A clear shift is visible in the streaming and television segments of India’s entertainment industry. To deal with the challenges emanating from short audience attention span and availability of copious amounts of content, leading streaming platforms and channels are designing non-fiction shows around the public image of Bollywood celebrities instead of merely presenting them as show hosts.

Shows such as Crime Patrol (SonyLiv) (Ajay Devgn, serious, Singham-cop and Drishyam-family-man image), India Ke Top 1% (Star Plus) (Anil Kapoor, energetic and larger-than-life image), Lock Upp (Netflix) (Farah Khan, bold, irreverent, Riteish Deshmukh, funny, approachable image), and The Traitors (Amazon Prime) (Karan Johar, Bollywood insider, gossip, theatrical image) are synergistic collaboration between Bollywood celebrities and show-creators and not merely filling the space of a celebrity host.

These collaborations are helping streamers and channels build strong intellectual properties (IPs) of non-fiction shows around celebrities, channel heads, brand experts and industry veterans told ET.

These non-fiction programmes around a celebrity show a different side of their personality which is in sync with the shows’ content, said channel heads.

“Beyond immediate recognition and strong start, the idea behind these non-fiction shows is to use celebrities as a doorway to an experience that audiences never had with them,” said Harsh Sheth, business head, Sony Entertainment Television. “These shows give audiences a chance to know the person, her views and journeys behind a personality. It makes them more relatable.”

A JioStar spokesperson said a personality must serve a show’s format and the format must deliver to the audience. “When a show’s format and concept is in sync with a personality’s public image, it makes the proposition even stronger,” added the spokesperson. The spokesperson cited non-fiction shows such as Bigg Boss and Koffee With Karan.

Such collaborations are also favourable for advertisers. “For advertisers, a celebrity-led show can be a relatively cost-effective way to get a celebrity association,” said Shailesh Kapoor, founder and chief executive of Ormax Media. “A brand may not be able to afford a direct endorsement deal with someone like Amitabh Bachchan. But by sponsoring Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), it can still have him talk about the brand on the show. That makes the show easier to sell, especially when television faces uncertainty over ratings and viewing habits.”

Harsh Sheth of Sony cited Google Gemini’s recent association with the current season of KBC as an effective advertiser-show collaboration. “The mentions of Google Gemini on the KBC show resulted in spikes in search interest and app downloads,” he said.

According to brand experts, a show will sustain audience interest only when the public image of the celebrity matches the show’s content expectations.

“In television, where there is no clear TRP-based currency, bargaining power becomes important. A channel or platform with a strong property in the form of a big celebrity can demand a better deal,” said Sandeep Goyal, managing director at advertising company Rediffusion.

“But this advantage is short-lived. Today, word-of-mouth communication is very strong. By the second or third week, people know whether a celebrity-based show is working,” he added.

In the past, when celebrities such as Priyanka Chopra and Arjun Kapoor hosted the non-fiction show Khatron Ke Khiladi, the show’s ratings were not strong enough because audiences did not see them as a natural fit for the format. But when director Rohit Shetty began hosting the show, it grew bigger because his image matched its core idea of stunts and adventure, said Kapoor of Ormax Media.

Ajay Devgn is ready to revisit the grey side of his screen persona. Almost 21 years after Kaal (2005), the actor will play a supernatural, morally ambiguous character in director Rohit Jugraj’s horror film tentatively titled Griha Pravesh.

“The story is fascinating and something out of the ordinary,” says a source close to production, adding that the film was to be shot in a “single schedule in the United Kingdom from July”. Early this year, mid-day had reported that the film will begin rolling in July (The Devil in Devgn – March 25), but his other commitments have pushed the project.

“The first schedule has been postponed because Ajay is shooting the television series Crime Patrol, which he is hosting. He is also completing the last schedule for the jungle adventure film, Ranger. Kumar Mangat [producer] and Rohit felt that it would save more time if they completed a chunk of the schedule in Mumbai and then went to London later in the year,” adds the source.

The film draws inspiration from the book Garuda Puran, a Sanskrit text comprising a dialogue between Lord Vishnu and Garuda, the King of Birds, and compiled by Veda Vyasa. Divided into two parts, it explores life, duties, death, the afterlife and the soul’s journey, as well as karma and rebirth.

“The book is divided in two parts — Purva Khanda that covers life and duties and Preta Khanda, which focuses on death, the afterlife journey of the soul, and funeral rites. It also focuses on whether actions on earth determine a soul’s experiences, peace, or suffering in the afterlife and its future rebirth. Ajay’s character is somewhere connected to all this [as a corrupted soul],” explains the source.

The first week-long schedule, featuring the characters’ introductions, will be “shot on a suburban Mumbai set depicting British house interiors”. Devgn will then promote Drishyam 3, which releases in October, before shooting for the thriller Chauhaan in December. 

This is the second time Ajay Devgn and Rohit Jugraj are working on a horror film. The latter had assisted filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma on the Devgn-led ‘Bhoot’ (2003).

After years of steady perseverance, Anup Soni feels he is finally arriving at a phase he had long been working towards. The journey, he admits, required patience, resilience and the willingness to live with a strong image shaped by his long association with Crime Patrol.

He says, “I never felt the need to break the Crime Patrol image because I didn’t want to appear ungrateful to something that gave me so much love and credibility. When people said the image was very strong, I accepted that for them to envision me in a different light would take time. I was willing to wait and choose the kind of work I genuinely wanted to do. To stay creatively fulfilled during that phase, I returned to theatre, as it doesn’t demand that you live up to a fixed image.”

At this stage, Anup says he feels lighter and more assured, especially as meaningful opportunities are finally coming his way. He says, “There is such a crowd of actors today that only strong work stands out. You have to trust your instinct and choose wisely. I’m happy with the kind of work being offered to me now. It genuinely feels like a payoff for the patience I showed.”

Citing Akshaye Khanna as an example, he adds, “I feel extremely happy watching Akshaye’s journey. I have taught him acting and have done several classes with him. I’ve always admired his clarity of thought. He has experienced the journey of being a leading man, and what he is doing today is truly commendable. He has reached a stage where he is such a credible and dependable actor that you can cast him in any role. That kind of freedom as an actor is wonderful.”

On whether variety remains skewed towards stars, Anup is practical. “Complaining won’t change anything. The star system exists everywhere. My journey is my own, and my focus is simple. I have to keep working and let my performances speak. Sometimes, all it takes is one role that truly lands. There’s nothing more fulfilling than earning work through good work, and I finally feel I’m seeing the results of that patience now,” he says.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), the entertainment arm of Tokyo-based Sony Group Corporation, is intensifying its focus on the Indian market as the country’s media and entertainment (M&E) sector undergoes rapid transformation, a top company official said.

SPE CEO Ravi Ahuja, who assumed office in January, noted that the boom in India’s M&E industry is being driven by strong economic and population growth. He also acknowledged that the company’s Indian operations are being reshaped following the failed merger with Zee Entertainment over a year ago.

“We believe the Indian market holds tremendous potential. We have a new MD and CEO, Gaurav Banerjee. His team is now focused on strengthening content production, building out distribution-related partnerships, and rebuilding and reorienting their growth strategy following the merger we previously attempted,” Ahuja said during the company’s annual presentation.

India’s media and entertainment (M&E) sector grew modestly by 3.3% in 2024, reaching Rs. 2.5 lakh crore, according to a report by EY in collaboration with FICCI.

Banerjee, previously with Star India, which is now jointly owned by Reliance Industries and Walt Disney, now leads Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), legally known as Culver Max Entertainment. SPNI owns and operates 27 linear television channels and the streaming platform Sony LIV. In FY24, the company reported a net profit of Rs. 839 crore on revenue of Rs. 6,510 crore.

A significant part of the growth strategy includes a renewed focus on digital platforms. "This includes increased investment in digital platforms, particularly in Sony LIV, our streaming service,” Ahuja added.

SPNI recently sublicensed the digital rights to India’s 2025–26 cricket tours of England to rival JioHotstar while retaining the television rights. SPNI is believed to have paid between $200–250 million for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) media rights, with the India tours comprising the lion’s share of the value.

Sony Entertainment Television (SET), facing challenges in its fiction segment, is revamping its lineup. This includes relaunching the popular drama Bade Achhe Lagte Hain in a new format and introducing the thriller Aami Dakini later this month. Other recent launches include Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan (June 4) and Shirdi Wale Sai Baba (April).

This adds to a content slate featuring Kaun Banega Crorepati, Indian Idol, CID, Crime Patrol, and Shark Tank India. SET India, Ahuja noted, remains the fourth most-viewed YouTube channel globally with 184 million subscribers.

“Early signs are promising — ratings for Sony’s channels have seen a notable uptick since the leadership change, reflecting growing viewer engagement,” he said.

“We also recently secured exclusive media rights for the Asian Cricket Council tournaments, starting in 2024 and running through 2031—a move we believe will significantly boost viewership and further enhance Sony LIV,” Ahuja said. SPNI paid $170 for the exclusive media rights.

However, the upcoming Asia Cup in September is uncertain due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and the resulting war-like situation.

SPE posted sales of $9.9 billion and operating income of $774 million, despite headwinds from lower series deliveries due to the Hollywood strike and reduced revenue from the India media networks business under SPNI.

Rob Stringer, chairman of Sony Music Group, said the company is expanding its presence in high-growth markets including India, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. “In India and Latin America, we are still number one in recorded music,” he added.

After a five-year hiatus, Anup Soni is returning as the anchor of Crime Patrol, a show he has long been synonymous with. For an actor who thrives on exploring new avenues with every project, how will this new season and his approach as an anchor differ from the past?

He says, “My approach remains as honest and grounded as it was five years ago. I’ve never adopted a fixed style or method. When I began hosting Crime Patrol in 2010, it was new for me too, and I just tried to be myself. I don’t want to come across as someone who’s all-knowing or trying to scare the audience. My role is simply to inform and alert them about the presence of crime in our society and remind them of safety measures. The key is connection. I need to connect with the audience, just as I did in the past. Rarely in life kuchh kaam aise ho jaate hain jinse aapka naam judd jaata hai aur woh kayi baar aapki image bhi bann jaati hai. While there are some drawbacks to it, it is ultimately a blessing that people recognize and shower you with love because of that show. I will always be grateful for this show in my life. The main reason for me to return to the show is its well-planned structure, which allows me to balance his acting projects. I’m an actor at heart, always hungry to explore new roles in different genres, whether in web series, films, or indie projects.”

Despite his love for Crime Patrol, the actor recalls a time when his association with the show led directors to assume he was too busy to take on new acting roles. He says, “There was a time when directors would ask, ‘Can Anup even spare time to read a script?’ They thought I was tied up with Crime Patrol because of its frequent repeat telecasts. When I left the show, a lot of people told me, ‘Kya bewakoofi kar rahe ho yaar?’ This is the rule of our industry jo chal raha hai, usko chalne do. Par agar main actor banne aaya tha toh main chalaane thodi aaya tha. Agar mujhe zindagi chalaani thi toh I would have done a 9-to-5 job. I was hungry as an artiste.”

Ask him about the challenges of finding meaningful roles as an actor his age, he replies, “Fortunately, I’m getting great offers from OTT platforms and films. Acting isn’t a specialized job. You don’t need formal training or a degree. If you perform well in an audition and fit the character, you get cast. Tomorrow, if a doctor wants to pursue acting, he can join the industry and become my competitor. But I can’t suddenly decide to become a doctor. I always say, if you want to be an actor, come when you truly feel it’s your passion. Craft is what will help you survive in the long run. Being successful is not the big thing; sustaining success is. Becoming popular isn’t the real challenge — staying relevant and continuing to grow as an actor is.”

The conversation turns to the changing landscape of stardom. Anup acknowledges that while content is king today, the obsession with looks and stardom is unlikely to fade.

He says, “We are a starstruck society, and always will be. We are biased about looks and will remain so. Star power still holds weight in the industry, whether it’s television, OTT, or cinema. Even today, when casting for big roles, directors often prefer established actors. As an actor, I haven’t come to bring a revolution. However, I believe there’s room for newcomers, and a fresh face can rise to stardom if given the right opportunity. While it’s fair for parents to support their children’s careers, the industry must also nurture talented outsiders. It’s important to maintain balance to avoid resentment. The problem arises when that balance is lost. Nepotism itself isn’t the issue; it’s every parent’s right to support their child and give them a platform. But the industry as a whole must strike that balance.”

Lastly, we ask him if plans to take on acting projects in television again and he responds, “I’m not undermining television, but daily soaps take up so much time that they leave little room for other projects. Right now, my focus is on exploring a variety of roles across films and web series. Growth happens when you’re exposed to different roles, directors, and actors.”

Actor-writer Zeishan Quadri is in a legal tiff with former business partner and producer Shalini Chaudhary, after she alleged that the Gangs Of Wasseypur actor sold her luxury cars without her knowledge and threatened her, too. Now, he has come forward to state that she is just trying to tarnish his image.

Last month, Chaudhary, who worked with Quadri on Crime Patrol Dial 100 and a film Halahal (2020), claimed that the latter mortgaged a luxury car of hers for Rs. 12 lakh after dodging her calls for the past year. He has been booked for cheating and criminal breach of trust under sections 420 and 406 of the IPC. “The case is completely baseless. I challenge her to put out evidence,” Quadri tells us.

Putting forth his side of the story, the actor says, “In June-July last year, she requested me to help her sell her car because she was in dire need of money. One of my acquaintances agreed to buy it and gave Shalini two cheques, one for Rs. 6 lakh (self-cheque) and another for Rs. 13 lakh. Soon after, I got a call from her son saying they are unable to clear the self-cheque at the bank. I spoke to the buyer, who transferred the money to me and I to Shalini.”

He goes on to claim that he sent Rs. 5.75 lakh to Chaudhary, and told her he would give her the remaining Rs. 25,000 in cash, after which they can return the Rs. 6 lakh cheque. “Her son agreed. But they didn’t clear transaction,” says Quadri, adding that soon he started getting abusive calls from them, claiming their car was “getting sold at Rs. 26 lakh”.

“They used such filthy language,” he says, and goes on to state that he was assaulted by Chaudhary’s sons on January 24 this year. “They asked me for Rs. 16 lakh for the car and Rs. 10 lakh for Halahal. I refused. After the [assault] incident, I was under so much trauma. I’ve filed a complaint against them. Inquiry is underway,” he says.

While the court order in the case filed by Choudhary is slated to be pronounced on September 7, Quadri says he will file a defamation suit against her. “I will also take forward my FIR in the assault case. She is trying to destroy my career and I will not remain silent,” he sums up.

India is a land where there is an audience for every medium, believes Anup Soni. It is with this idea that the actor, armed with years of experience in theatre, television, and movies, has forayed into the audio medium. He is set to host The Unsung Heroes for Audible, a podcast that offers 20 real-life stories of hope, empathy and acts of kindness. Soni gives us a lowdown on how he fine-tuned his skills to suit the new medium, and how the podcast made him a “better human being”.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

When theatre is your foundation, all the mediums can easily be fine-tuned. The only difference between the two mediums is that in audio, you have to be more expressive with your voice because your face is not seen. Everything has to be conveyed through your voice. So, your sound has to have that impact. I don’t want to boast about it, but so many years of experience prepared me for this. It’s like changing the radio station by a meter to get the right sound.

In India, there is space for everything. When television came, [everyone believed] that radio was [dying]. Then, private FM channels came in, and people were glued to them. Our population is so huge that we have the space to accommodate everything. People stuck in traffic completely depend on the radio. A lot of FM channels also have short stories now. If I want to know about someone, and there is an audiobook about the person, I will gladly tune in.

While listening to my own podcast, I explored a lot of new things [in the audio space] — from books, motivational talks, to thrillers, and songs. I lean more towards autobiographies and inspiring stories. That is why my first podcast is all about inspiring stories. When I got the offer from close friend and producer Monisha Singh Katial, I was excited.

A sutradhaar is the thread that connects the story and the audience. The anchor plays an important role in making the audience believe in his stories. The Unsung Heroes is inspired by situations around us. The purpose of this show is to inspire people. We’ve often heard that people have become selfish, we don’t care about one another, and that there is a lot of apathy. These stories will inspire people to do good, even in the smallest way possible.

One of the stories is about how a policeman helps a lost girl reunite with her family. Another story revolves around a guy who is confused about his sexuality at a young age, and how society treats a boy who has effeminate traits. Today, the person has transformed as per his orientation, and she is now a successful person. This show is more emotional, while Crime Patrol’s aim was to make people aware of the dangers around them. This show reminds people to be kind to others. I believe this podcast has made me a better human being.

Renuka Shahane returns to anchoring with the new season of Crime Patrol, which highlights crimes against children and committed by them. “I have hosted a wide variety of shows, but this is the first time I am delving into this genre. There is a lot of your own personality that comes across as a host, but you cannot cross a certain line, when you deal with a serious subject,” shares the actor-director.

“Crime against youngsters is the worst, they are the most vulnerable members of the society and can be victims of various forms of violence. The show also addresses parents, and how they can create a secure environment,” says Shahane, adding how important it is to make “digital footprints safer as technology is an important part of a child’s daily life”. On the show, the actor not only plays the host, but is a friend to parents making them aware of the situations that can harm children.

Shahane, whose directorial venture, the Kajol-starrer Tribhanga, was released digitally earlier this year, has begun work on her next film, a  dark comedy set in Mumbai. “I am working on the screenplay, but considering its subject, which will require shooting at actual locations across Mumbai, I will wait for things to be normal,” she says.

Bringing real-life fugitives to the forefront, Atul Kulkarni’s new show Faraar Kab Tak is the new call of justice. The actor will host the series that is inspired by real-life crime cases. Factual information traced from real First Information Reports (FIRs) form the show’s spine. Each episode showcases the story from two perspectives — the police and criminals. 

“The one thing that stood out for me is how real the show is. It has been inspired by stories that have shaken the core of the justice system, criminals who have committed some of the most heinous crimes and then disappeared off the face of the earth, to be found many years later. Being a new channel, the thought process of Ishara is different from the rest. I took up the project because I respect this unique vision,” says Kulkarni.

Indian television has seen a fair share of shows rooted in real-life crimes, be it Crime Patrol, India’s Most Wanted or Savdhaan India — Mumbai Fights Back that was hosted by Kulkarni. But the senior actor asserts that Faraar Kab Tak tells the stories responsibly without falling prey to sensationalism. “It’s not dramatised unnecessarily. It is riveting and will have you at the edge of your seat, but because of the content and not the dramatics. Secondly, the stories the channel has picked are untold and unheard of.”

The actor-turned-host, who has creatively invested in the show, hopes it will leave a strong social impact, awakening viewers to the realities of crimes. “It will make people realise the need to be alert and sense a problem in advance. Criminals don’t look a certain way or behave differently. Often, they are people among us, those we meet everyday. Crime rate has shot up and we need everyone to be abreast so that they can be safe.”

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief, Pahlaj Nihalani, has stirred up a hornet's nest by calling for censorship on television. He recently said that many TV shows, especially crime-based ones like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India, are “crossing limits“ by showing the most gruesome and heinous crimes in graphic detail.

He added, “Why are filmmakers required to get a new censor certification for their films to be shown on television when the rest of the content made especially for television gets to go on air unchecked? This free flow of content in television must stop. It's affecting the natural psychological development of young minds. Parents are worried.“

Nihalani's statement has met with unanimous opposition from the television industry, which argues that there's already an effective mechanism of self-censorship in place. As actress Pooja Gor, who has also hosted a segment of Savdhaan India, observes, “For years now, TV content has been in tune with what is acceptable to family audiences. In fact, it's the only medium that is already producing filtered content because of its vast reach. And that's precisely why movies have to be certified before being telecast and not shows. As far as crime shows are concerned, the portrayal of incidents is very realistic. These gruesome and heinous crimes have happened in reality - women have been raped and brutal murders have happened. Restricting content on crime shows is not going to change reality. At least, the said shows are conveying a message of caution to the people.“

SELF-REGULATION: THE KEYWORD
TV producers, too, echo Pooja's opinion. Producer Yash Patnaik, who shot a 'kissing scene' between the lead couple of his show Jana Na Dil Se Door, says that while Nihalani is entitled to his opinion, he can't generalise the medium.

Yash adds, “We are a free country and the audience has every right to decide what they want to watch. The TV fraternity is extremely responsible when compared to other mediums. Both producers and broadcasters follow the SNP (Standard Norm Practice) diligently. We don't air foul language, nudity and violence the way other mediums do. Just as censorship is expected on what we show, there also needs to be restraint on what we talk on public forums. It's extremely irresponsible of anyone to generalise the medium and degrade it. Let's have some respect and dignity.“

Sudhir Sharma, who has produced shows like Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and Baawre, adds, “There is already a lot of pressure on us. We are answerable to our broadcasters and viewers. If another body jumps in to dictate terms, that will be the end of creative freedom on television. We don't need more advice on how to make shows and which lines to not overstep.“

Now, the question arises that despite makers being conscious about the content they dish out on the small screen, is there a body regulating it? Every broadcaster has an SNP team keeping a close tab on the content airing on their respective channels. The makers are expected to adhere to the norms and regulations set by these teams. Director-turned-producer Ravindra Gautam, whose show Meri Durga is currently on air, informs, “TV content is monitored by the channel's SNP team, which makes sure that it adheres to all the self-regulatory content guidelines laid down by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF). Any complaint regarding the content can be made to the Broadcast Content Complaint Council (BCCC).“

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH ON TV?
Ravindra says, “TV should get as bold as society. However, ironically, we are still in the 70s' saas-bahu zone. That's the reason the medium finds it difficult to resonate with the youth. That's also the reason why web series are attracting more youngsters. Bold doesn't just mean sex; it's also about the mindset. We live in an era when we are abhorred for showing a consummation scene after marriage. An actress fears such a scene could be the death knell for her career. In fact, TV needs to get bolder or it will seem regressive. We need to introspect why the youth is more hooked on to the internet and web series. That's because we don't explore unconventional content on TV. The government and the channels should be supportive.“

BOLD ONLY POST 10
Actor Ronit Roy, who has dabbled in both films and TV , says that he believes censorship begins at home. He says, “I don't know about other people's houses. but in my home, we guide our children on what to watch and what not to. Anyway, the bold shows, which have adult content, like Bigg Boss, are broadcast after that time. And in my opinion, it is right because children should be asleep by that time.“

In the past, there have been several instances of broadcasters being summoned by the BCCC for going bold. A representative of the channel is summoned by the body to address and answer viewers' complaints and queries regarding the content. Producer Vikas Gupta says, “I had shot a kiss between two members of the same sex, but the channel didn't approve of it. They were of the opinion that it might get into a legal wrangle and also hurt sentiments of the audience.“

He adds, “Yes, we do produce risqué content, but that's aired after 10 pm when kids are asleep. I wouldn't know why Mr Nihalani has made a statement like that, because we already have a strong censorship system in place. We are answerable to our broadcasters and there are strict rules in place. Unlike movies, where a Befikre can have several kisses but a James Bond film can't, the rules are uniform on television. Also, we run tickers when such shows are aired, so that people can share their opinion with us. TV doesn't need another body interfering with what we show. It doesn't need to be censored anymore than it already is.“

CRIME-BASED SHOWS ARE NOT JUST FOR ENTERTAINMENT
Nihalani's major grievance is with crime-based shows airing on TV currently. He said, “Television soaps, reality shows and crime shows are crossing all limits. Shows like Crime Patrol and Savdhaan India show the most gruesome and heinous crimes in graphic detail. Real-life people are named in the fictional recreation of crime stories. Women are raped in incestuous attacks, housewives and minor girls are shown to be violated. If the same content was shown in any film, we at the CBFC, would have to clamp down heavily on the content.“

Annup Sonii, who hosts Crime Patrol, rebukes this claim and says, “The medium follows certain thumb rules while making the content. I can vouch that the team of the show has never crossed the line. Even the graphic details are mostly symbolic. This is something that's happening around us. The motive behind recreating these incidents is to inform people that crime is not a solution. Ramayan mein agar Ravan nahi dikhaayenge toh Ram ki achhai ka kaise pata chalega? Also, censorship is equally vested in the hands of viewers, who, if offended by any content, can stop watching it. That will be signal enough for the broadcaster and the channel to pull up their socks and look into what they are dishing out. We are anyway adhering to strong censorship values and don't need another body intervening in our creativity.“

Sushant Singh, the host of Savdhaan India, adds, “I would like to say that the age of censorship is over. It's a lost battle.What next? Ban the internet? What we show on these shows is the harsh reality - minors getting raped, crimes being committed by close relatives... We can't turn a blind eye to something that's happening around us. Will clamping down the portrayal bring down these incidents? On the contrary, a number of victims have gathered courage to report about the injustice done to them due to the message that our show conveys. The only way to curb crime is by raising your voice and fighting back.“

NO NEED FOR FURTHER CENSORSHIP: SHABANA AZMI
In response to Nihalani's comment on censoring TV content, Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi, who is part of BCCC, says, “At present, there is a BCCC board that addresses the complaints made by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry and public. It has members from within the industry and fields of social science, including representatives from women's, minorities' and children's commissions headed by Justice Mudgal. I have been on board since its inception and know how it works well. It comprises a liberal and sensitive group of people and there has always been complete compliance from the con tent team whenever the BCCC has objected to something. The council has held interactive workshops with creative teams in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata to sensitise them and hear their compulsions. It works well and should continue. There is no need for further censorship.“

FILMS GIVEN MORE LEEWAY THAN TV
Actor Ram Kapoor, who generated quite a buzz following a kissing sequence with his co-actor Sakshi Tanwar on the TV show Bade Acche Laggte Hain five years ago, says, “I am baffled by this man's statement. What is he talking about? Doesn't he know that TV is censored anyway? I am currently doing a web series and I've never experienced this kind of creative freedom on TV. We ponder over everything multiple times before airing it on the small screen because it's viewed by families. It's morally right to restrict the content on TV and channels are aware of the norms that they need to follow. If there is any decline in the viewership owing to offensive content, it would mean decreased ratings and no channel would want that. Forget risqué content, a kiss between Sakshi and me created such an uproar; that should be enough for Nihalani to know that TV follows stringent guidelines. We can't afford to hurt people.“

In the 1000 episodes that you've completed as an anchor of Crime Patrol, which case left a deep impact on you?
Each episode in its own way has affected me emotionally, but as an anchor I feel Crime Patrol has done great service to society by exposing human trafficking. Also the female foeticide problem that is prevalent through Baby Falak episode and another case in Maharashtra.

Your style of anchoring is natural and not over-the-top. Was that a conscious decision on your part?
I have grown as an anchor with each episode. From the beginning, the makers, the channel and I were absolutely clear that there should be no drama in the anchoring portion. I also didn't want to sound like I was preaching. I am overwhelmed with the love and respect I have received from the audience. My relationship with them is that of a well-wisher, who's from among them. I never say 'Aap ko aisa karna chaahiye ya nahi karna chaahiye'. I always say 'hamein'.

Don't you think the audience has had an overdose of crime shows on TV?
These are phases. Right now people feel crime sells, thus everybody is into making these shows. Crime Patrol has set a benchmark though and our focus has always been to make people aware and alert.

What about the age-old concern that potential criminals can master their modus operandi from crime shows?
To each his own. Ramayan speaks about both Ram and Ravan, it's left to the world to choose who they want to worship. At the end of every episode, there is always a strong message we convey and I always say 'Crime Never Pays'. Well, it may be wishful thinking to expect the world to see only the good in everything.

After Balika Vadhu, we haven't seen you in a fiction show?
Crime Patrol takes away my maximum time, but I will be happy to take on a fiction show provided the role is central or of a pivotal character.

What do you think about the current content on TV?
In the last few years Indian television scenario has reached its pinnacle with international collaborations, infinite series, grand historicals etc. But the unfortunate side is that we are still indulging in regressive content and shows that mislead the audience. We need to understand that television plays an important role in shaping the mentality of the society. I personally feel along with entertainment, content should also reflect morals, values and a progressive thought process.

Crime Patrol, a TV show that portrays real life crime incidents, plans to do another episode on Aruna Shanbaug, who passed away Monday morning after living in a vegetative state for the last 42 years. Aruna, a nurse from KEM Hospital, had been raped in 1973. In the last few years, she had also become the topic for debate on euthanasia.

Anup Soni, who anchors Crime Patrol, said, “When we filmed her episode, it was way back in 2004 when the fourth season of the show had just started. The story was so sensitive and touching at that time as much as it is now, that we really wanted to bring the brutality of the convict out, and also the fact that he was not punished severely for brutally attacking a woman like this. Secondly, the beautiful part of this story was the fact that the nurses of the hospital took the responsibility of looking after Aruna for 42 years. This really shows how noble the whole profession is, and what a good example of humanity it is. We are planning to make another episode on her.“