Talking Television with Jyothi Rai

Earliest memories of TV: We did not have a TV set at home for the longest time. I come from a middle-class family and my father had passed away rather early in life. So it was only when I entered college that we got one. But while in school, I would go to my aunt’s house which was next door to watch serials or movies that would play during weekends. I remember how we would wait for my aunt to switch on the TV every evening; it was such a celebratory moment. But once we got a TV set at home, somehow the magic of the medium seemed to fade away. I, too got married once I completed college and got into a regular job. It was only when I entered the TV industry that my association with it got renewed, albeit as an insider.
All-time favourite daily soap: That would be

Mayamruga

. It was the first mega serial of our times. I would go to my aunt’s house every day to watch it. Once satellite

television

came in, it was

Kasauti Zindagi Kay

. I also remember TV personalities like Manju Bhashini and Aparna from those times.
Advice to newbies who enter television: When I started out, times were different. We had the liberty to do five serials at a time. Now things aren’t the same. Channels have restrictions and you can’t be seen in umpteen shows at the same time. So, it’s better to have a basic degree and an alternative career path just in case things don’t go well here. I have seen people getting depressed because of this in spite of having hit serials in their kitty. So don’t be dejected and ensure you have a Plan B before signing up for TV.