Vasudha Fame Pratiksha Rai On World Television Day: Television Has Evolved Massively

For actress Pratiksha Rai, who was recently seen in Vasudha, television has always been more than just a screen. She said that it's been a shared experience, a ritual that once brought families together every evening.

Speaking on the occasion of World Television Day, which is observed on November 21, she said, "Television has evolved massively. Earlier, it was the only source of entertainment for families, but now with OTT platforms, people have more choices and freedom to watch what they want, when they want. Yet, I feel television still has its own charm because it brings people together."

"OTT may be individual, but TV is collective. It's where storytelling began for many of us, and I think both can coexist beautifully-TV with its emotional connection and OTT with its creative freedom," she added.

She feels that TV is special because of its reach and consistency. She said, "Television connects with every corner of India, from big cities to the smallest towns. It still creates that emotional bond between the audience and the characters. Viewers wait every day for the next episode; they feel like they're living that story."

"As an actor, you don't just play a role; you become part of someone's daily life, and that connection is priceless," she added.

Pratiksha also stressed that daily soaps and reality shows still have the same emotional connection, as emotions never go out of style. She said, "The formats may change and the storytelling may evolve, but the essence of emotions-love, family, values, relationships-will always touch hearts."

"Reality shows too have a strong connection because people see real emotions, real struggles, and real dreams. Television is still that one medium where people can escape from their worries and feel hope again," she added.

Recalling her experience of watching TV with her family, she said, "I still remember those beautiful days when television was more than just entertainment; it was a family ritual. Every evening, the whole family would gather in front of the TV. The women at home, including my mother, would be cutting vegetables while watching their favorite serials. Everyone would get so involved that they used to cry with the characters, and even I would cry, though I barely understood what was happening!"

"I remember waiting eagerly for the next day's episode, wondering what would happen next. Back then, shows aired from Monday to Friday, so weekends felt incomplete. Saturday and Sunday were the toughest days for us because our favorite show wasn't on," she added.

She also mentioned that she and her brothers used to recreate serials at home. She said, "I would always play the positive lead (of course!), and my brothers and sisters had to play the villains. And the funniest part? Even when I cried, I used to make those dramatic crying sounds because, in my head, I could hear the background music playing! That's how deeply I was connected to television."

"Those were such innocent, magical times full of emotion, imagination, and pure joy," she added.

She stressed that she would love to bring back the era when shows had innocence, simplicity, and real emotions. "Like Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki. Those were not just shows; they were emotions. Families used to watch them together, talk about them, and feel every moment. That golden era of television taught us what connection truly means," Pratiksha ended