Television has a greater impact than any other medium when it comes to conveying messages, says actress Radhika Vidyasagar. The actress, who plays Renuka Deshmukh in Rahul Tewary and Rolling Tales Production’s Udne Ki Aasha on Star Plus, believes that TV reflects society and presents it in a larger-than-life manner.
“Television reflects society. It’s a powerful medium that influences people. When you watch something on TV, the impact is stronger than any other form of influence. The medium is incredibly strong and has a significant effect on the masses. Television often portrays life in a larger-than-life way, but with stories that resonate deeply with the audience,” she explains.
When asked how daily soaps resonate with the values and beliefs of society, she says, “Daily soaps connect with viewers because the creators ensure they align with the beliefs, ideologies, and values of the people and society. This connection is essential. However, OTT platforms offer something different compared to traditional television in our country. My current show is influencing people—it tells a compelling story about a typical middle-class family living in Mumbai. That’s the essence of the story. A common person has many dreams, and yes, this show is definitely making an impact.”
Discussing her own show, Radhika says, “Our show focuses on relationships and family drama, portraying the life of a typical middle-class Indian family. Unlike other glossy shows catering to the upper class, our show reflects everyday struggles. It’s relatable and grounded in reality. This is what sets it apart—it resonates with anyone, as these stories could happen in anyone’s life.”
She adds that drama is essential for keeping viewers engaged. “Drama plays a central role in television, and yes, we need to inject drama into the narrative every day. That’s what keeps it engaging. For me, a strong and impactful character is crucial. While a short character arc can have its impact, in film, OTT, or television, the character needs to be present every day. The strength of a television character lies in its constant presence, whereas on OTT platforms, characters appear less frequently but are equally impactful. These are the key differences between the mediums. On OTT, characters are impactful but seen less often, while on television, they must appear regularly,” she explains.