Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has sparked a lively debate on Indian TV’s evolution, longing for the value-driven storytelling of yesteryears. Spotlighting the legendary ‘Udan’—a Doordarshan staple from the pre-cable era—he argues it’s the blueprint for today’s content-starved small screen.
Posting a nostalgic snapshot on X, Kapur reflected: ‘Back when Doordarshan was our sole window to the world, ‘Udan’ aired its finale in 1991. Yet, its feverish popularity rivaled mass movements.’ The serial’s allure turned actors into household icons, with Kapur’s Collector role earning him enduring fan love as ‘Collector Sahab’ across rural India.
What set ‘Udan’ apart was its inspirational core. ‘It didn’t just entertain; it ignited ambitions,’ Kapur noted. Countless women, now in elite services like IAS and IFS, trace their drive to the show’s portrayal of determination and duty.
Kapur laments modern TV’s shift toward superficial plots. ‘We need narratives brimming with ethics, challenges overcome, and a clear path forward,’ he asserted. In an era of social tensions, such programming could bridge divides and foster unity.
From ‘Mr. India’ to ‘Bandit Queen,’ Kapur’s career exemplifies bold storytelling. His plea challenges producers: revive the ‘Udan’ spirit to restore television’s role as a societal compass. Will the industry heed this clarion call?