Hudugis in the reckoning

The latest tale on Kannada television says it all. Set in Melkote, comes this story of opposites. A character who is a board topper and the other who has never passed ninth grade! A rich and spoilt hero gets married to a heroine in Nan Hendathi MBBS on Star Suvarna, who aspires to be a doctor and despises him. The miss-match works perfectly for the audience as it showcases women as smarter, brighter and more intelligent. While, there is no doubt that it is women power which moves the small screen forward, even the newer tales see them in leading roles. They are no more just homemakers or playing typical daughter-in-laws who are constantly in tussle with the mother-in-law or the usual attractive vamps. Women in new-age television are no lesser than their counterparts and even inspire them to take up challenges. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.

“Despite the huge TRPs earned thanks to the female audience, the kind of roles they played on TV in the past were very cliched, mostly those who struggled to find their place in their family. Almost every tale had an emotional twist attached. The television has slowly moved away from such family dramas. However, they are still around but the way they are portrayed has changed. They make decisions and are self-confident characters,” says writer Sharan.

It is the miss-match which makes it all the more interesting. In Jodi Hakki, the female protagonist is a teacher by profession who marries an illiterate who is good at heart. “It is such a mismatch which makes it an interesting watch for the audience where a female protagonist inspires her man in many ways, and puts him on the right track while being a support in difficult times. There are several such tele-serials which run on similar lines. Even in Pattedari Pratibha which had a good run, women were shown in detective roles,” explains assistant director Ashwini.

In fact, a majority of serials have female protagonists playing a vital role, and are not there merely for the emotional factor. “If one carefully observes, most present characters are highly qualified, and the go-to-go person in critical situations. This in turn helps the audience to understand the core issue of women empowerment. It is not just about love, marriage and being a mother. It is good that television is on a path to change,” says actress Chaitra.