Roopal Tyagi, who rose to fame with her performance as Gunjan in the popular TV show Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke and her stint in Bigg Boss 9, recently addressed the entire television industry through an open letter. As per Roopal, the content produced in today’s time has been rather regressive than progressive and that emphasising the show on a ‘dark’, ‘fat’ or a ‘thin’ is not spreading any awareness, but rather making people feel ashamed of their existence. She also called 85% of television shows as regressive.
Taking to her Facebook account, Roopal shared her concern through a long post. She also tagged all the leading channels of the Indian television industry. “Dear Indian television industry, I’m writing this open letter with all my heart and sincerity cause speaking up has become important. We as an industry have a huge power to influence our society. Or more specifically (as its put in most meetings) the target audience - the “mother” the “wife”, no no sorry - “housewife”. Let me remind you, She brings up your next generation. She’s perhaps the most important part of any household. Doesn’t that make your job even more important if she is the one consuming your content? But I digress,” read an excerpt from Gunjan’s post.
She added, “When are we going to stop faking it? I say faking cause a lot of us now actually think there is a lot of progressive content on TV. I used to be one. But i was so wrong. No. There isn’t. 85% of our shows are downright regressive and portray “THE LEAD” in bad light. Let me explain. You think you make a show about a “dark” skinned girl, a “short” girl, a “fat” girl etc and about the problems they face and call it a progressive show. No. All that such shows are doing is instilling subliminally that these very normal basic physical characteristics of a woman’s body are actually something to be ashamed of. And just like your “heroine”, our real life women can either cry or (the latest fad) - fight back!”
“In reality, and you may debate this by saying you mirror the society, fact of the matter is its not as bad as you portray it. Even if you debate it is, then make something that will actually help. after such shows, these “short” “dark” “fat” girls start getting teased as your lead characters name. Is that called helping?” continued Roopal. (ALSO READ - Mujhse Shaadi Karoge: Sidharth Shukla To HOST Shehnaaz Gill’s Swayamvar; We Have PROOF)
Suggesting a solution for the same, Roopal wrote, “You want to make a progressive show? Find a story that goes beyond a woman’s body. Cast a dusky girl or a short girl or a fat girl as your girl next door. Cause THAT’s how girls next door are!!! It’s normal. This is normal. We are indian girls.. We are not all fair skinned, 6 feet tall or muscular. High time we get over our British hangover, don’t you think so?”
She also asked to not to boycott her just because she has shared her opinion. “P.S. just because I voiced my opinion, please don’t boycott me. This is my bread and butter. I have faith things will change. Hence the opinion,” concluded the actress.
Fair point well made, Gunjan!
image source: instagram/roopaltyagi06