#ViewerSpeak: No progression for ‘fathers-in-law’ in daily soaps?

MUMBAI: It is inspiring to know an actor’s real story, how they started their career in television, and how they became as successful as they are today. But looking at the television scenario, is there much scope for actors playing fathers-in-law?

Let’s admit it. Television shows are women centric, and why not? The maximum of television viewing traction comes from female viewers. While women drive the show, and there are parallel leads like the mothers-in-law and husband, where actually does a father-in-law stand in a television show? As the patriarch of the family, yes, there are scenes depicted where may have the final word or are handling situations, but apart from that, does that character have scope or growth?

In some popular shows in the likes of Kumkum Bhagya, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and Kasautii Zindagii Kay, how much is the patriarch involved in the family?

'Television shows are female oriented, but there should be more scope for male actors too. There are shows like Kesari Nandan that bring the males artists to light, but yes, I’d agree that playing a father-in-law, an actor would only be seen eating, sleeping, commanding their daughter-in-law to bring something, or busy in a business meeting or discussing with the male lead. There is no such progression if you go to see.' – Dheeraj Agarwal, media professional.

Another TV lover, Pratik More, said, 'I feel the character requirement itself is a demanding one. The patriarch is a character who also drives the regulations of the house, and they speak when it’s necessary. There have also been sequences when a father-in-law is a game changer in a family drama!'

What is your take on the topic?