Gone are the days when television serials used to be the most effective medium to communicate the message of women empowerment. With the advancement of newer channels the demand for TV soaps increased. At the same time Ekta Kapoor’s era started where women protagonist were given heavy preference with Indian Masala in it. Actresses were known by their character’s name in serial, like Smriti Irani was well-known as Tulsi, Sakshi Tanwar as Parvati, Shweta Tiwari as Prerna etc. This was the effect then and it still exists now. People not only watch serials but they grasp and form their own perceptions actively or in most cases passively. Indirectly the audiences, especially women try to imitate the attire, jewellery of the protagonists. The stereotypical image of a woman who is portrayed as a Devi of house, decked up with rich clothes and always ready to sacrifice for her family, nowadays is ruling in serials or rather we can say it has become a flavor of the season. To grab more attention from viewers and to increase the TRPs of the serials, the directors woo back the audience by showing them the backwardness of Indian women. There is no voice to women in a family but indeed the serial runs on them as they are the only who give an emotional touch to the serial.

Sony TV’s serial Ek Nayi Pehchaan, where a daughter-in-law supports her mother-in-law to study, which is a good enough concept but, again many sacrifices are shown from both of the ladies. Star Plus’s Saraswatichandra, also plots a story where the woman protagonist marries someone else sacrificing her love on the demand of her family. Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya serial of Zee TV portrays again a typical love story where the couple falls in love and their experience is put forward. In every serial an iconic love story pitches in with lots and lots of tragedies happening with the couple. Beintehaa of Colors’ channel also witnesses the same dramatic story of love and sacrifice by the lead actress.

Television has cited some good serials also like Balika Vadhu (Still going on) and Na Aana Is Desh Lado of Colors channel, where a good try was made by the producers to open the mind-sets of people and to eradicate the social customs and practices prevailing in some region of our country. The main issues focused were the child marriages and female foeticide, and their aftermaths which killed the identity and presence of a woman. Unfortunately, the story plot of Balika Vadhu has destroyed its main essence and the motive with which it was introduced.

The producers and directors should now understand that if a TV serial can change the minds of people then this platform should be used in a better and effective manner. Television serials still have a long way to go as more and more good concepts of bringing a change in the Indian society is needed to make India a better place to live.