Generation leap in TV shows

The latest to join the bandwagon are Bandini, Aapki Antara and other shows like Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajana and Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil. So what is it that generation leaps offer?Comments ShailjaKejriwal, executive vice-president (content) of a leading channel, “A plothas to eventually die a natural death. When scripts are written, they arewritten with a time frame of nine months to a year. To keep the show alive, atthe tail end, the show goes for a generation leap. Sometimes you just needanother plot and time jump provides new plot line, sometimes you need to showthe characters in a different phase, so different reasons drive thischange.”Actress Asiya Kazi who plays the protagonist Santu inBandini feels, “Generation leaps offer scope for new characters, twist inthe plot line, and change of track. It’s challenging. I have been shown tocome out of the jail after 10 years. I have to act in a more mature way.It’s a challenge and it’s exciting.”So doesactress Khsitee Jog of show Aapki Antara. “At 40, anybody can play mother.The real test is playing it at 27. As an actor I am quite secure and I have noqualms about sporting grey hair,” she says. “In the case of thisparticular show, a time leap is logical. While they showed what happens to anautistic girl in childhood, they are now exploring what she goes through duringadulthood.”While many industry insiders and audiences alikebelieve that generation leaps offer freshness to the show, does it last long isa question that needs to be looked at. “Sometimes it gives a new look tothe show while retaining the old charm at the same time. It is certainly abreather because after a certain point, the story seems to be progressing nofurther,” says Meena Desai, an avid TV viewer.However, aninteresting point to note here is, according to past evidence, a lot of showscome to an end soon after time lap. It is believed that even Aapki Antara mightbe off air soon. Defends actress Khsitiee, “What I have seen is lovestories work. So after you’ve exhausted all possible opportunities with aset of characters, you go for new characters,” and it to a certain extentis true. Comments Shailja, “Uttaran has successfully shown the growth ofits characters from childhood to adults. It is one successful show I rememberoff hand now.”So it can be concluded that there is no formulawhen it comes to generation leap and the success depends from show to show. Ifit clicks, it clicks.Follow us on Twitter for more stories