character Nandini was shown getting married to a transgender played by Vishwajeet Pradhan. This was probably the second time an unsuspecting girl was shown getting married to a transgender on Indian television. Earlier, in Rakt Sambandh, Sandhya (Sriti Jha) had tied the knot with Yuvraj, who was later revealed to be a transgender.
INCEST
Laut Aao Trisha touches upon a lot of sensitive and controversial issues like incest, group sex and more.
MAY-SEPTEMBER RELATIONSHIP
TV show Webbed aired an episode revolving around a teacher who was involved in a physical relationship with her student. Television shows, which deal it easy with the subject of unconven tional relationships, don't have . There is always a chance of it backfiring. GECs are usually worried about the numbers and viewers' feedback. Vikas Gupta, programming head of a channel, says, “Not all broadcasters lap up such concepts. But thankfully , there are enough people who realise the importance of showing such relationships on the tube, especially since television is evolving and so is society .“
ART IMITATES LIFE
While these subjects may still hold shock value, they are actually a reflection of what is prevalent in society. As Nalini Negi, who plays the title role in Laut Aao Trisha that deals with incest and group sex, says, “Unconventional relationships exist in our society . I have heard of two cousins tying the knot in Hyderabad. What we portray on the show is reality and not a work of fiction.“
Adds Rishina Kandhari, who essayed the role of a homosexual in Yudh, “Fortunately , we have become progressive. Earlier too, there were just as many females or males who were attracted to the same sex, but they could never muster the courage to admit it due to social perceptions and stigmas.“
DEALING WITH THE SUBJECT SENSITIVELY
Vikas believes that one has to be extremely sensitive while broaching such issues, as it can have an adverse effect otherwise. “The first time is always a tough one, but it's a process.We need to tell these stories extremely sensitively. They need to blend in and not stand out. There is a huge moral responsibility when you attempt a topic like this. Fortunately, due to the internet and the cast's regular visits to dif ferent cities, the response is positive and fast,“ he says.
Dakssh Ajit Singh, who was the first actor to play a homosexual on Indian television in Maryaada... Lekin Kab Tak?, too feels that makers should not toy with serious subjects like same-sex relationships just for numbers and show them in poor light. “Many times, the creative team lacks clarity and the right vision while exploring such relationships. If you have taken up a cause, you should do full justice to it and not change it to grab more eyeballs.“
A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT
There's no denying that showcasing such relationships is a bold move. But it can safely be said that it's a positive development. After all, television is one of the most powerful mediums and plays an important role in changing the perspective of the society .
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