Veteran television actress Apra Mehta, a witness to the dramatic transformation of the Indian small screen, has expressed immense pride in being part of its journey. She emphasizes the medium's enduring power and profound sense of responsibility in shaping society.
A Front-Row Seat to Television's Evolution
Currently captivating audiences as Rajeshree in the popular show 'Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani' on Sun Neo, Apra Mehta reflects on her long-standing career. She began at the young age of 15, anchoring the children's program Santakukdi for Mumbai Doordarshan. Having worked in nearly 40 daily soaps, including iconic series like 'Alpviram', 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi', 'Saat Phere', and 'Jamai Raja', she has a unique perspective.
"I have personally seen television evolve over the years, and I feel proud to have been a part of this journey," she states. While acknowledging that TV is not the same as it was in its earlier days, she firmly dismisses any notion of its decline. "But it is definitely not going anywhere. The reach of TV is massive, and its audience is still very large and powerful," Apra asserts.
The Unmatched Global Reach and Social Duty
Mehta highlights a fascinating aspect of Indian television: its deep connection with the diaspora. Through her travels for drama shows worldwide, she has observed how Indians living abroad maintain a strong bond with TV content. "Many of them may not watch films regularly, but they are deeply connected to TV," she notes.
This vast and loyal viewership, according to her, amplifies the medium's responsibility. "This makes it even more important for us to show today's reality, not outdated thinking," she explains. Apra believes that any show carrying a meaningful and positive message resonates powerfully with the audience, making television "one of the strongest mediums to bring change and spread the right message."
Driving Change Through Narrative: The Example of 'Beendani'
She cites her current project as a prime example. 'Prathaon Ki Odhe Chunri: Beendani' narrates the story of Ghevar, a spirited village girl from Rajasthan, whose life transforms when a newborn enters her family, intertwining two distinct worlds. The plot explores love, sacrifice, and hidden truths, showcasing Ghevar's courageous journey.
Within this narrative, Apra's character, Rajeshree, holds regressive views. "My character may believe that girls don't need education. But through the lead actors and the story, the makers want to send a strong message that girls must be educated," she elaborates. She stresses the continued relevance of such themes, adding, "Even today, there are many places where girls are still not encouraged to study, and it is very important to reach out to people with this message."
For Apra Mehta, Indian television is more than just entertainment; it's a dynamic, far-reaching platform with the unique potential to mirror contemporary values and inspire societal progress. Her career stands as a testament to its evolving yet unwavering influence.
