TV Serials Breaking New Ground for Women

With the break in the monopoly of Doordarshan's education-based programs and the entry of commercial cable and satellite television, the portrayal of women and her sexuality has undergone as tremendous change as the medium itself in the country in the past few years.

From the stereotypical women of the Doordarshan's "Hum Log" era, woman has continously grown and matured into a diverse and complex human being with real desires, feelings, emotions, needs and abilities.

The seeds of the revolutionary change in the portrayal of women's sexuality was sown in serials in the state-owned network itself, like "Udaan," whose protagonist, a woman police officer, is remembered to this day for her assertiveness and independence. Even "Hum Log's" Majhli character was a rebel of sorts.

The actual breakaway from stereotypes in representation, however, actually happened with the entry of the cable television network in the country, waking up Doordarshan from its slumber and forcing competition down its guts. The DD also became "software-conscious," and began to relay "different" and interesting programs, mainly soaps and serials.

The effect was the airing of serials like "Shanti" and "Swabhimaan." The representation of women was totally unlike the previous staid characters.