Sandiip Sikcand on Why Hindi Television Must Evolve: ‘We Are Not Making Enough Original Shows’

MUMBAI— Actor and producer Sandiip Sikcand has called for greater experimentation and originality in Hindi television, arguing that the industry is increasingly relying on stories inspired by Western shows or adapted from regional productions rather than developing fresh narratives.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Sikcand said he finds the situation disappointing given the enormous reach and influence of Hindi television.

“Even I don’t know the answer to that. Very honestly, it is disappointing that Hindi television, which is supposedly one of the biggest storytelling mediums, is now seeing shows and stories that are either inspired by the West or adapted from regional productions. We are not making enough original shows, which I find extremely disheartening,” he said.

Sikcand was responding to a question about why Hindi television, despite having a vast audience and an established entertainment ecosystem, has struggled to embrace experimentation.

According to the actor-producer, the problem is partly rooted in the way television projects are evaluated and approved. He said a system has emerged in which decision-makers may either remain attached to familiar approaches or be reluctant to encourage creative risks.

“This is a very big problem because television is a far-reaching medium, and countless people watch it. It has also given careers to so many people. I am one of them. I feel really bad that the television we once had is not there anymore,” Sikcand said.

He expressed hope that the industry will eventually move toward a more innovative approach and once again produce shows that audiences can view as distinctive and compelling.

“I am hoping and praying that this changes. I genuinely want this change to happen so that people can once again look at Hindi television and say, ‘Wow, this is such a good show,’” he said.

Sikcand also argued that one of the major shortcomings of current Hindi television is its tendency to revisit familiar themes and social settings instead of reflecting contemporary life.

He said many shows continue to tell stories that belong to an earlier era, while the experiences and circumstances of today’s audiences remain underexplored.

“But it is not happening because the storytelling in many Hindi shows is still telling stories that belong to earlier decades. We are not sufficiently exploring the stories of today’s people, today’s women, today’s circumstances and today’s realities. I feel that is one of the biggest challenges facing television today,” he concluded.

His comments come amid a changing Indian television and entertainment landscape, where traditional television continues to compete for audiences with streaming platforms and other digital forms of storytelling. Sikcand’s call for more original and contemporary narratives highlights the continuing debate over how Hindi television can evolve while retaining its broad audience base. (Source: IANS)