How is television evolving from formulaic to unconventional storytelling?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Television storytelling is evolving from formulaic to innovative formats.
- Audience preferences are pivotal in shaping narratives.
- New opportunities for actors and writers to explore unconventional ideas.
- Shabbir Ahluwalia plays a unique character in his latest show.
- Today's viewers enjoy a wider range of choices.
Mumbai, May 28 (NationPress) Renowned television actor Shabbir Ahluwalia expressed his views on the remarkable evolution occurring in the realm of TV storytelling.
He noted that the era of adhering to formulaic plots and predictable storylines is gradually being replaced by more innovative and experimental content. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Shabbir shared that this transformation, mainly fueled by shifting audience preferences, is unlocking exciting avenues for actors, writers, and producers to venture into new concepts and transcend conventional limits. When discussing the contrast between his past projects and contemporary shows, Ahluwalia emphasized a notable change in viewer expectations. The veteran actor elaborated that historically, television heavily relied on tried-and-true formulas that reliably drew in audiences. However, of late, viewers have embraced experimentation and unconventional storytelling.
The ‘Kumkum Bhagya’ star remarked, “I believe the audience has evolved significantly. In the past, certain formulas always yielded success. Today, however, viewers are more receptive to innovation. This paves the way for us to create unconventional shows—like this one. Our story features a male lead who is remarkably eccentric, contrasting sharply with the usual portrayals. The female lead, in stark contrast, has a zest for life. Such dynamics were seldom seen before. Now, with the audience being more accepting, we have the opportunity to experiment with fresh ideas. It’s thrilling to partake in this transformation.”
Shabbir Ahluwalia also underscored the critical influence that audiences hold in determining the success of any show or film. “Ultimately, it boils down to the audience,” he stated, clarifying that the continuity of a show depends entirely on how well viewers relate to the content.
The actor noted that today's viewers possess a plethora of choices at their disposal, which signifies a positive shift in the entertainment sector.
On the professional front, Shabbir, who has been active in the television industry for more than two decades, is currently featured in the show 'Uff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil', alongside Ashi Singh, Supriya Shukla, and Rahul Singh. In this romantic drama, Ahluwalia portrays Yug Sinha, a character quite different from his previous roles.