In a recent gathering, four prominent television actors—Harshad Chopda, Shakti Arora, Nehha Pendse, and Dheeraj Dhoopar—engaged in a thought-provoking discussion about the current state and future of television in the midst of the growing influence of over-the-top (OTT) platforms. The conversation delved into various facets of the television industry, shedding light on its quality of content, relevance, competition from digital platforms, and the potential shift towards OTT.
Harshad Chopda, an industry veteran with a career spanning nearly 17 years, emphasized the pivotal role of quality writing in determining the success of television shows. He remarked, “TV is a writer’s medium; if the writing is not good, no one can do anything. Also, good content will eventually rake in the ratings.” This insight underscores the significance of compelling storytelling in captivating audiences amidst the evolving entertainment landscape.
Amidst the allure of digital platforms, Dheeraj Dhoopar, who recently made his digital debut, expressed his admiration for the organized nature of the OTT world. Conversely, Shakti Arora shared his personal journey, acknowledging the challenges he encountered while attempting to transition to films or OTT. His reflection on returning to television underscored the enduring embrace of the medium, stating, “So, I feel jaha ke raja ho, wahi ke ban ke raho.”
Nehha Pendse contributed a perspective on the complexities of transitioning between mediums, highlighting the inherent challenges and insecurities associated with such a shift. She remarked, “It’s a route with a lot of insecurities and you don’t know whether you will make it or not.” This candid assessment encapsulates the apprehensions actors face when contemplating a move to the OTT space, underscoring the multifaceted nature of their career decisions.
Furthermore, the discussion touched upon the evolving viewership patterns, with a recognition that the younger generation exhibits different content consumption behaviors, favoring the convenience and diversity offered by OTT platforms. Harshad Chopda astutely noted, “This is the last generation that is watching TV. The younger generation won’t consume the content that we are providing right now.”
In light of these insights, it becomes evident that the television landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the growing influence of digital platforms and the shifting preferences of audiences. However, the enduring appeal of television as a medium catering to a diverse audience and providing entertainment on a consistent basis cannot be overlooked.
The conversation with these esteemed actors provides a compelling glimpse into the complexities and dynamics of the television industry, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and the evolving nature of entertainment consumption. As the industry continues to navigate these changes, it is poised to witness further evolution in content creation, technological advancements, and audience engagement, thereby shaping the future of television in India.
Harshad Chopda added that TV continues to simmer and maintain its momentum, allowing it to sustain longer periods of popularity. This steadfastness suggests that it is unlikely to fade away any time soon. The television medium has become so secure in its position that channels are comfortable with streaming episodes online hours before their actual airtime in the evenings. It has found its rightful place and cultivated a loyal audience. Unlike any other medium, television excels at evoking strong human emotions.
